Re: in the back pocket in http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19808702 en Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:08:33 EDT Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:08:33 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19818399 mrschwarz :
said by hottboiinnc See Profile :

Here when you ask; Taxes and Fees depend on region. We can't give you that price only a rough idea. Even with AT&T, VZ and everyone else. TWC is the only one that has is usually close.
Their billing department doesn't seem to have a problem calculating the fees. Why should the sales rep? If they give that answer, ask again.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19818399 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:53:46 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19815219 DonLibes :
said by dcurrey See Profile :

True they would move them to base price. But the thing is this. When Sprint, Verizion or T-mobile advertise a $59.99 they all would end up being the same price after taxes since you should always pay the same tax no matter what company you use. Right now a $59 plan could add $5 to $10 depending on what the companies bogus fees are. It would make it easier to compare rates. This is what they don't want.

We shouldn't need new laws to fix this. This clearly is false advertising.
True but it would be very easy to come up with new ways that are not technically false advertising but are misleading nonetheless. For example, consider a broadplan advertised at $10/month but which rises to $50/month for the year if any calls are made to the support line. All the company has to do is screw up your service once and they'll guarantee themselves the $50/month charge. Doesn't even matter if the company doesn't do it intentionally. The number of customers that make no calls to a support line for broadband for a year has got to be close to zero.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19815219 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:09:26 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19813046 jc100 : Amigo, isn't that an over generalization. You say that since I am against what those in office stand for, I must be the extreme. No, simply put, I think those running the country are idiots. Since we live in a two party system by all accords, that leaves little alternatives. I don't for once believe the Democrats are the end all to fix all. They are just as corrupt as the other guy. The thing we do get when they are in office is a little lube to go along with the rape. Usually when Republicans take over, or history has dictated, we sink into a recession and add multiple trillions to our Deficit. Regan, Bush and Bush Jr have racked up the largest increases in our national deficit. That money HAS to be paid back and is simply recovered by weakening the dollar and taxing more. The only difference between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats raise taxes to directly pay for their wasteful spending and Republicans borrow it and sink us in debt to countries we call Human Right Violators and supporters of Terror...Russia, China, Middle East, etc. So yes, there's no discernible difference. The main reason I'd never vote Republican is I feel religion has nothing to do with politics and people are free to marry and live their lives as they wish. Republicans seem to think their god and their bible dictate our lives, and I disagree. Hence, I pick the other party. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19813046 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:49:35 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812699 jc100 : Well if we look at the current figures it should paint a picture. 5 Percent average unemployment (which I think is much higher, but let's take their data). 12-14 percent Poverty level. CIA world factbook quota 4.8 unemployment so I think its only fair to add about 1 percent to the poverty level to reflect a .2 percent jump. I figure .2 percent increase on 4.8-5 = 1 percent so thats how I figure at least 13 percent on the poverty. Anyhow, not a good picture that gets painted.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812699 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:58:11 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812620 marigolds : The government tracks part-time versus full-time employment. And that is the underemployment stat to be concerned about as it is a leading indicator to recession or stagnation.

More importantly, that stat is not dependent on the skill set of the employed person so it is not nearly as subjective. Instead, it is dependent on whether or not the person is seeking full-time work (still somewhat subjective, but no less subjective than whether or not a person is actively seeking employment).
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said by jc100 See Profile :

PNH returns. Surprise Surprise. (Not Really).
Considering I do have a job, I don't have time to respond to all of my fan mail in a timely manner.
said by jc100 See Profile :

First off PNH. The U.S. dolllar is at it's lowest value EVER.
Sure it is. I am sure this is the worst depression since 1775 as well. Everything is horrible. We're all going to die tomorrow. Blah Blah Blah.

When you begin a reply with such blatant BS, it pretty much negates any reason for reading the rest of your post. Sorry.
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812408 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:10:24 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812383 pnh102 :
said by marigolds See Profile :

Underemployment has nothing to do with pay rates. Underemployment is high skilled laborers being employed in low skill jobs out of their primary skill field or involuntary part-time workers (at least in the sense that is statistically tracked, there are other definitions of underemployment but none of them have to do with paid wage).
I'm aware of the classic definition of underemployment. However, there are many times when people have to work outside of their job skill set. The only time this is a problem is when they get significantly less pay for doing so. Part of the reason I do not believe that the government tracks "underemployment" is because there is no real definition of what the "right" wage for a job is. It is too subjective.

