I have this juicy plan at $25 a month on TDMA and the phone service is going
down the tubes regards getting a tone. I am willing to go GSM with a new
phone, unfortunately AT&T want me to reup for 2 years. I figure that its to
their benefit that everyone gets off TDMA but the money grubbing bastards
want it all. Unwilling to make a deal.
Is anyone writing to their politicians about being coerced by AT&T? For
example, I have a $5 increase in my bill just for TDMA coverage. Yeah, I am
spending more money for a service that is getting worse. Yes, I understand
why AT&T wants to unplug TDMA but they crucify their customers by not being
willing to bridge over to a comparable plan under GSM!
Its not like I am unwilling to make a deal. Just the opposite, I want a new
phone and service but not at the price of a 2 year contract and a boost in
my monthly fee.
Gary wrote:
> I have this juicy plan at $25 a month on TDMA and the phone service is going
> down the tubes regards getting a tone. I am willing to go GSM with a new
> phone, unfortunately AT&T want me to reup for 2 years. I figure that its to
> their benefit that everyone gets off TDMA but the money grubbing bastards
> want it all. Unwilling to make a deal.
>
> Is anyone writing to their politicians about being coerced by AT&T? For
> example, I have a $5 increase in my bill just for TDMA coverage. Yeah, I am
> spending more money for a service that is getting worse. Yes, I understand
> why AT&T wants to unplug TDMA but they crucify their customers by not being
> willing to bridge over to a comparable plan under GSM!
>
> Its not like I am unwilling to make a deal. Just the opposite, I want a new
> phone and service but not at the price of a 2 year contract and a boost in
> my monthly fee.
>
>
It's a shame you can't just pay retail for a 3G handset, get a 3G SIM,
and power up with month-to-month post-pay service.
At 26 Jul 2007 01:01:15 +0000 Gary wrote:
> I have this juicy plan at $25 a month on TDMA and the phone service
Just curious- how many minutes a month do you get? And how many do you
typically use?
> I am willing to go GSM with a new
> phone, unfortunately AT&T want me to reup for 2 years. I figure that
its to
> their benefit that everyone gets off TDMA but the money grubbing
bastards
> want it all. Unwilling to make a deal.
You might consider going prepaid. T-Mobile, for example, offers 1000
minutes for $100 good for one year. For casual use, that's $9/month.
> Is anyone writing to their politicians about being coerced by AT&T?
Why? Neither AT&T nor you are under any contract at this point- you can
drop them at any time, and obviously they can, and are intending to, drop
you.
> For
> example, I have a $5 increase in my bill just for TDMA coverage.
> Yeah, I am spending more money for a service that is getting worse.
> Yes, I understand
> why AT&T wants to unplug TDMA but they crucify their customers by
> not being willing to bridge over to a comparable plan under GSM!
Because they don't want $25/month customers any more. Their average
customer spends about $50.
> Its not like I am unwilling to make a deal. Just the opposite, I want
> a new phone and service but not at the price of a 2 year contract and
> a boost in my monthly fee.
And, sadly, they don't want you without a 2-year contract and a boost in
your monthly fee. Essentially they're showing you the door and wondering
what's taking you so long to go through it...
--
Todd Allcock
"I don't need my cell phone to play video games or take pictures or double
as a Walkie-Talkie; I just need it to work. Thanks for all the bells and whistles,
but I could communicate better with ACTUAL bells and whistles."
-Bill Maher 9/25/2003
"Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in message
news:f8968c$pgc$1@aioe.org...
> At 26 Jul 2007 01:01:15 +0000 Gary wrote:
>> I have this juicy plan at $25 a month on TDMA and the phone service
>
> Just curious- how many minutes a month do you get? And how many do you
> typically use?
>
>> I am willing to go GSM with a new
>> phone, unfortunately AT&T want me to reup for 2 years. I figure that
> its to
>> their benefit that everyone gets off TDMA but the money grubbing
> bastards
>> want it all. Unwilling to make a deal.
>
>
> You might consider going prepaid. T-Mobile, for example, offers 1000
> minutes for $100 good for one year. For casual use, that's $9/month.
>
>> Is anyone writing to their politicians about being coerced by AT&T?
>
> Why? Neither AT&T nor you are under any contract at this point- you can
> drop them at any time, and obviously they can, and are intending to, drop
> you.
>
>> For
>> example, I have a $5 increase in my bill just for TDMA coverage.
>> Yeah, I am spending more money for a service that is getting worse.
>> Yes, I understand
>> why AT&T wants to unplug TDMA but they crucify their customers by
>> not being willing to bridge over to a comparable plan under GSM!
>
>
> Because they don't want $25/month customers any more. Their average
> customer spends about $50.
