U.S. Pays More For Mobile Phone Service, Not A Rip Off Say Carriers

A survey by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) revealed that the U.S., Canada and Spain pay considerably more for mobile phone service than dozens of other nations. Of course, the carriers were quick to spin the findings.

On average, the OECD found that Americans pay $US635.85 on cell phone service, compared to $US131.44 per year in the Netherlands or $US137.94 per year in Sweden.”

As you might expect, the wireless industry issued a press release proclaiming the study was based on “flawed assumptions” that “just don’t make sense.” If you look at the data the way carriers would like, you’re getting quite the bargain. The CTIA does have a point that the OECD’s usage categories seem low — particularly when it comes to MMS use. Another reason U.S. prices seem high? Carriers charge a hell of a lot of money for service. They also spend millions on lobbyists who tirelessly work to eliminate consumer protections and price controls.

It does appear that OECD’s findings are inflated—after all, the three countries mentioned on this list have bigger appetites for wireless technologies and services. Still, I have little doubt that carriers are sticking it to customers in one form or another. [DSLReports via Consumerist]