FAQ for Cingular Wireless

<http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>
A comprehensive resource for Cingular Wireless subscribers.
This is a Wikibook to which _anyone_ can contribute.
Comments, corrections, and contributions welcome!

| Contents
|
| 1 General Information
| o 1.1 Is Cingular owned by SBC?
| o 1.2 What is a SIM?
| 2 Phones
| o 2.1 Do GSM Phones Need to be Activated?
| o 2.2 What is Locking?
| o 2.3 When am I Eligible for a Phone Upgrade?
| o 2.4 Where can I Get Help for my Cingular Phone?
| o 2.5 Can I make my phone ring only for certain numbers?
| o 2.6 How can I transfer contacts from old phone to new phone?
| 3 Rate Plans
| o 3.1 What is my Service Agreement?
| o 3.2 How Do I Know How Many Minutes I Have Left?
| o 3.3 What are *Services?
| o 3.4 Rollover
| + 3.4.1 What is Rollover?
| + 3.4.2 How does Rollover Expire?
| + 3.4.3 Do The Minutes Come Off The First Or Last Month?
| o 3.5 Prepaid
| + 3.5.1 What is Prepaid Service?
| + 3.5.2 Can I Use a Regular GSM Phone on Prepaid Service?
| 4 Features
| o 4.1 Call Forwarding
| o 4.2 Caller ID
| + 4.2.1 Can I get Caller ID to show properly for each Family Plan phone?
| o 4.3 Directory Assistance
| o 4.4 Voicemail
| + 4.4.1 What's the Cingular Voicemail Menu?
| + 4.4.2 Can I Delete a Message Without Listening to It?
| + 4.4.3 Why is my Voicemail Indicator Stuck On?
| + 4.4.4 How Can I Reset my Voicemail Password?
| + 4.4.5 Can I Check my Cingular Voicemail from a Landline Phone?
| + 4.4.6 How to adjust ring duration before incoming call goes to voicemail?
| + 4.4.7 What is the cost of voicemail?
| 5 Mobile Device (e.g., Cell Phone) Configuration
| o 5.1 How do I configure my GSM phone for Cingular (or AT&T Wireless Service)?
| + 5.1.1 Cingular (orange) SIM
| + 5.1.2 AT&T Wireless Service (blue) SIM
| o 5.2 What's the Outgoing SMTP (E-mail) Server?
| o 5.3 How Can I Download Pictures and Ringtones to My Phone?
| 6 Network Coverage, ENS, and Signal Quality
| o 6.1 Where are Coverage Maps?
| + 6.1.1 Cingular Coverage Maps
| + 6.1.2 Roaming Coverage Maps
| + 6.1.3 Tower Locations
| o 6.2 Do Cingular and AT&T Wireless customers now have the same coverage?
| o 6.3 Does ENS make for better coverage and/or connections?
| o 6.4 Why does one phone get better signal than another?
| o 6.5 What's the Difference Between 800 and 850 bands?
| o 6.6 What Can I Do About Poor Coverage in My Area?
| o 6.7 Is the 800/850 Band Better Than 1900?
| o 6.8 How Can I Improve My Signal Quality?
| o 6.9 How Long Will TDMA Service Last?
| 7 Messaging
| o 7.1 How Can I Send Messages to Cellular Phones by Computer?
| o 7.2 How Can I Send Messages to Cingular Phones by E-mail?
| + 7.2.1 Cingular (orange SIM) Recipient
| + 7.2.2 AT&T Wireless Service (blue SIM) Recipient
| o 7.3 What are messages from 36245?
| o 7.4 What are messages from numbers like 1010100004?
| o 7.5 How Can I Send E-mail From Any Cingular Phone?
| o 7.6 What are Messaging Services?
| o 7.7 Is Cellular Spam Illegal?
| + 7.7.1 What Can I Do About Cellular Spam?
| o 7.8 Technical Information
| 8 Push To Talk
| o 8.1 What is Push To Talk?
| 9 Data Service
| o 9.1 Can I use my Phone as a Modem?
| o 9.2 What is the Difference Between CSD, GPRS/EGPRS(EDGE) and HSDPA?
| o 9.3 What is the difference between MEdia and Data Connect?
| o 9.4 What is Data Acceleration?
| o 9.5 What is Tethering?
| o 9.6 What is BroadbandConnect?
| o 9.7 How Do I Configure my Phone for Data?
| + 9.7.1 CSD
| + 9.7.2 GPRS/EGPRS/EDGE
| # 9.7.2.1 MEdia Setup
| # 9.7.2.2 Data Connect Setup
| o 9.8 What is Cingular Communication Manager?
| o 9.9 What data speeds are possible with Cingular (GSM)?
| o 9.10 Why is my GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA so slow?
| o 9.11 How To Set the Port Speed in Windows XP?
| 10 Fax
| o 10.1 How Can I Send a Fax From My Cell Phone?
| 11 What are Some Useful Services for Mobile Devices?
| o 11.1 Remote Access
| o 11.2 WAP Downloading and/or Hosting
| 12 What Computer Software Can Be Used With My Phone?
| o 12.1 Management
| o 12.2 Ringtones
| o 12.3 Images
| o 12.4 Messaging Software
| 13 What Are Some Useful WAP Resources?
| 14 What Are Some Useful Downloadable Applications?
| o 14.1 For mobile devices with J2ME (Java Mobile Edition)
| + 14.1.1 J2ME Download Sites
| o 14.2 Mobile Games
| 15 International Calling
| o 15.1 What is the International Calling Format?
| o 15.2 What Are Country Codes?
| o 15.3 How Do I Call Other Countries From the USA?
| o 15.4 In Which Countries Can I Use My GSM phone?
| o 15.5 How Do I Use My Cingular Phone in Other Countries?
| o 15.6 What's the Best Way to Call Back to the USA from Other Countries?
| 16 Miscellaneous
| o 16.1 How can I use an Apple Macintosh with Cingular devices?
| o 16.2 What's that Buzzing in my Speakers?
| o 16.3 How Can a Billing or Contract Problem be Resolved?
| o 16.4 How does Cingular do E911 positioning?
| 17 What is the Internet newsgroup for Cingular Wireless?
| 18 See Also
| o 18.1 Wikipedia
| o 18.2 Cingular on the Web
| o 18.3 Phone Reviews on the Web
| o 18.4 Other Information on the Web

