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< Esato Forum Index > Regional > Americas > Cingular, San Francisco, is a rip off ! Bookmark topic

i have two mobile carriers, T-Mobile & Cingular, for

. same address in San Francisco
. same $39.99/month plan

while comparing my bills, i find Cingular charges a lot more money on taxes (T-mobile = $6.40, Cingular = $10.47)

here are the breakdown of the charges from Cingular.

. federal universal service fund $1.09
. regulatory cost recovery fee $1.25
. A surcharge $.0.08
. B surcharge $1.00
. regulatory fee surcharge $0.04
. relay service device fund S/C $0.13
. state 911 tax $0.32
. universal lifeline surcharge $0.49
. 911 service fee $1.75
. local utility users tax $3.00
. federal excise tax $1.32

totalling ===> $10.47

i do not understand why Cingular charges that much more on tax for the same plan in the same area as T-mobile. i would like to verify from other cingular customers in this forum with the same $39.99/month plan if you guys are being charged for the same.

i am not complaining about taxes for my plan, i just do not understand why Cingular would get away charging $4 more over T-mobile. i do not know about AT&T, it would be interesting to know what taxes they have for the same plan in San Francisco.

any feedback would be appreciated.
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Posted: 2004-07-29 20:34:46
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There has been a large debate over this issue going on for some time. Many of the items listed there are carrier specific and are not actually federally or state implemented charges. Many wireless and landline phone companies in the U.S. actually make money on the "taxes" they charge you.

I have the same plan as you, but I share my bill with other members of my family so we do not all get hit with all the charges.

Pick your company based on service. $4 isn't so much to pay if the coverage is better.
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Posted: 2004-07-30 03:07:09
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I have the 850 family talk plan here in southern california and it's supposed to be 59.99. But after all is said and done, I'm paying nearly $100USD per month.
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Posted: 2004-07-30 05:08:37
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thanks guys for your input.

i wish when we pick carrier online or at the store they should post the total amount for each plan (all taxes and whatever included) in order for us to determine bottom line vs. coverage.

i personally think $39.99 with $10.60 (25% tax) is quite steep. the extra $4/month is enough for me to consider another carrier. with a 1 year contract commitment, that is $48.


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Posted: 2004-07-30 06:12:51
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If you pick another carrier with similar coverage and similar options for cheaper, let me know. I am usually in the bay area and would greatly appreciate that info.
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Posted: 2004-07-30 10:14:18
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@knight4led,

well, t-mobile $39.99/month is $4 cheaper on tax. what i was saying is if i had known Cingular charges $4 more a month, i most certainly will not switch to them. cingular coverage is really not better than t-mobile in san francisco anyway.
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Posted: 2004-07-30 19:16:04
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With cingular you get 850/1800/1900 the P900 is 900/1800/1900 and T-mobile uses 900/1800/1900. So if you are travelling especially internationally you are better of with T-mob.
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Posted: 2004-07-30 22:02:01
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Also Cingular needs the money to buyout Att. That's where I guess you surcharge A & B goes.
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Posted: 2004-07-30 22:05:19
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I know all about the 850/900 mhz band issues and the implications with national roaming. I was just thinking that if someone found a good promotional offer on one of gsm networks it might be worth switching. For me T-Mob ain't $4 different right now.

I was thinking if someone found something like the old $50 unlimited plan that AT&T used to have.
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Posted: 2004-07-31 11:02:16
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