Re: Verizon Wireless getting its butt kicked by ATT

"4phun" <vic.healey@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:e7125501-4c88-4c68-9b8f-6e4fe503982f@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Starbucks is dropping T-Mobile and switching to AT&T (stock symbol
> "T") as a better and more capable network service provider.

I think this has more to do with Starbucks' and Apple's relationship than
who is a "better and more capable provider."

> The benefit for Apple iPhone AT&T customers is they will get a
> thousands of additional free Wi-Fi Internet access points which is
> better than the already announced Apple and Starbucks deal for free Wi-
> Fi iTunes access.
>
> http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/11/got-a...elivers-wi-fi/

Actually nothing in the article (or Starbuck's press release) says the
service will be free for "iPhone customers." (Other than the
already-announced free iTunes store access at Starbucks, I'd guess.)

If the following Macworld.com article
(http://www.macworld.com/article/1320..._analysis.html) is
correct:
'There's no word yet on whether iPhone users will get free access to
Starbucks's network; so far, AT&T hasn't made any special arrangements with
its current footprint for its mobile phone customers. Joe Izbrand, a
spokesman for AT&T, said, "We don't have any announcement to make on this at
this time. I think you can expect us to continue to evaluate all the options
to bring greater access and value to our customers."'

Regardless, it sounds like a better deal than T-Mo offered for all coffee
junkies: 'Two hours of free service will also be available each day to
anyone possessing an activated Starbucks Card, a stored-value swipe card
used for purchases, even one bought on the spot, according to a Starbucks
spokesperson. As little as a single purchase each month of any amount using
the card is needed to keep the card active for Wi-Fi use, as Starbucks
intends this as a reward to regular customers. The minimum value to load on
a card is $5.'

So, if you buy a Starbucks stored value card for $5, you essentially get
free WiFi at Starbucks whether you own a iPhone or not, regardless if you
buy any coffee or not.

As far as T-Mobile Hotspots customers are concerned, nothing changes for
them. According to Starbucks' press release
(http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=826), "In recognition of
the many T-Mobile customers who enjoy visiting Starbucks, the Company is
also announcing that T-Mobile HotSpot customers will be able to continue to
access Wi-Fi services at no additional cost, through an agreement between
AT&T and T-Mobile." (Which is a good thing- T-Mobile smartphone data
subscribers get T-Mobile Hotspots access for their phone and laptops
included at no extra charge.)

"I've had to deal with outrageous billing
errors with Verizon (errors that Verizon admitted to -in writing-, and yet
refused to correct), never had that problem with Cingular."

I've had the same problem with Verizon's landline service back in '96.
They over billed me for three service calls which were all there fault.

"Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote in message
news:fo7k3b$h1d$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> Verizon has always had better coverage and better service than
>> Cingular/AT&T.
>
> On what planet? At worst, Cingular was always just as good as Verizon.
> Speaking in terms of someone who has always worked jobs where he was
> required to travel all over the U.S. That is, cingular might be better in
> some specific areas, verizon might be better in some specific areas,
> overall they were always EQUAL. I've had to deal with outrageous billing
> errors with Verizon (errors that Verizon admitted to -in writing-, and yet
> refused to correct), never had that problem with Cingular.
>
> There are horror stories from both sides. The fact is, AT WORST, Cingular
> was always equal with Verizon in terms of both coverage and customer
> service.
>
> There is a PERCEPTION that Verizon is better on both counts, mainly
> because of all the millions of dollars that Verizon spends on television
> advertising. (money well spent, I'd say...considering how many people
> they've snowed with their ad blitz) -Dave