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
"Effective March 2, 2008, the price for sending Text messages to the
U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico - as well as the price for
receiving Text messages from anywhere - will increase from $0.15 to
$0.20 per message."
RBM wrote:
<snipped>
>
> 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
>
>
Thank you for posting this and for getting the information. I figured
that the above was the reason I had the 15 cent texting charge.
Q: What if I made a change on the Internet site and I also made a
change to my phone, but did not sync them? If I just make the changes,
with no uploading or downloading, it shouldn't cost 15 cents, right?
I could see that the data charges might become a problem for some
people, but I add and delete numbers so seldom that I can't see the
charge being onerous for me. I'm just happy about having a place where I
can keep the numbers and get them into a new phone if the thing that
transfers numbers from an old phone to a new phone breaks. (I hope I'm
not getting too technical <g>)
The cable or bluetooth connection gear is still going to be a lot more
expensive than a 15 cent charge two or three times a year.
The problem with the cables is that they are limited to only that phone.
I have a perfectly good mobile office kit for my last Motorola phone
sitting in a closet. I hate paying $40 or so for a cable when I'm
getting a new phone every 2 years.
As for the bluetooth thing, I have to confess I have one of those
earpieces and I never use it. Until I see the little thing in their
ears, I always think people are running around talking to themselves.
--
Janet Wilder
Bad spelling. Bad punctuation
Good Friends. Good Life
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
>
You're right, kinda, but you should never need to make changes to your
address book on the website. If you make them on the phone and let it do its
thing daily, it keeps the website updated and never costs you anything.
Dean
"Janet Wilder" <kelliepoodle@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4786ef03$0$15775$c3e8da3@news.astraweb.com...
> RBM wrote:
> <snipped>
>>
>> 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
> Thank you for posting this and for getting the information. I figured that
> the above was the reason I had the 15 cent texting charge.
>
> Q: What if I made a change on the Internet site and I also made a change
> to my phone, but did not sync them? If I just make the changes, with no
> uploading or downloading, it shouldn't cost 15 cents, right?
>
> I could see that the data charges might become a problem for some people,
> but I add and delete numbers so seldom that I can't see the charge being
> onerous for me. I'm just happy about having a place where I can keep the
> numbers and get them into a new phone if the thing that transfers numbers
> from an old phone to a new phone breaks. (I hope I'm not getting too
> technical <g>)
>
> The cable or bluetooth connection gear is still going to be a lot more
> expensive than a 15 cent charge two or three times a year.
>
> The problem with the cables is that they are limited to only that phone. I
> have a perfectly good mobile office kit for my last Motorola phone sitting
> in a closet. I hate paying $40 or so for a cable when I'm getting a new
> phone every 2 years.
>
> As for the bluetooth thing, I have to confess I have one of those
> earpieces and I never use it. Until I see the little thing in their ears,
> I always think people are running around talking to themselves.
>
> --
> Janet Wilder
> Bad spelling. Bad punctuation
> Good Friends. Good Life
You should be fine in using the system purely as a backup. It would be
costly for someone that wanted to make constant changes then download them
to the phone. I feel the same way when I see folks with those Star Trek ear
pieces. In my vehicle I use a BT speaker phone made by Blue Ant.
"Janet Wilder" <kelliepoodle@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4786ef03$0$15775$c3e8da3@news.astraweb.com...
> RBM wrote:
> <snipped>
>>
>> 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
> Thank you for posting this and for getting the information. I figured that
> the above was the reason I had the 15 cent texting charge.
>
> Q: What if I made a change on the Internet site and I also made a change
> to my phone, but did not sync them? If I just make the changes, with no
> uploading or downloading, it shouldn't cost 15 cents, right?
>
> I could see that the data charges might become a problem for some people,
> but I add and delete numbers so seldom that I can't see the charge being
> onerous for me. I'm just happy about having a place where I can keep the
> numbers and get them into a new phone if the thing that transfers numbers
> from an old phone to a new phone breaks. (I hope I'm not getting too
> technical <g>)
>
> The cable or bluetooth connection gear is still going to be a lot more
> expensive than a 15 cent charge two or three times a year.
>
> The problem with the cables is that they are limited to only that phone. I
> have a perfectly good mobile office kit for my last Motorola phone sitting
> in a closet. I hate paying $40 or so for a cable when I'm getting a new
> phone every 2 years.
>
> As for the bluetooth thing, I have to confess I have one of those
> earpieces and I never use it. Until I see the little thing in their ears,
> I always think people are running around talking to themselves.
>
> --
> Janet Wilder
> Bad spelling. Bad punctuation
> Good Friends. Good Life
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
>>
>
>
At 11 Jan 2008 08:58:08 -0500 RBM wrote:
> 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.
Perhaps, but the function of the tool is primarily to backup the phone's
data, rather than serve as an Exchange Server.