>
>> Its not like I am unwilling to make a deal. Just the opposite, I want
>> a new phone and service but not at the price of a 2 year contract and
>> a boost in my monthly fee.
>
> And, sadly, they don't want you without a 2-year contract and a boost in
> your monthly fee. Essentially they're showing you the door and wondering
> what's taking you so long to go through it...
>
>
> --
> Todd Allcock
>
> "I don't need my cell phone to play video games or take pictures or double
> as a Walkie-Talkie; I just need it to work. Thanks for all the bells and
> whistles,
> but I could communicate better with ACTUAL bells and whistles."
> -Bill Maher 9/25/2003
>
A recent article in the NY Times indicated that Congress and the FCC are
becoming weary of cellular carriers that try to control their customers, by
disabling phone features and by demanding 2-year contract renewals just to
get replacement phones.
We may be seeing some changes in the future. The legislators are looking to
do with cellular what they did with landline phones--customers were able to
plug anything into the network, and to own their own equipment, as long as
the units did not harm the network--i.e., the Carterphone case.
"jeremy" <jeremy@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:w92qi.6414$Gs4.4815@trndny05...
>
> "Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in message
> news:f8968c$pgc$1@aioe.org...
> A recent article in the NY Times indicated that Congress and the FCC are
> becoming weary of cellular carriers that try to control their customers,
by
> disabling phone features and by demanding 2-year contract renewals just to
> get replacement phones.
>
> We may be seeing some changes in the future. The legislators are looking
to
> do with cellular what they did with landline phones--customers were able
to
> plug anything into the network, and to own their own equipment, as long as
> the units did not harm the network--i.e., the Carterphone case.
>
Yes, I am aware of that. Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever see cable rates
declining, cellphone fees charged declining, or credit card rates coming
down from the stratosphere. Yet, all of these are on Congress' radar screen
and its all for show. As long the powerful lobbies exist none of the above
concerns will be positively addressed. I can remember when Ed Markey from
Massachusetts went on record as advocating cables rates coming down, over a
decade ago. Guess what? They went up.
On the subject of my situation, I could buy a GSM phone and maybe get a $30
a month rate without a 2 year contract and that is if I keep calling
relentlessly until one of the reps goes for it. I have a friend who may want
to sell me his old GSM phone and I think that might do the trick. If all
else fails, I might take some of this groups advice and do the T-Mobile
package. Also, Virgin Mobile has some cheap packages available.
As a parting shot, aren't phone companies regulated? How does AT&T wireless
come up with a $5 a month charge to use TDMA? Was that approved by the FCC
or is it a number they picked by throwing a dart at a blackboard? I would
think that AT&T would have to show the FCC documentation on the cost of
maintaining TDMA. And then there is the little factoid of TDMA not even
being made available at the level it once was. Basically, I am paying for
infrastructure that is less available throughout the coverage area. I am
being charged for a service that AT&T can not physically prove they are
honoring, under the original plan. Yes, I have no contract but have a plan
they must honor.
> A recent article in the NY Times indicated that Congress and the FCC
> are becoming weary of cellular carriers that try to control their
> customers, by disabling phone features and by demanding 2-year
> contract renewals just to get replacement phones.
Are these the same Congressmen who were upset with high cable prices last
year, held a few hearings about demanding a-la-carte programming (letting
consumers buy just the channels they want insteaded of being forced to
buy packages) and who let the idea die after being told by the lobbyists
that it was "technologically infeasable" and wouldn't save consumers any
money but actually make cable more expensive?
I wouldn't hold my breath expecting any changes. As usual they'll fold
faster than cheap lawn chairs after they make a little bluster so their
constituents think their "on their side."
> We may be seeing some changes in the future. The legislators are
> looking to do with cellular what they did with landline phones--
> customers were able to plug anything into the network, and to own
> their own equipment, as long as the units did not harm the network--
> i.e., the Carterphone case.
Which I'd welcome, but clearly most consumers don't care- AT&T and T-
Mobile already let you use any compatible GSM equipment on their
networks, yet there are over 100 million Sprint and Verizon users who opt
not to take advantage of that freedom.
All the wireless lobbyists will do is somehow pretend that open access to
equipment will end "free" phones and we won't here about this again.
--
Todd Allcock
"I don't need my cell phone to play video games or take pictures or double
as a Walkie-Talkie; I just need it to work. Thanks for all the bells and whistles,
but I could communicate better with ACTUAL bells and whistles."
-Bill Maher 9/25/2003
> As a parting shot, aren't phone companies regulated?
Just minimally. They were heavily regulated back when AT&T was a
monopoly and Lily Tomlin played the phone company operator in comedy
sketches.
