Consumer Cellular began charge when UsPs show that the phone is located at your post office. Even if you don't get a notice from UsPs, Consumer Cellular charge you. The charges should began at activation. Even if you don't get a notice from UsPs, Consumer Cellular charges you the minute that the phone arrives at your post office. The charges should began at activation. They are not very helpful-nor apologetic about charging you if you are not using their service. They need to be more consumer friendly and undertand that service charges should begin hen people are using their service-i.e. at activation.