That's probably why they call it "Backup Assistant" rather than
"Syncronization Assistant." ;-)
My point was not regarding it's functions or it's name, only that it is not
free.
"Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in message
news:fm8bvi$j49$1@aioe.org...
> At 11 Jan 2008 08:58:08 -0500 RBM wrote:
>> People like myself need to add , delete , and edit info in my phone book,
>> pretty much weekly. If I had to do this on the phone, it would take
> forever.
>> It takes a fraction of the time doing it on a form on my PC then
> downloading
>> it to the phone, so for me, there would be no getting around the auto
> sync
>> button.
>
>
> Perhaps, but the function of the tool is primarily to backup the phone's
> data, rather than serve as an Exchange Server.
>
> That's probably why they call it "Backup Assistant" rather than
> "Syncronization Assistant." ;-)
>
>
>
> My point was not regarding it's functions or it's name, only that it
> is not free.
I understand- I was just pointing out that for it's _main_ purpose- backing
up the phone, it IS free. Other features (like pushing PC-entered contacts
to the phone) have a nominal cost.
You are absolutely correct, if it's used as a backup application it works
perfectly fine and essentially only costs anything when you restore. My
issue is that the application does more than backup and restore,
"By logging in to your account at Backup Assistant's Web Portal, you will
have full access to your phone's address book. You can view, print, add,
delete and edit contacts. Once changes are made, they can be pushed to your
phone at the click of a button!"
and if you use it for editing etc. those fifteen cent charges will add up,
where as the Bitpim application is free to download and free to use
"Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in message
news:fm8qdp$vqf$1@aioe.org...
> At 11 Jan 2008 15:11:02 -0500 RBM wrote:
>
>> My point was not regarding it's functions or it's name, only that it
>> is not free.
>
>
> I understand- I was just pointing out that for it's _main_ purpose-
> backing
> up the phone, it IS free. Other features (like pushing PC-entered
> contacts
> to the phone) have a nominal cost.
>
>
> You are absolutely correct, if it's used as a backup application
> it works perfectly fine and essentially only costs anything when
> you restore. My issue is that the application does more than
> backup and restore,
>
> "By logging in to your account at Backup Assistant's Web Portal,
> you will have full access to your phone's address book. You can
> view, print, add, delete and edit contacts. Once changes are made,
> they can be pushed to your phone at the click of a button!"
>
> and if you use it for editing etc. those fifteen cent charges
> will add up, where as the Bitpim application is free to download
> and free to use
And much more importantly to me, BitPim keeps the phonebook on MY
computer where I can protect it against loss or corruption of data
rather than let Verizon (or anyone else) have the ability to totally
fubar the file(s).
--
XS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
That is correct. That is what Todd said as well, but if you do want to make
changes, or edit from the website, which is a hell of a lot easier than
doing it on a phone with no keyboard, it's a fifteen cent charge to download
to the phone, so, only part of the app is actually free. Bitpim is
completely free
"Dave Rudisill" <denali@alaska.net> wrote in message
newsprho350r9uitq1stive933ee8mbc5ahpg@4ax.com...
> >"Dean" <dean173@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>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.
>
> Yep. No airtime, no message charges.
>
> --
> Dave
Dave, try using the settings for the VX8300. Lots of phone models aren't
listed but it works using similar phone models and if you have a BT adapter
on your pc, go that route, works like a charm
"Dave Rudisill" <denali@alaska.net> wrote in message
news:i70io3tsu60nhpvvhc4qpnnrb9cm00223e@4ax.com...
> >"RBM" <rbm@noemail.com> wrote:
>
>>"Dave Rudisill" <denali@alaska.net> wrote in message
>>newsprho350r9uitq1stive933ee8mbc5ahpg@4ax.com. ..
>>> >"Dean" <dean173@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>>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.
>>>
>>> Yep. No airtime, no message charges.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Dave
>>
>
>>That is correct. That is what Todd said as well, but if you do want to
>>make
>>changes, or edit from the website, which is a hell of a lot easier than
>>doing it on a phone with no keyboard, it's a fifteen cent charge to
>>download
>>to the phone, so, only part of the app is actually free. Bitpim is
>>completely free
>>
>>
> I have never downloaded to the phone. I guess that's why I was unaware
> of that cost.
>
> I'm waiting for BitPim to become available for the LG VX-8350.
>
> --
> Dave
> And much more importantly to me, BitPim keeps the phonebook on MY
> computer where I can protect it against loss or corruption of data
> rather than let Verizon (or anyone else) have the ability to totally
> fubar the file(s).
Or, you can have the best of both worlds and let Verizon store a backup as
well in case you have a total disaster onyour end. My WinMo phone's
contacts are backed up on my phone's external memory chip, my PC, and over-
the-air to a hosted Exchange server.