Cellular isn't rate regulated because they have competition, just as
WalMart's price of Jujubees isn't. The free market competition controls
pricing.
> How does AT&T wireless
> come up with a $5 a month charge to use TDMA?
I assume they thought it'd be enough to encourage you to switch to GSM.
Obviously it should have been higher! ;-)
> Was that approved by the FCC
> or is it a number they picked by throwing a dart at a blackboard? I
> would think that AT&T would have to show the FCC documentation on the
> cost of maintaining TDMA.
Very 1968 of you to think so... Again, pricing isn't regulated because
there are four national wireless companies and a bunch of regionals.
Price regulation isn't necessary in a competitive market.
> And then there is the little factoid of TDMA not even being made
> available at the level it once was. Basically, I am paying for
> infrastructure that is less available throughout the coverage area.
Correct. And AT&T has warned you that you need to get off it, and soon.
> I am
> being charged for a service that AT&T can not physically prove they are
> honoring, under the original plan.
True. That's why they are warning you to change.
> Yes, I have no contract but have plan
> they must honor.
No, they DON'T have to honor it! No more than Ford is obligated to sell
Mustangs in the future. AT&T is packing in the TDMA network. You're
being allowed to stay as they tear it down around you. You'll be off it
eventually either when it's operating so poorly you cancel, or when they
shut it off later this year leaving you with a final bill and no service.
--
Todd Allcock
"I don't need my cell phone to play video games or take pictures or
double
as a Walkie-Talkie; I just need it to work. Thanks for all the bells and
whistles,
but I could communicate better with ACTUAL bells and whistles."
-Bill Maher 9/25/2003
On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 01:01:15 GMT
"Gary" <GParent@rocketmail.com> wrote:
> I have this juicy plan at $25 a month on TDMA and the phone service is going
> down the tubes regards getting a tone. I am willing to go GSM with a new
> phone, unfortunately AT&T want me to reup for 2 years. I figure that its to
> their benefit that everyone gets off TDMA but the money grubbing bastards
> want it all. Unwilling to make a deal.
I switched as soon as I got my first bill for the extra $5. They offered me a plan similar to the one I had. I was getting 300 minutes for $29.99 a month. The sales person told me that even though they no longer offer a $29.99/month plan they are allowing ex-TDMA users to take a 250 minute/month plan for $29.99. So I took it. The sales person told me that you have to ask for it and be switching from TDMA to get it. Also, I didn't have to renew for 2 years. I renewed for 1 year and paid an $18 setup fee. Looking back, I think I should have renewed for 2 years with no fee but the prospect of a 2 year committment bothered me.
Gary wrote:
> Yes, I am aware of that. Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever see cable rates
> declining, cellphone fees charged declining, or credit card rates coming
> down from the stratosphere. Yet, all of these are on Congress' radar screen
> and its all for show. As long the powerful lobbies exist none of the above
> concerns will be positively addressed.
You don't know what you're talking about. Each and every one of those
issues is earning your Congresscritter large amounts of campaign money
and other soft funds. All the abovementioned parties are taking every
possible action to ensure that the Congresscritters' cash flow is
positive.
--
"Liberals used to be the ones who argued that sending U.S. troops abroad
was a small price to pay to stop genocide; now they argue that genocide
is a small price to pay to bring U.S. troops home."
-- Jonah Goldberg
"Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in message
news:f8ag3a$uj1$1@aioe.org...
> At 26 Jul 2007 14:25:32 +0000 jeremy wrote:
> Are these the same Congressmen who were upset with high cable prices last
> year, held a few hearings about demanding a-la-carte programming (letting
> consumers buy just the channels they want insteaded of being forced to
> buy packages) and who let the idea die after being told by the lobbyists
> that it was "technologically infeasable" and wouldn't save consumers any
> money but actually make cable more expensive?
>
> I wouldn't hold my breath expecting any changes. As usual they'll fold
> faster than cheap lawn chairs after they make a little bluster so their
> constituents think their "on their side."
ON THE MONEY! THE VERY SAME.
> All the wireless lobbyists will do is somehow pretend that open access to
> equipment will end "free" phones and we won't here about this again.
Someone ought to make a web site that shows the track record of what
Congress says will/should happen and what does happen after the dust
settles. Unfortunately, too many people are left with the echoes of what
they claim they are going to do and never get the post mortem.
"Cranky Dude" <chacham@removethis.infoventures.com> wrote in message
news:20070726131532.4e9598d1.chacham@removethis.in foventures.com...
