Carriers to alert cell phone users of data limits

TAMPA - The Federal Communications Commission is working with cell phone carriers to put an end to bill shock. Starting October 17, companies will automatically alert you when your usage goes over for your plan for at least two of the four types of charges.  

Verizon Wireless says the company is hammering out a plan to alert Verizon customers via text when they get close to their plans limits.  

Some carriers have already started offering the service.  You will get an alert when you approach an overage charge and one when you go over plan limits.

AT&T says when customers begin to approach their monthly usage limit, they will send three text notifications - after they reach 65 percent, 90 percent and 100 percent of the threshold.  Customers will also be sent emails if AT&T has their email address.

And T Mobile will be offering alerts on voice, data and international roaming alerts.

The FCC has set up a chart to make it easy to figure out which cell phone company is doing what. Check it out at http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/bill-shock-wireless-usage-alerts-consumers .