Federal regulators are considering rules that would require wireless phone companies to alert consumers before they reach roaming or data usage limits on their wireless plans. The Federal Communications Commission says it is seeking input on ways to head off “bill shock,” which it describes as “the experience of getting an unexpectedly high wireless phone bill.” The FCC says it has received hundreds of complaints from across the country involving all the major carriers. The agency is considering following the lead of the European Union, which requires wireless companies to send a text message to customers who are running up roaming charges or approaching caps on usage.
UAW wants shared automaker profits
The man expected to become the next president of the United Auto Workers says workers should share in the profits if the auto industry recovers. But he also wants to make sure Detroit automakers stay competitive. UAW Vice President Bob King says unionized workers each gave up $7,000 to $30,000 per year in concessions to General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC as the companies ran into financial problems last year and in 2008. The union, he said, made tremendous sacrifices that helped all three automakers through a crisis, working with company management to make them more competitive. But often after a crisis passes, management forgets about the sacrifices, King said.
‘Alice’ ticket sales boost Disney profits
The Walt Disney Co. says its earnings in the latest quarter jumped 55 percent on strong box office returns for “Alice in Wonderland.” Net income came to $953 million, or 48 cents per share, compared with $613 million, or 33 cents per share, from the same quarter a year earlier. Revenue rose 6 percent to $8.6 billion. The results for the fiscal second quarter beat analyst forecasts. Disney’s earnings offer a partial reading on consumer sentiment. Its amusement parks and film releases depend on people feeling confident in spending extra cash.
Inventories rise for third month
Inventories held by wholesalers rose for a third consecutive month in March while sales increased by more than double the expected amount. Rising demand is making businesses more confident about the future, a key development needed to sustain the recovery. Wholesale inventories rose 0.4 percent in March, slightly lower than the 0.5 percent gain that had been expected, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. Sales shot up by 2.4 percent, more than double the 1.1 percent increase economists had forecast. It marked the 12th straight month that sales have risen at the wholesale level, an encouraging sign for the economic rebound. The hope is that businesses will step up ordering and restock depleted shelves, prompting factories to rehire laid-off workers.
From Herald news services
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