Editorial: Keep talking

Cell phone users could be off the hook. The Federal Communications Commission said this week… Cell phone users could be off the hook. The Federal Communications Commission said this week that it was considering a plan to reduce high cell phone bills, The New York Times reported.

Wireless phone companies would be required to let customers know if they’re using too many minutes or exceeding texting limits, among other potential high charges, before they’re struck with a soaring bill at the end of the month.

In an ideal world, cell phone users — practically everyone these days — would be responsible and remember the limits of their phone contracts. In reality, tweens hammer out text messages to no end, and clingy mothers can’t resist calling their kids at college every five minutes.

For customers, it’s one less surprise expense to worry about and one more way to save money in a tough economy. And for the 12-year-old kid receiving his first phone, this policy could help him make sure that whoever’s paying his bill doesn’t take away his phone after the first month.

These warnings wouldn’t just benefit the careless customer, however. Yes, the wireless phone company will miss out on the money made from those who go over their rates and therefore have to pay exorbitant fees.

But a soaring phone bill is an easy way to anger any cell phone user. Even if he’s the one at fault, he’ll more than likely feel he was cheated and will blame the company. At the price of losing overage-fee profits, the companies could gain better rapport with customers, which matters when competition among cell phone companies is fierce.