> On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 01:01:15 GMT
> I switched as soon as I got my first bill for the extra $5. They offered
me a plan similar to the one I had. I was getting 300 minutes for $29.99 a
month. The sales person told me that even though they no longer offer a
$29.99/month plan they are allowing ex-TDMA users to take a 250 minute/month
plan for $29.99. So I took it. The sales person told me that you have to
ask for it and be switching from TDMA to get it. Also, I didn't have to
renew for 2 years. I renewed for 1 year and paid an $18 setup fee. Looking
back, I think I should have renewed for 2 years with no fee but the prospect
of a 2 year committment bothered me.
What about the GSM phone? How did you address the GSM phone if you
previously had a TDMA phone?
On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:20:27 GMT
"Gary" <GParent@rocketmail.com> wrote:
> What about the GSM phone? How did you address the GSM phone if you
> previously had a TDMA phone?
>
>
I don't understand your question. I initiated a new account with Cingular and since I was transfering from AT&T TDMA they gave me a plan that was similar to the plan I was terminating with AT&T.
"Cranky Dude" <chacham@removethis.infoventures.com> wrote in message
news:20070727125125.ef56f02a.chacham@removethis.in foventures.com...
> On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:20:27 GMT
> "Gary" <GParent@rocketmail.com> wrote:
>> What about the GSM phone? How did you address the GSM phone if you
>> previously had a TDMA phone?
>>
>>
>
> I don't understand your question. I initiated a new account with Cingular
> and since I was transfering from AT&T TDMA they gave me a plan that was
> similar to the plan I was terminating with AT&T.
>
> CD
>
>
> --
> Cranky Dude <chacham@removethis.infoventures.com>
"Cranky Dude" <chacham@removethis.infoventures.com> wrote in message
news:20070727125125.ef56f02a.chacham@removethis.in foventures.com...
> On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:20:27 GMT
> "Gary" <GParent@rocketmail.com> wrote:
> > What about the GSM phone? How did you address the GSM phone if you
> > previously had a TDMA phone?
> >
> >
>
> I don't understand your question. I initiated a new account with Cingular
and since I was transfering from AT&T TDMA they gave me a plan that was
similar to the plan I was terminating with AT&T.
>
> CD
If you were on TDMA and AT&T offerered a one year 300 prime minute GSM plan
for $29.95/mo, its obvious that you would need a GSM phone to replace your
TDMA phone. So what phone and and for what price, if any, did AT&T give you?
"Gary" <GParent@rocketmail.com> wrote in message
news:VZQqi.306$Uu4.198@trndny04...
>
> "Cranky Dude" <chacham@removethis.infoventures.com> wrote in message
> news:20070727125125.ef56f02a.chacham@removethis.in foventures.com...
>> On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:20:27 GMT
>> "Gary" <GParent@rocketmail.com> wrote:
>> > What about the GSM phone? How did you address the GSM phone if you
>> > previously had a TDMA phone?
>> >
>> >
>>
>> I don't understand your question. I initiated a new account with
>> Cingular
> and since I was transfering from AT&T TDMA they gave me a plan that was
> similar to the plan I was terminating with AT&T.
>>
>> CD
>
>
> If you were on TDMA and AT&T offerered a one year 300 prime minute GSM
> plan
> for $29.95/mo, its obvious that you would need a GSM phone to replace your
> TDMA phone. So what phone and and for what price, if any, did AT&T give
> you?
>
>
I went to Sprint. Got 3 free phones, free activations for$90 per month, and
my only regret is that I didn't dump Cingular sooner.
"DTC" <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob> wrote in message
news:gP4ri.2445$AC7.1243@newssvr19.news.prodigy.ne t...
> jeremy wrote:
>> I went to Sprint. Got 3 free phones, free activations for$90 per month,
>> and my only regret is that I didn't dump Cingular sooner.
>
> I left Sprint when they lost a roaming partner. Went to Cingular, free
> activation and three Moto V557 for around the same price.
>
> The point is...if it doesn't work where you need it - the free phones,
> free activations, minutes in your plan become a moot point.
You seem to have missed MY point:
AT&T TDMA service WAS working--working just fine--until Cingular began
tightening the noose on us. Once they took over, I often went five minutes
before logging on to a tower, after turning my phone on. When I roamed
outside my home rate area, my phone would silently shut off. When I turned
it back on, it would again turn off after ten minutes. All three of my
handsets did this--so I am certain that Cingular did something to make that
happen.
I've read similar stories from other TDMA users. All I can say is that I'm
glad to be out of Cingular's clutches, and I'll never go back to them. Here
in Philadelphia, Sprint has excellent coverage, and I rarely roam more than
100 miles from home. I'm very happy with my current service--just as I was
with the original AT&T service. I just was not inclined to let Cingular
twist my arm. Life goes on.
TDMA Hold Out but AT&T Unwilling to Deal 
Linear Mode
