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ZPDI: Zero Plus Dialing

ZPDI illustrates what happens when Congress is so busy trying to please warring lobbyists that it overlooks the consumer.

ZPDI • Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts • Disputed Collect Calls • Expensive Collect Calls • Calling Card Calls • Hotel Room Calls • Scam Calls from Mexico • "Regular Carrier Unavailable" • Calls through Opticom --- • Congressional Action Needed to Stop ZPDI • You can fight back • ZPDI: What Can Consumers Do? • Consumer complaints about ZPDI and WXT Communications • Who's Behind ZPDI?

A little history: More than 70 years ago, Congress passed the Communications Act of 1934, which established a very orderly system that regulated telephone service, broadcasting and other public-service utilities. Everyone paid pretty much the same price and everyone got pretty much the same reliable, relatively inexpensive service.

It wasn't until 1996 that Congress once again stirred itself and, after decades of furious lobbying, passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which basically deregulated telephone service, cable TV and broadcasting as far as consumers are concerned, leaving in place just enough regulation to protect the big players who employ all those lobbyists.

ZPDI is a creature of the new "market-driven" telecom universe -- you know, the one that's brought you rising cable rates, bankrupt DSL providers and, oh yes, all the new local phone service competitors. (See ZPDI: Behind the Screen)

What can you do?

• Fight back. We have reports from consumers who've done it and won.
• Write your Congressional representatives. Unless you live in Washington, D.C., you are represented by two Senators and one Member of Congress. To get their addresses, type your Zip code in the box above. More on this topic.
• Complain loudly, publicly and bitterly to ZPDI's "partners." ZPDI is a billing agent for companies and institutions that own the telephones in hotels, hospitals and prisons and for payphones located in stores, airports, schools and on street corners. The owners of the phones are getting a big cut and you should let them know you don't like it.

Here are a few sample complaints. You'll find many more in the categories listed to the right.

ZPDI • Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts • Disputed Collect Calls • Expensive Collect Calls • Calling Card Calls • Hotel Room Calls • Scam Calls from Mexico • "Regular Carrier Unavailable" • Calls through Opticom --- • Congressional Action Needed to Stop ZPDI • You can fight back • ZPDI: What Can Consumers Do? • Consumer complaints about ZPDI and WXT Communications • Who's Behind ZPDI?

Lizabeth of Apple Valley, CA July 28, 2008

Lizabeth of Apple Valley CA (07/28/08)
I received a pone bill from Verizon with a 20.60 charge for a collect call that never accepted. I called the company ZPDI, the operator said she would take the call off as a courtesy. I asked her how this hapened and she said as far as I and my company are concerned someone there at my houshold accepted the call and it was my responsibilty to know who is answering my phone.

It is only me and my husband. But in effect she was calling me a liar. I asked her how her and her company coould be responisible for charging 20.00 for 3 minutes, but ended up in a yelling match and she disconnected.

Lisa of Sherkston, OTHER July 22, 2008

Lisa of Sherkston OTHER (07/22/08)
In March 2006 I recieved a phone bill from Bell Canada in the amount of 399.96 for collect calls made from Cambridge Mass. thru Atlantic ZPDI in the amount of 119.95. I called Bell Canada about this absurd bill because ever since i had my phone connected in 2003 I've had long distance block protection put on my line, which means I can't even recieve collect calls.

Bell Canada refunded me, however on July 21'st 2008 I recieved a letter from CSC Corp, a collection systems in Canada stating thet i still owe this collection agency, who is collecting for ATLANTIC ZPDI a balance of 156.38 for these collect calls. I am contacting the better business bureau of Canada to have this company investigated and held responsible for this PHONE SCAM, hoping it will help others.

They are threatening my credit rating, and public records, which as they stand now are excellent.

Martha of Warren, OH July 21, 2008

Martha of Warren, OH (07/21/08)
Billed for charges applied on behalf of Inmate Services on June 30, 2008 16.35. When I call I cannot get an explaination of these charges. I think this is a scam.

16.35 in charges that I don't know origination of.

Rhonda of Pittsburg, TX July 17, 2008

Rhonda of Pittsburg TX (07/17/08)
One six minute collect call from a daughter in distress - 20.23!!!!!!! I know they charge people from prison this much too and this scam should be illegal!!!

Dan of Reno, NV July 16, 2008

Dan of Reno NV (07/16/08)
A friend used a pay phone, he called collect as he didnt have 50c. He called collect for a ride home..I was charged for 9min which I dont think so for 22.50. This was a local call..I have started our city consumer affairs/and reno utility franchise officers to look into this practice..

My complaint alledges unfair pricing in the poorest section of our city..the charges are totally out of line..

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