We didn't get an iPhone even though we strongly considered it. One of the main arguments against signing up is that we've always had horrible experiences with SBC, Cingular and AT&T. Not to mention how quickly AT&T turned over all of their customers data to the Bush Big Brother initiative, and Ma Bell's censorship propensities. So, was not surprised to read about AT&T's stupid billing system a few weeks ago (the NYT is usually a few weeks behind in stories like these)
AT&T’s Overstuffed iPhone Bills Annoy Customers - New York Times:
The reason for the outsize bills is that AT&T itemizes not just every phone call, but every detail about every text message and Internet data transfer. Unless instructed otherwise, AT&T sent out detailed bills.
“It’s nonsense,” said Mike Brophy, 34, who owns a software company near Seattle and posted an item about his 64-page bill on his blog. “Ninety-five percent of the bill is just page after page of 1K data transfers, all with a charge of zero.”
Mr. Brophy also did not appreciate the amount of paper. “My bill was probably half a pound,” he said. “Just think of the fuel. It’s a real waste, not to mention information overload.”
Ms. Ezarik, who noted that AT&T spent $7.10 in postage to send her bill,
I think every country has problems with Telcos? Is it the industry or the people running it. I worked in the call centre previoulsy and didn't think it was that bad.
I would say the executives who run the companies are usually at fault. These sorts of corporate decisions are made in boardrooms, not by middle management.
The actual workers for the telecoms are just trying to do their jobs, just like in every beleaguered industry (oil industry, automotive, etc.), nobody usually criticizes/blames the employees.