That's why my generalization of everyone being "underemployed" still stands.
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812383 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:06:47 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812223 jc100 : Mari,

Thanks I actually forgot that in my explanation to PNH. The government only tracks "unemployed" via the unemployment index and a survey of 60,000. They don't track the underemployed. Those who have the education or lack there of that are forced to take jobs that pay less than the poverty level. I am sure this number is VERY HIGH right now. Yet, we have no data on just how many are underemployed. The CIA World Factbook sticks the poverty level at 12 percent right now in the U.S. This is outdated and probably is a few percentage points higher considering the unemployment is still listed at 4.8 there.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812223 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:41:12 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812143 jc100 : PNH returns. Surprise Surprise. (Not Really).

First off PNH. The U.S. dolllar is at it's lowest value EVER. IE inflation. That in itself means we're importing more at HIGHER prices and exporting at lower prices. The exporting part is good, but considering a MAJORITY of products are made overseas, we're paying more than ever.

Oil and Energy prices are at record highs while wages have not kept up with such increases. In the span of 3 or 4 years fuel prices have tripled.

We have spent around 1 Trillion on a war, yet we have neglected our own country. Ever seen the break down of what 1 trillion could buy? It could fund Healtcare for every American, Fund every school, build new roads, provide community programs, the list goes on. Yet, we use this money chasing big bad boogey men in a country who never harmed us. How about let's look at what one trillion could do in another aspect. It could fight crime. Crime has risen a lot under Bush. We have 20-22,000 murders in this country. Crime in the suburbs has seen record surges. The list goes on. How about hiring more Police, Firefighters, EMS, and creating community programs to keep kids engaged so they are off the street?

Better yet, unemployment took it's largest jump since 2001 to a national average of 5 percent. Sure, that 5 percent might not seem high but let's consider that people who lose benefits and aren't counted. The government then does s survey of 60,000 to "calculate" an index. So let's see, 60,000 people are representative of 300 Million? I don't know where this index was taken but I guarantee you not anywhere east of the Mississippi. You might have a great job and live in Maryland, but that doesn't mean everyone does. I have been to Maryland and the first thing I saw were multiple people holding signs begging for food within about a 20 minute drive of D.C. So maybe you aren't one of those effected. Good for you. However, many are. Step outside your enclosed world, and take a drive up and down this part of the country. You'll see how many actually are. If you believe we're not headed for a recession, that's fine . You are selling yourself a lie though. My family and many others I know have felt the economy crunch first hand and they are all professionals with an outstanding education. Therefore, your life doesn't speak for the rest of America.

Last, look at the stock market and the retail markets. Major companies are down for the year and most are predicting a recession. I guess their knowledge of the market is surpassed by your professional expertise. I'm assuming you are a financial adviser or went to school for stockbroking right? Probably not. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812143 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:25:54 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19812103 marigolds :
said by pnh102 See Profile :

said by marigolds See Profile :

Meanwhile in underemployment rates....
Considering that just about everyone believes themselves to be underpaid, I would dare say the underemployment rate is a constant 100%.
Underemployment has nothing to do with pay rates. Underemployment is high skilled laborers being employed in low skill jobs out of their primary skill field or involuntary part-time workers (at least in the sense that is statistically tracked, there are other definitions of underemployment but none of them have to do with paid wage).
The second type I mentioned is particularly high right now (a phenomena that is a leading indicating for economic stagnation). This is particuarly strange right now because underemployment is not supposed to appear when unemployment is normal as it is right now.
Economic growth though is plenty healthy right (especially since we are seeing an appropriate export response to the weak dollar), there are just some disturbing abnormalities rising up.
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said by marigolds See Profile :

Meanwhile in underemployment rates....
Considering that just about everyone believes themselves to be underpaid, I would dare say the underemployment rate is a constant 100%.
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19811653 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:47:28 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19811473 marigolds :
said by pnh102 See Profile :

Unemployment is down to historic lows. GDP continues to grow.
Meanwhile in underemployment rates....
And don't forget that inflation is 4.3% against that 3.8% increase in GDP.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19811473 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:03:11 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19811297 pnh102 :
said by Ahrenl See Profile :

State tax receipts are DOWN across the country ...
Maybe if your version of "down" means less than expected. Every year that passes, government at all levels collects more tax than the previous year, regardless of the economy. It might be a lot more, it might be a little more, but it is always more.
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19811297 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:50:50 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19811226 Ahrenl : State tax receipts are DOWN across the country, and were only up before because of the housing market, which was the result of an expansionary monetary policy perpetrated by this administration.

