People like myself need to add , delete , and edit info in my phone book,
pretty much weekly. If I had to do this on the phone, it would take forever.
It takes a fraction of the time doing it on a form on my PC then downloading
it to the phone, so for me, there would be no getting around the auto sync
button.




"Dean" <dean173@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4786efd4$1$13844$607ed4bc@cv.net...
> 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
>>
>
>