Verizon Wireless subscribers now have a new tool to help them manage and control their wireless usage. Called Usage Controls, the new service lets customers (particularly parents) avoid unexpected charges by letting them set thresholds for voice minutes; establish limits for text, picture, IM and video messaging; set restrictions for time of day usage for data and messaging; create lists of trusted and blocked numbers; and establish content blockers for certain times of content.
The application costs $4.99 per month for each line and customers must have a nationwide calling plan to use the service.
Verizon is marketing the Usage Controls service as part of a bigger package that includes Chaperone 2.0, which lets parents keep track of their child's location using the mobile phone. Chaperone 2.0 service costs $9.99 per line per month.
T-Mobile USA introduced a similar usage control service called Family Allowance in late July. However, the operator is charging just $2 per month for the service as part of an introductory offer.
For more:
- see this press release
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