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Sunday, February 15, 2009

iTalkBB starts to charge $2.95/mo Regulatory Recovery Fee

Starting from Feb. 15, 2009, iTalkBB will collect a $2.95 "Applicable Regulatory Recovery Fees, Charges and Taxes". This applies to both new customers and existing customers who have already subscribed to a monthly or annual plan. We, both as iTalkBB users and as iTalkBB promotion agents, are quite pissed-off by this sudden change. The added cost is definitely unwelcome. What adds to it is the poor communication of this change to customers. It's not hard to imagine a wave of complaints and billing disputes following this. I hope this post may help clarify things a bit.

Here is our speculation:

As iTalkBB grows in customer base, it becomes increasingly difficult to fly under the radar for regulatory fees, charges and taxes -- which can be as much as 15% from what shows up in our TV, Internet, Mobile phone, or regular phone bills. It is risky not to fully disclose those fees. At some turning point, iTalkBB decides to pass this to customers. Here is what you can find on FAQ of iTalkBB:

What is the Regulatory Recovery Fee?
The iTalkBB service Regulatory Recovery Fee is an additional charge over and above the basic fee for your iTalkBB service. iTalkBB uses this fee to pay our regulatory-related fees and expenses, including taxes, number portability charges, and related legal fees.

Why hasn’t iTalkBB service charged regulatory recovery fee in the past?
iTalkBB makes every effort to provide its customers with most reliable and lowest cost telecommunications services possible. Nevertheless, we must also comply with applicable laws. As results, the $2.95 regulatory fee will be billed to the customer effective 2/15/2009.

For the existing customers, please beware any out-of-date credit card information on iTalkBB site. Service may be interrupted if charge for this fee cannot be processed:

What will happen if iTalkBB is not able to charge through my credit card?
If iTalkBB is not able to put a charge through your credit card, your service will be disconnected at any time. To avoid your telephone service from being interrupted, please update your credit card information if there is a change.
If for some reason, iTalkBB is unable to apply charges to your credit card, to avoid interruption of your service, or possible collections, we would like you to fill out the [Charge Authorization Form - click to download] sign and fax it to 1-800-872-2059 or 1-512-637-1451. After receiving your completed form, iTalkBB will apply the agreed amount to your credit card.

Post your comments below. And let's hope iTalkBB can make the transition smooth and meanwhile keep reducing the cost and improving the service. 
 

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

不讲信用,乱涨价.相信你的竞争对手会把你象"Circuit City" 一样,赶出历史舞台.我将要退出你们的服务, Shame, Shame, Shame!!!!

iTalkBB has a short life and is on its death road now!

Anonymous said...

Its advertisement says the plan has no additional tax and fee, and monthly payment includes tax.
So I filed a complaint to FCC for its fraudulent business practice.

Anonymous said...

I don't think I will stay with ITalkBB anymore, they lied again & again & again ....how many times they are going to do that?

Anonymous said...

can not trust them anymore, bunch liars there.

Anonymous said...

this joker should be put out of business right away

Anonymous said...

就是骗人.交了年费了,就是合同签定.你的费用涨了关我屁事.收吧,告不死你.

Anonymous said...

A contract is a contract. If the annual contract said there will be no more taxes and fees, then they must honor it. Charging additional after the customers have already paid for the annual fee is a breach of contract, and is illegal.

Anonymous said...

的确是欺骗.违反了合同.我想,我不会付的,被扣了,也一定向信用卡公司要回来的.我还不信商家想做什么就做什么.

generic cialis said...

Hello, I do not agree with the previous commentator - not so simple

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