Mobile Phone Service Problems

The cell phone is an important device for many people. Many people experience problems with their mobile service, and are unsatisfied with their service provider. According to Consumer Reports, cell phone service is one of the lower-rated services in the past six years.

Limited coverage or network
One of the problems that people experience with their mobile service is the limited coverage. There are certain areas in the house, such as the basement, where their cell phones don't get reception. There are also places without cell phone reception, even in wide open spaces, and these are generally called "dead cell phone zones."

Customer Service
Another complaint that service providers get is in regards to customer service. Customers complain that agents working for service providers are not very helpful when discussing issues about their phones and plans. A cell phone service provider, Sprint, said that even if they have tried to solve customer issues, customers may continuously contact the company for complaints even as many as 100 times a month.

Automatic fees
Customers may notice that their cell phone bill is higher on a certain month, possibly because of fees that the service provider tacks on without their knowledge. This may include fees for additional services the customer didn't sign up for. To avoid having to pay for these fees, customers may need to check the itemization of their bill and contact their providers to take some services off.

Penalties
Another problem with mobile service providers is the penalties charged. Many view early termination fees as unfair, where consumers have to pay service providers amounts up to $200 for canceling their contracts. Other fees include activation fees and number portability fees.

Solutions
Cell phone providers have decreased early termination fees and have now implemented pro-rated fees for canceling contracts early. In terms of coping with limited network, cell phone service providers have interactive online coverage maps by which consumers can check signal strength in the areas they spend the most time in. Customers may also switch service providers to one that suits them better.