Verizon Wireless says it will begin to pay out up to $90 million in refunds to cell phone customers who were improperly charged for data usage in the past several years.
The Federal Communications Commission had asked Verizon Wireless last year about $1.99-a-megabyte data access fees that appeared on the bills of customers who didn't have data plans but who accidentally initiated data or Web access by pressing a button on their phones.
Most of the 15 million wireless users affected by the wrongful charge will receive credits ranging between $2 and $6 on their October or November bills. Former customers no longer with the service prodiver will receive refund checks by mail.
"Verizon Wireless values our customer relationships and we always want to do the right thing for our customers," said Mary Coyne, deputy general counsel for Verizon Wireless. "The majority of the data sessions involved minor data exchanges caused by software built into their phones; others involved accessing the Web, which should not have incurred charges. We have addressed these issues to avoid unintended data charges in the future."
The FCC confirmed Sunday that it has been investigating the charges after complaints from consumers. It said Verizon itself has reportedly put the amount of overcharges at more than $50 million, dating back two years.
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