Nowadays almost every American has a cell phone. Studies show that there are 140 million cell phones being used in this country, up from about 92,000 in 1984. That is a huge increase, and cell phone usage is on the rise. More and more people are getting ride of their land-based phones and using the cell phones as their only number.

Out of the 140 million cell phone users, one might think that the cell phone companies are making enough money. But, consumers are now learning otherwise.

One consumer said in a related article in Business Week, "America used to be the land of the free. Now, it's the land of the fee." We are starting to learn that companies can't raise prices, so they're billing us--the consumers--with very small amounts of money thinking we won’t notice or are just to busy to ask. Let’s face it, these companies know how to keep a person waiting on a phone for a customer service rep.

These companies’--phone carriers, hotels and other corporations--hidden costs that have been going unnoticed are sure adding up. Below are just a few that I have found by researching:

• By charging its long distance carriers a new .99 cent monthly regulatory assessment fee, AT&T could bring in as much as $475 million.
• Hotels have new service fees for housekeeping that is said to generate $100 million.
• Banks bring in an estimated $2 billion from consumers who pay bills online.
• Sprint consumers--roughly 18 million--have the "luxury" of keeping the same phone number if they switch to Sprint, but it is costing the consumer over $1 each month. This amounts to around $2 million annually.
• Certain airlines have recently started charging passengers $50 for paper tickets and $25 for every bag that weights over 50 pounds.
• Some retail stores make customers pay a restocking fee of 15 percent for returning certain items.

It is better to know now than find out later. I suggest next time you sign up with a company, tell the customer representative that you want them to explain, in detail, every fee and the price that you would be paying so next time when you get charged with hidden fees you will know exactly what those hidden fees are--and you’ll be able to do something about it.

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