The current administrations "economic stewardship" was to double the national debt by adding 5 trillion dollars and distribute through inflated government contracts, and tax breaks on interest and capital gains income that lowered the effective tax rate of the super wealthy below those living at the poverty line. Oh our saviour.

This has been one of the worst administrations this country HAS EVER HAD. I know some people like the fact that they tried to put discrimination into the constitution, and prevent life saving medicine from being funded; our only hope (and I mean real republicans) is the evangelicals the f@&k out of the party and go back to being marginalized crazies again where they can't hurt anyone but themselves.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19811226 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:59:32 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19810836 supergirl :
said by TKJunkMail See Profile :

said by jjeffeory See Profile :

Yes, the fees are hidden. You don't know what they are until after you're charged. That seems pretty hidden to me.
All you have to do is ask the rep when ordering. They will give you what % the unfees come to.
Funny, Bellsouth claimed the "hurricane cost recovery fee" was a tax. It wasn't. It was a tariff that went directly to them.
--
Saving the world keeps me busy. However, I find Earth very primitive from my home planet of Krypton.
-Supergirl]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19810836 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:39:56 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809693 amigo_boy :
said by pnh102 See Profile :

Voting should be the same way. I have no problem with people of opposing political views casting votes against me if they could prove that they too have a working knowledge of what is going on before they cast a ballot.
Prove it according to who? As I said, it seems like politics are dominated by extremes who believe they have a working knowledge, when all they're doing is fighting to save us from someone not much different than the person they want us to have.

Whether that's more valuable than votes from the apathetic is left for the reader to decide. Personally, I think the extremes put more value on themselves for saving us than is justified.

Your comparison to the right to arms is a good one. The right to arms was intended to guarantee (at least primarily) the existence of the universal militia where *all* individuals were coerced into public service and hardship to foster a spirit of civic virtue, setting aside one's personal ambitions for the sake of the common good. The modern use of the 2nd amendment has virtually nothing in common with those original goals.

IMO voting has suffered similarly. And for similar reasons. Those who fancy themselves as patriots are usually the most extreme partisans, just as far removed from civic vitue (common good). It's no wonder they prefer the less passionate to remain home. Or, that they want to be the judge of what passes as a meaningful vote.

Mark]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809693 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:05:25 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809637 KrK : You're leaving out all the good stuff.

IE, the parts that don't agree with your Partisanship, that is.

I'll just throw out a few words.

Energy
Inflation
Debt
War
Budgets

'Nuff said really]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809637 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:57:13 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809612 KrK : Actually, I believe the opposite. When most the people don't vote, that means the extremists are voting and have a massive share in the outcome, and means they also have to be cow-towed too.... it also means they elect people that have more extreme positions then normally would be possible to get elected. This is largely a direct result of voter apathy, IMHO.
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809612 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:53:54 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809590 KrK :
said by TKJunkMail See Profile :

All you have to do is ask the rep when ordering.
Bold emphasis added by me. See, that's the problem. You have to be actually ordering the service to find out. They aren't clearly known up front for comparison shopping purposes (like surfing the web, or the advertised rates.) Sure, when you're 85% of the way into signing the contract, you might be able to find out then, maybe... but there's nothing to stop it from increasing immediately, either. It's too much hassle. Up-front pricing, yes please.
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809590 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:51:05 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809549 pnh102 : Well, I see the right to vote in the same light as the right to keep and bear firearms. While yes, you are guaranteed the right to keep and bear firearms, that right does not mean you have the right to use firearms irresponsibly.