> At 12 Jan 2008 09:42:40 -0700 XS11E wrote:
>
>> And much more importantly to me, BitPim keeps the phonebook on MY
>> computer where I can protect it against loss or corruption of
>> data rather than let Verizon (or anyone else) have the ability to
>> totally fubar the file(s).
>
> Or, you can have the best of both worlds and let Verizon store a
> backup as well in case you have a total disaster on your end. My
> WinMo phone's contacts are backed up on my phone's external memory
> chip, my PC, and over- the-air to a hosted Exchange server.
Probably overkill, everything on my computer is imaged to a removable
harddrive regularly and, for files such as my phonebook, is copied to a
flash drive as well. One more couldn't hurt, there's no such thing as
too many backups...
--
XS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
On Jan 12, 10:05*am, Dave Rudisill <den...@alaska.net> wrote:
> >"RBM" <r...@noemail.com> wrote:
> >"Dave Rudisill" <den...@alaska.net> wrote in message
> >newsprho350r9uitq1stive933ee8mbc5ahpg@4ax.com.. .
> >> >"Dean" <dean...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >>>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.
>
> >> Yep. No airtime, no message charges.
>
> >> --
> >> Dave
>
> >That is correct. That is what Todd said as well, but if you do want to make
> >changes, or edit from the website, which is a hell of a lot easier than
> >doing it on a phone with no keyboard, it's a fifteen cent charge to download
> >to the phone, so, only part of the app is actually free. Bitpim is
> >completely free
>
> I have never downloaded to the phone. I guess that's why I was unaware
> of that cost.
>
> I'm waiting for BitPim to become available for the LG VX-8350.
>
> --
> Dave- Hide quotedtext-
>
> - Show quotedtext-
The latest version does have the VX-8350. I think it was added around
December. Just got the phone so only know the present. /Dan
On Jan 11, 5:58*am, "RBM" <r...@noemail.com> wrote:
> 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" <dean...@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 onetext
> > 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" <r...@noemail.com> wrote in message
> >news:47867ad8$0$9157$607ed4bc@cv.net...
> >> After our discussion regardingtextcharges 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). StandardTextMessagingrates apply when you initiate contacts
> >> synchronization from the Backup Assistant website."
>
> >> * I'm trying to figure out when the "TextMessaging" rates apply. In
> >> using
> >> backup assistant, how exactly or when exactly, do I incur atextcharge?
>
> >> Thank you, Roy M
>
> >> Dear Mr. M,
>
> >> Thank you for contactingVerizonWireless through our website. *My name
> >> is Terrence, and I am happy to assist you regarding when you incur atext
> >>messagingcharge 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
> >> standardTextmessagingcost applied to their monthlyVerizonWireless
> >> 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 usingVerizonWireless.
> >> Should you have additional questions or concerns, please reply to this
> >> e-mail.
>
> >> Sincerely,
>
> >> Terrence
> >>VerizonWireless
> >> CustomerService
>
> >> In conclusion, each time the "auto sync" button is used from the VZW
> >> website it costs you fifteen cents unless you have atextor data plan- Hide quotedtext-
>
> - Show quotedtext-
If you turn off the "Auto-sync" in the profile it will not auto-sync
when you log off (no 15c charge). It will still sync when your phone
requests it at the next time period. Also, when you get a new phone
(I just did), when you install Backup Assistant it will ask to
download all the phonebook. I have text messages blocked since I got
more spam (maybe 3 a year) than real (0 a year) so I never noticed the
text charge for autosync until I read it on the site after getting the
new phone and checking it out. Maybe I was not getting auto-sync
updates even though I had the check box ON? /Dan
On Jan 12, 9:17*am, "RBM" <r...@noemail.com> wrote:
> That is correct. That is what Todd said as well, but if you do want to make
> changes, or edit from the website, which is a hell of a lot easier than
> doing it on a phone with no keyboard, it's a fifteen cent charge to download
> to the phone, so, only part of the app is actually free. Bitpim is
> completely free
>
> "Dave Rudisill" <den...@alaska.net> wrote in message
>
> newsprho350r9uitq1stive933ee8mbc5ahpg@4ax.com...
>
>
>
> > >"Dean" <dean...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >>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.
>
> > Yep. No airtime, no message charges.
>
> > --
> > Dave- Hide quotedtext-
>
> - Show quotedtext-
Backup Assistant has a profile option to NOT auto-sync when you log
off. It will still sync for free at the next time the phone requests
is. I have text message blocked so even when I had auto-sync ON, I am
not sure it was doing anything. I got a new phone and after you
install Backup Asst. from Get it Now it asks if you want download the
phonebook, so no cost there either. The new 20c for each way of a
text message is crazy relative to call costs. The 10c recieve, 2c
send was borderline. I guess they want to force any tha use it some
to get a plan. /Dan
Backup Assistant -Text charges 
prho350r9uitq1stive933ee8mbc5ahpg@4ax.com...
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