Cingular Wireless to impose $5 surcharge on non-GSM phones - Page 2

LeMansX5 · #11 08-01-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gresch

Cingular is just doing what everyone knew they would do when they merged with AT&T, and that is dump their old network and move everyone to AT&T's GSM network, which, outside of major metro areas, isn't very reliable (had AT&T for a few years, switched to Verizon 2 years ago and have had great service)

I think AT&T needs to increase their coverage on GSM. I carry 2 cell phones because the GSM is not covered everywhere but Verizon Qualcomm/CDMA works even in suburbs. I like GSM phones better but for coverage.

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Quicksilver · #12 08-01-2006, 11:06 AM

I understand the issues regarding their network. I just don't agree with the way they are going about trying to get people to change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

GSM is THE world standard, and it makes all the sense in the world for Cingular to want to have as much capacity on that network as possible. If it takes a hit in certain consumer's pocketbooks to get them to switch to the GSM network, I don't have too big of an issue with it.

BradATL · #13 08-01-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gresch

Cingular is just doing what everyone knew they would do when they merged with AT&T, and that is dump their old network and move everyone to AT&T's GSM network

Actually, they are doing the opposite. They are cutting off the old AT&T Wireless network and moving all of the former AT&T Wireless customers on to the Cingular GSM network. They will now just operate one network -- based on GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS technology -- which is the dominant worldwide standard.

SANguru · #14 08-01-2006, 11:35 AM

I have to agree with Jeff that supporting protocols such as TDMA and old technology does cost a lot of money and that 8% of users should have upgraded years ago. However, I don't agree with them doing a surcharge on those users. I generates negative press and is a poor PR move. What they should be doing is coercing the users to upgrade their phones with some plan so they can go to GSM.

Quicksilver · #15 08-01-2006, 11:37 AM

Again

Quote:

Originally Posted by SANguru

I don't agree with them doing a surcharge on those users. I generates negative press and is a poor PR move. What they should be doing is coercing the users to upgrade their phones with some plan so they can go to GSM.

UCrewX5 · #16 08-01-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Again

I disagree. As a user of the GSM network, why should I be forced to subsidize those that insist on keeping phone service on the older TDMA and AMPS network? If they want to stay then they should be the ones that pay the cost to operate and maintain that network. Hence the surcharge (aka - price increase).

blondboinsd · #17 08-01-2006, 11:50 AM

Thats nuts but they really should just offer a discount to people vs a surcharge. On a side note I had verizon since a few mos after It came out, great network but VERY expensive so finally to get Blue Tooth and a cheaper but better contract plus enhanced Mexico roaming I switched to T Mobile and I gotta say I love it, great customer service, awesome reliability and I have noticed no difference in quality at all.

Quicksilver · #18 08-01-2006, 11:56 AM

Really??? Got rid of em. Never got my messages, no service at my house, and lots of dropped calls

Quote:

Originally Posted by blondboinsd

T Mobile and I gotta say I love it, great customer service, awesome reliability and I have noticed no difference in quality at all.

Quicksilver · #19 08-01-2006, 12:03 PM

Because that was the choice of service the company offered at the time Service they touted with a great deal of fanfare i might add. Sure you expect the company to make advancement in technology but you also expect a company not to bash it's loyal customers who bought a product that the company advertised and supported as being the next big thing. I believe there has to be a better way to treat customers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

I disagree. As a user of the GSM network, why should I be forced to subsidize those that insist on keeping phone service on the older TDMA and AMPS network?

blondboinsd · #20 08-01-2006, 12:04 PM

Yeah, I was really nervous about that too but I got a great deal, 2 RAZR's for 100.00 (gave one to Dad) and 1500 anytime plus unlimited nights and weekends for 49.99 which was less then half of what I was paying. Unlike Verizon if Tmobile drops it DROPS where Verizon will go in and out. For all the hilly areas near my parents where cell is always sketchy, its sketchy in the same areas as Verizon was, works great in Mexico and everywhere else I needed it. On a side note, I bought an aftermarket unlocked SLVR L6 and it exclusively roams on Cingular towers vs T mobile towers but I don't get charged roaming because my plan is a no roam in the US plan so I'm a happy camper!

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