###

John Navas wrote:
> | o 9.10 Why is my GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA so slow?

Or more correctly, why is it so slow compared to Sprint (excluding the very
very very limited HSDPA footprints).

D-Link DIR-450 ($199) and a Sprint PCMIA data connect card blows away
anything that Cingular/AT&T can offer (outside of their HSDPA areas).

On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:40:53 GMT, DTC <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob>
wrote in <F4Omi.38375$YL5.11017@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net> :

>John Navas wrote:
>> | o 9.10 Why is my GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA so slow?
>
>Or more correctly, why is it so slow compared to Sprint (excluding the very
>very very limited HSDPA footprints).

HSDPA is actually deployed in many areas, as shown on coverage maps.
Sprint also has coverage limitations.

>D-Link DIR-450 ($199) and a Sprint PCMIA data connect card blows away
>anything that Cingular/AT&T can offer (outside of their HSDPA areas).

Apples and oranges.

My RAZR V3xx cost considerably less than that; my AT&T data plan costs
considerably less than Sprint; and my data speeds are typically better
than Sprint here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>

John Navas wrote:
> My RAZR V3xx cost considerably less than that; my AT&T data plan costs
> considerably less than Sprint; and my data speeds are typically better
> than Sprint here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Oh really....

I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps (or so)
EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times faster.

As you say, apples to oranges.

On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:39:36 GMT, DTC <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob>
wrote in <sARmi.22228$RX.7191@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net> :

>John Navas wrote:
>> My RAZR V3xx cost considerably less than that; my AT&T data plan costs
>> considerably less than Sprint; and my data speeds are typically better
>> than Sprint here in the San Francisco Bay Area.
>
>Oh really....

Really.

>I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps (or so)
>EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times faster.

Actually comparing fast HSDPA.
Sprint doesn't compare (in this area at least).

>As you say, apples to oranges.

Only in your mind.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>

At 16 Jul 2007 21:39:36 +0000 DTC wrote:

> Oh really....
>
> I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps
> (or so) EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times
> faster.
>
> As you say, apples to oranges.

I assume John is referring to Cingular's 3G offerings. Only T-Mobile is
currently offering EDGE as their fastest data rate.



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

John Navas wrote:
>> On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:39:36 GMT, DTC <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob>
>> I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps (or so)
>> EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times faster.
>
> Actually comparing fast HSDPA.
> Sprint doesn't compare (in this area at least).

John Navas wrote:
> >> My RAZR V3xx cost considerably less than that; my AT&T data plan costs
> >> considerably less than Sprint; and my data speeds are typically better
> >> than Sprint here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I don't see any comparison in your post about HSPDA, but I do see you
trying compare EDGE to Sprint's 1xRTT. Now of course, if you are indeed
comparing it to EV-DO Rev A...then there is something terribly wrong with
you equipment or testing methodology.