Voting should be the same way. I have no problem with people of opposing political views casting votes against me if they could prove that they too have a working knowledge of what is going on before they cast a ballot.
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809549 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:44:04 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809531 pnh102 :
said by jc100 See Profile :

Yep sure is (though I note your sarcasm). Try moving anywhere east of the Mississippi and finding a job requiring education. Good luck on that. I got a masters degree in a good field and there are none.
I've lived east of the Mississippi river my whole adult life and have never had problems finding a good paying job with my bachelor's and master's degrees.
said by jc100 See Profile :

I got relatives in Michigan who are doctors and professionals and they can't keep a job due to the economic conditions there.
The problem in Michigan is due to an idiot governor and idiot legislature who continue to raise taxes when the economy in that state is down. Perhaps your relatives should move to a better-run state.
said by jc100 See Profile :

It's called hospitals shutting down and getting rid of people due to low budgets. The housing market is dragging this country down.
Low budgets? Governments all over the country continue to rake in more money than ever before. As for the housing market, there hasn't been a better time to buy a home in years since prices are leveling off and interest rates are coming down.
said by jc100 See Profile :

The fact Bush and his idiots don't know how to manage a country doesn't help either.
Bush's economic stewardship has resulted in huge economic growth since the recession of 2000-2002. Unemployment is down to historic lows. GDP continues to grow, and the government continues to make more in tax revenue. How much more do you want?
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809531 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:41:10 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809524 mike1965 :
said by Pathfinder See Profile :

I don't know about you but I have had Verizon DSL for 7 years and have never paid a fee. My service is $29.95 per month and that is what I pay.
we had a gov fee I think was some sort of recovery fee.....once it expired verizon dropped it for a couple months then renamed it and added it back on was supposed to cover for those with DSL and don't have phone service,,,,,,I belive us in IL and those in WA got nailed with it,]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809524 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:40:19 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809408 amigo_boy :
said by pnh102 See Profile :

It is not fair that the votes of people who value their suffrage are cancelled out by people who cast ballots without knowing what they are doing.
Are those the same people who *desperately* fight to save us from someone almost identical to the person they want us to have? That's the other downside of apathy. It allows extremes to dominate politics. (Hint to you and jc100).

Mark]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809408 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:24:05 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809395 hottboiinnc : Here when you ask; Taxes and Fees depend on region. We can't give you that price only a rough idea. Even with AT&T, VZ and everyone else. TWC is the only one that has is usually close.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809395 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:22:05 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809353 jc100 : Yep sure is (though I note your sarcasm). Try moving anywhere east of the Mississippi and finding a job requiring education. Good luck on that. I got a masters degree in a good field and there are none. I got relatives in Michigan who are doctors and professionals and they can't keep a job due to the economic conditions there. It's called hospitals shutting down and getting rid of people due to low budgets. The housing market is dragging this country down. The fact Bush and his idiots don't know how to manage a country doesn't help either. Hell I bet that trillion dollars pissed on fighting a war on fearmongering err terror could have done wonders to stimulate this country. Yet, this piss poor idiot is too bent on chasing a ghost and would be terrorists when we got plenty of problems at home. So yes, I think politicians should do the job they are put in office to do. Sadly, as this story showcases, we got idiots who once get elected (Democrat or Republican) go about their agenda pissing on everyone else. Seriously, America needs to get an education and read past these people and demand accountability. Yet, we all know holding up a bible, gay bash, kiss a baby, and make grand promises pretty much gets you to be a front runner.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809353 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:15:16 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809334 SkyBlue : Looks like time for the Astrisks Hunters. :D

»asteriskhunters.com/]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809334 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:12:45 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809307 TKJunkMail :
said by jjeffeory See Profile :

Yes, the fees are hidden. You don't know what they are until after you're charged. That seems pretty hidden to me.
All you have to do is ask the rep when ordering. They will give you what % the unfees come to.
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said by jc100 See Profile :

Whenever we get a Republican in office (pro business / anti consumer), we get nailed and hit a recession.
Yawn... yea, year 7 of the current depression is awful.
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809147 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:45:53 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809124 jc100 : Hell, I think too many people who shouldn't vote do so already. We got the twat of the year running the country already. That should speak wonders for how well the American People choose their elected officials. Whenever we get a Republican in office (pro business / anti consumer), we get nailed and hit a recession. But thats an argument for another topic. As per these hidden fees, companies need to be honest. Yet, when our politicians are bought (Democrats and Republicans), the taxpayers are the only ones who suffer.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809124 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:42:54 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809056 pnh102 :
said by amigo_boy See Profile :

said by hopeflicker See Profile :

our politicians are bought and paid for by these conglomerates.
That's only due to a lack of interest among voters. 50% don't register. Of the 50% who do, 50% of them turn out to vote.
Personally I think we are better off that people who are lazy and ignorant don't bother to vote. It is not fair that the votes of people who value their suffrage are cancelled out by people who cast ballots without knowing what they are doing.

