Backup Assistant is free. The normal monthly charge is waived as long as
you've signed up for "My Account" with VZW. "My Account" is also free. I
can't think of a single reason why they made this silly rule, as is makes
them no money, but since it's all free, I don't really care.

The charges you refer to are if you choose to use what they call "Auto
Sync". It's been awhile since I set mine up, but I recall it has something
to do with the system updating your phone each time you make a change in
your contacts directory ON YOUR PC, however........

Working the other way, that is, making the change in your PHONE, and then
letting the phone "call" the system to "report" the change, is FREE.

I choose to NEVER use AutoSync. The only time I'd ever really need to
download my contacts list from the computer to the phone would be upon
replacing the phone with a new one. I'll gladly take the hit for one text
message to transfer my phone list next time I upgrade my phone.

I have the system set up to update every day in the afternoon. Each day, at
exactly 3:09PM (I specified "afternoon", and I believe the time was set
randomly by VZW), the system checks my phone to see if I've added, edited,
or deleted any contacts since 3:09PM yesterday. If I have, it uploads the
changes from the phone into VZW's databank. This costs me nothing, and if I
am away from home and can't get to my cellphone, I can log on to "My
Account" from anywhere and access my phone numbers.

Backup Assistant is a great system, marred only slightly by a couple of
stupid and confusing rules. I've been using it happily and for free for
months now.

Unless one has a serious problem with VZW's computer having a copy of their
contacts list, I can't see any reason NOT to use it.

Dean


"RBM" <rbm@noemail.com> wrote in message
news:47867ad8$0$9157$607ed4bc@cv.net...
> After our discussion regarding text charges for using Backup Assistant, I
> emailed VZW to try to clarify. The first response I got went on forever
> without telling me anything, so this was my reply to that and the
> subsequent response.
>
> Dear Craig, While I do appreciate all the information you emailed me, you
> didn't answer the one question I asked. Let me simplify this. The
> following
> is from the FAQ on the VZW site.
> " How much does Backup Assistant cost?
> The monthly subscription for Backup Assistant is $1.99. When downloading
> Backup Assistant, usage charges apply (airtime or data, depending on your
> plan). Standard Text Messaging rates apply when you initiate contacts
> synchronization from the Backup Assistant website."
>
> I'm trying to figure out when the "Text Messaging " rates apply. In
> using
> backup assistant, how exactly or when exactly, do I incur a text charge?
>
> Thank you, Roy M
>
> Dear Mr. M,
>
> Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless through our website. My name is
> Terrence, and I am happy to assist you regarding when you incur a text
> messaging charge while using Backup assistant.
>
> We appreciate your loyalty to our wireless products and services, and we
> are committed to resolving your concerns. I apologize you concerns were
> not addressed in your previous response.
>
> Each time Auto Sync is used at the Backup assistant website, there is a
> standard Text messaging cost applied to their monthly Verizon Wireless
> phone bill.
>
> The Auto Sync button allows our customers to automatically synchronize
> their web address book changes with their mobile phone's address book
> whenever they log off their getbackupnow.com web account after any changes
> are made.
>
> I hope this resolves your concerns. I also wanted to take a moment to
> thank you: You have been a loyal customer since August 2004, and that
> longevity is appreciated. I hope we remain your favorite cellular provider
> for years to come.
>
> Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you today. We appreciate
> your business and thank you for using Verizon Wireless. Should you have
> additional questions or concerns, please reply to this e-mail.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Terrence
> Verizon Wireless
> Customer Service
>
> In conclusion, each time the "auto sync" button is used from the VZW
> website it costs you fifteen cents unless you have a text or data plan
>