On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:11:48 -0500, DTC <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob>
wrote in <6JUmi.28369$C96.4065@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net >:

>John Navas wrote:
>>> On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:39:36 GMT, DTC <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob>
>>> I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps (or so)
>>> EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times faster.
>>
>> Actually comparing fast HSDPA.
>> Sprint doesn't compare (in this area at least).
>
>John Navas wrote:
> > >> My RAZR V3xx cost considerably less than that; my AT&T data plan costs
> > >> considerably less than Sprint; and my data speeds are typically better
> > >> than Sprint here in the San Francisco Bay Area.
>
>I don't see any comparison in your post about HSPDA, but I do see you
>trying compare EDGE to Sprint's 1xRTT.

Wrong on both counts.

>Now of course, if you are indeed
>comparing it to EV-DO Rev A...then there is something terribly wrong with
>you equipment or testing methodology.

The only something terribly wrong is your reading comprehension.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>

John Navas wrote:
> The only something terribly wrong is your reading comprehension.

An anticipated response. Attack the man when you can't attack his logic.

On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:02:52 GMT, DTC <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob>
wrote in <wjWmi.19439$Rw1.11254@newssvr25.news.prodigy.net> :

>John Navas wrote:
>> The only something terribly wrong is your reading comprehension.
>
>An anticipated response. Attack the man when you can't attack his logic.

No attack. Just an observation. No logic in any event.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>

John Navas wrote:
>>> The only something terribly wrong is your reading comprehension.

> No attack. Just an observation. No logic in any event.

Something terribly wrong is your reading comprehension, err...observation.

Todd Allcock wrote:
> At 16 Jul 2007 21:39:36 +0000 DTC wrote:
>
>> Oh really....
>>
>> I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps
>> (or so) EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times
>> faster.
>>
>> As you say, apples to oranges.
>
> I assume John is referring to Cingular's 3G offerings. Only T-Mobile is
> currently offering EDGE as their fastest data rate.

No, I'm pretty sure he's referring to Cingular's EDGE as he said he
referred to his tethered RAZR V3xx which is EDGE capable (though not HSDPA).

But since he has convoluted his responses, we don't know exactly what he's
referring to.

My statement stills stands as a valid statement of fact, to wit...
>> I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps
>> (or so) EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times
>> faster.

If he tested Sprint and found it to be on par with Cingular's EDGE, then he
using the EV-DO Rev 0, which of course is clearly NOT what I plainly
referred to.

EV-DO Rev A is capable of peak data transmission download speed to 3.1 Mbps
(although 1,800 Mbps max is typical) where as a EDGE Class 10 device
theoretical maximum speed is 236 Kbps. Using an Internet connection with
the "EDGE - WITH Proxy" setting helps (according to users that have tried a
before and after speed test, but I haven't pursued any of that topic as I
use Sprint for my data connections).

PCMAG.com says:
"Unfortunately, EDGE's high latency rates—the time it takes to hear back
from an Internet site—make the connection feel slower than it is. And data
rates drop off sharply if you're not close to a cell tower. So Cingular
publicizes average speeds of only 70 to 80 Kbps—essentially a dial-up
experience." http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1770749,00.asp

Mr. Navas can now choose one of the following responses:
1) Not so
2) Anecdotal evidence
3) But EV-DO Rev A is not "Extended GSM" compatible
4) Vaporware
5) "Shilling for Sprint?"

On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:04:08 -0600, Todd Allcock
<elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in
<347564492220070716220408elecconnec@AmericaOnLine. com>:

>At 16 Jul 2007 21:39:36 +0000 DTC wrote:
>
>> Oh really....
>>
>> I find this really incredible...trying to defend a measly 150 KBps
>> (or so) EDGE connection to a Sprint EV-DO Rev A connection ten times
>> faster.
>>
>> As you say, apples to oranges.
>
>I assume John is referring to Cingular's 3G offerings. Only T-Mobile is
>currently offering EDGE as their fastest data rate.

Now now, facts have no place in a good flamefest.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>

On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:36:22 GMT, DTC <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob>
wrote in <Wncni.23165$Rw1.2652@newssvr25.news.prodigy.net >:

>Todd Allcock wrote:

>> I assume John is referring to Cingular's 3G offerings. Only T-Mobile is
>> currently offering EDGE as their fastest data rate.
>
>No, I'm pretty sure he's referring to Cingular's EDGE as he said he
>referred to his tethered RAZR V3xx which is EDGE capable (though not HSDPA).

Wrong on both counts. The RAZR V3xx is HSDPA, and that's what I'm
referring to.

>But since he has convoluted his responses, we don't know exactly what he's
>referring to.

My posts are clear to anyone actually reading them.

>My statement stills stands as a valid statement of fact, to wit...

Wrong on that too.

>Mr. Navas can now choose one of the following responses:
>1) Not so
>2) Anecdotal evidence
>3) But EV-DO Rev A is not "Extended GSM" compatible
>4) Vaporware
>5) "Shilling for Sprint?"

6) You're wrong on all counts.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>