»www.dontvote.org
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809056 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:32:32 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809046 Pathfinder : I don't know about you but I have had Verizon DSL for 7 years and have never paid a fee. My service is $29.95 per month and that is what I pay.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19809046 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:31:48 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808790 pnh102 :
said by TKJunkMail See Profile :

And are the fees really "hidden" when EVERYBODY knows about them. I agree it would be better to do this differently, but like you I agree it wouldn't change the price of the service at all.
That is the problem, most of these fees, and particularly the dollar amounts, are not known when one first signs up. Most people would not have a problem paying slightly higher prices if the price included the costs of all the fees (regardless of breakdown). The only "on top" fees would be government-imposed taxes.
--
Only SHATNER is Kirk.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808790 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:52:35 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808777 amigo_boy :
said by hopeflicker See Profile :

our politicians are bought and paid for by these conglomerates.
That's only due to a lack of interest among voters. 50% don't register. Of the 50% who do, 50% of them turn out to vote. I imagine even fewer of them take the time to contact their representatives about anything.

I agree there should be more transparency and accuracy in advertising. But, that's secondary to a populous that doesn't care. Blaming it on the corporations or politicians is wrong. I miss the days when people really got p'eed off about stuff, and 60 Minutes did more than interview Haley Barry.

Mark]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808777 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:51:16 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808758 hopeflicker :
said by TKJunkMail See Profile :

said by shaner See Profile :

I think the argument that 'Americans lose $45 Billion to hidden fees' is specious. If below the line charges were outlawed, I'm positive those fees would just move above the line to be added to the monthly advertised price. Companies aren't going to lose revenue simply because there's a law in place.

I agree its a shitty practice. I would like to see the European model duplicated here which requires all taxes and fees to be included in any advertised or shelf price.
And are the fees really "hidden" when EVERYBODY knows about them. I agree it would be better to do this differently, but like you I agree it wouldn't change the price of the service at all.
It would be nice to know how much your monthly bill will be when you first order service.
--
Man created God in his image : intolerant, sexist, homophobic and violent.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808758 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:48:39 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808702 TKJunkMail :
said by shaner See Profile :

I think the argument that 'Americans lose $45 Billion to hidden fees' is specious. If below the line charges were outlawed, I'm positive those fees would just move above the line to be added to the monthly advertised price. Companies aren't going to lose revenue simply because there's a law in place.

I agree its a shitty practice. I would like to see the European model duplicated here which requires all taxes and fees to be included in any advertised or shelf price.
And are the fees really "hidden" when EVERYBODY knows about them. I agree it would be better to do this differently, but like you I agree it wouldn't change the price of the service at all.
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said by shaner See Profile :

I'm positive those fees would just move above the line to be added to the monthly advertised price.
How often do you see a 'hidden fee' added, and the price of the service dropped ?

Eg. Service 'was' $24.95
Now $24.95 + $2.00 'fee'.

With your logic, the price should now be $22.95 + $2.00 fee.
Instead, the overall service has just increased by $2.00. in this case.
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Canada = Hollywood North]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808678 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:36:40 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808642 dcurrey : True they would move them to base price. But the thing is this. When Sprint, Verizion or T-mobile advertise a $59.99 they all would end up being the same price after taxes since you should always pay the same tax no matter what company you use. Right now a $59 plan could add $5 to $10 depending on what the companies bogus fees are. It would make it easier to compare rates. This is what they don't want.

We shouldn't need new laws to fix this. This clearly is false advertising. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808642 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:30:16 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808531 shaner : I think the argument that 'Americans lose $45 Billion to hidden fees' is specious. If below the line charges were outlawed, I'm positive those fees would just move above the line to be added to the monthly advertised price. Companies aren't going to lose revenue simply because there's a law in place.

I agree its a shitty practise. I would like to see the European model duplicated here which requires all taxes and fees to be included in any advertised or shelf price.
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]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808531 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:12:45 EDT Re: in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808421 mike1965 : agreed, Verizon has been doing this with DSL since the GOV. dropped the fees, they renamed them and added them on again]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808421 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:54:25 EDT in the back pocket http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808393 hopeflicker : "the story author notes that Uncle Sam never lifts a finger:"

That's because our politicians are bought and paid for by these conglomerates.
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Man created God in his image : intolerant, sexist, homophobic and violent.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19808393 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:51:09 EDT