AT&T Cingular Wireless AT&T Charges Extra for Checking Voicemail Dallas Texas

All cell phone companies do this. Why wouldn't they? You're using their equipment just the same as if you were talking to another person. Why haven't you switched to an unlimited plan?

You write:
"everytime you call customer service and wait on hold - you are racking up more overage charges"
Of course you do. Every time you call anywhere or use the phone at all, you're using minutes, and possibly racking up other fees like data transfer and so on. Again, why aren't you on an unlimited plan? Most people would have switched immediately after getting stung the first time. You've been doing this for four months now.

It's actually in the agreement. From http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/legal/plan-terms.jsp#gsm
"You may be charged for both an incoming and an outgoing call when incoming calls are routed to voicemail, even if no message is left. Mobile to Mobile Minutes: Calls to AT&T Voicemail and return calls from Voicemail not included. Unlimited Voice Services: Unlimited voice services are provided solely for live dialog between two individuals."

When you check your voicemail, do you call your phone number, enter your code and retrieve your messages? Or do you have your phone directly connect you? If you call your phone number to get your messages, you will be charged for the phone call. If you have your phone directly connect you, you should not be charged.

Also, when you call customer service do you dial their phone number or do you diall 611 from your phone? If you call the phone number, you will be charged for the calls. If you dial 611 from your phone, the call is not charged to you at all.

Sorry if this posts twice. There was a problem when I tried to post the first time.