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Cody Dawg · Jul 12, 2006, 08:47 AM

I am a former AT&T Wireless customer who was "switched" to Cingular two years ago in August when Cingular bought AT&T Wireless.

I had enjoyed 5 years of fine service with AT&T Wireless.

However, when Cingular bought AT&T Wireless all of that changed.

I started having dropped calls - sometimes as many as 7 times in 5 minutes even when dialing someone in my own area on another AT&T wireless telephone - and when I complained I was told that "Cingular is currently upgrading towers in my area and it would soon be fixed." It never happened.

But something even more significant occurred.

I had always paid for a warranty or replacement plan monthly in the event that I lost my cell phone or it became damaged.

In September of that year (2004) my phone was having a problem with the LCD. I called Cingular (previously AT&T Wireless) and tried to exercise my right to obtain a replacement cell phone under the warranty that I had paid for - for years - yet had never previously utilized. I expected that I could use it now that I needed a new phone, any phone, even a refurbished AT&T phone would have been fine.

It turns out that Cingular told me, "We don't have any AT&T phones left. They are no longer made. The AT&T phones use a different SIM card and we don't make them any longer." They, and their supposed "warranty service" (a separate division) denied me a replacement phone.

Instead, they then told me that to get a new telephone I would have to "switch to Cingular and then I could get a new Cingular cell phone with a new contract." I did not want to sign a new contract, especially since they could not come close with the current contract I had with AT&T Wireless in terms of money and minutes. Also, in principle, I felt I was being coerced - forcibly - by them. I refused to sign a Cingular contract and they refused to give me a new cell phone even though I had a warranty. On one memorable occasion the Cingular rep said, "I'm not supposed to tell you this, but have you thought about going on eBay and trying to find an older AT&T cell phone? That's what I suggest."

I have argued about 3 to 4 times a year with Cingular about how my cell phone is falling apart and how I need a new telephone or I want out of the contract because of equipment failure. Cingular refused both, but continued to try to coerce me into signing a new contract. This has gone on for the last two years. My cell phone looks like it has been used in field operations in the Gaza strip or Iraq by now and does not hold a charge. It is useless except only for voice mail. Still, I cannot change my contract without huge financial penalties or without signing a new Cingular contract according to Cingular.

Last Friday an attorney in Seattle filed a class action lawsuit against Cingular Wireless on behalf of all former AT&T customers.

AT&T customers were promised better service when Cingular bought out AT&T Wireless. Instead, they lost service in some areas, experienced an increased number of dropped calls and got worse reception, according to a lawsuit that seeks class action status. Adding insult to injury, many were forced to pay "transfer" fees to switch to Cingular or hefty sums to get out of their contracts.

Knowing of the lawsuit ast Friday I once again called Cingular and demanded to be let out of my contract due to the fact that my cell phone is falling apart and I cannot use it. (I truly cannot.) I told them that I was aware of their failures, as evidenced by thousands, if not millions of other former AT&T Wireless customers, and the lawsuit. The representative told me, "We are sorry for the inconvenience. Cingular is currently 'converting' AT&T customers over. When we are through we will be able to offer you a discounted telephone." I said, "That's not soon enough. I have been waiting for two years already AND I have a supposed cell phone replacement warranty that I paid for." This representative, by the name of Vernon in North Carolina, put me on hold then came back on and said, "I have good news. I can sell you a new cell phone right away for $75 if you will convert over to Cingular." I said, "I'm not converting, Vernon, and I am not paying for a new cell phone when I have paid for a warranty that replaces my cell phone for free. I want out of my contract." He then said, "Well, we will place a liquidation order to terminate your service at the end of this month, however, there will be fees associated with terminating the contract." I said, "Even though I am terminating because you cannot live up to your equipment warranty?" He said, "Yes, I am afraid so."

So, that is where things stand.

I want each and every former AT&T Wireless customer, now Cingular, to know about this lawsuit and remember to follow the lawsuit and if you also have complaints, write to the attorney who is handling this class action lawsuit, Michael Withey of Seattle, to voice your own complaints and experiences.

This is not about money, but about principle.

I am also curious to hear what, if any, other experiences others have had with Cingular, especially if they are former AT&T Wireless customers.

macintologist · Jul 12, 2006, 08:52 AM

America seems to never get it right with cell phone service. It's so crap in this country.

It should be like this: The telecom companies like Cingular and Sprint provide the plan, the reception, and then customers are supposed to go to the electronics store and pick out their own phone and buy it outright rather than be tied to these retarded plans and locks.

Idiots

mindwaves · 11:17 AM

Former AT&T and now Cingular customer here. Service with AT&T stinks and service with Cingular stinks even more. I always get dropped calls and I hardly ever get a signal where I live (along with everyone else there) and even when I have full bars, I still get dropped calls. Definitely cancelling with them whenever my contract expires and going back to T-Mobile. Only reason why I switched over was because of the better phone offer which was a hassle in iteself to get.

Cody Dawg · Jul 12, 2006, 08:55 AM

Just be sure to write to Michael Withey here if only to add your name to the pool of former AT&T Wireless customers who might (probably) were affected:

Michael Withey, Esq.
200 Second Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119-4204

RE: Cingular Lawsuit Complaints

macintologist · Jul 12, 2006, 08:56 AM

T-mobile, nice choice. They are the onle cell phone company in America whose SMS system is capable of letting you send SMS messages to Europe and Asia.

Dakar · Jul 12, 2006, 08:57 AM

Never had a problem with Cingular, but then again, I'm not on the phone 24/7.

macroy · Jul 12, 2006, 09:02 AM

heh - switched to Cingular from T-mobile about a year ago since T-mobile serviced sucked where I was (although I think it may have more to do with my phone). In anycase, I never had worse service than with Cingular (coverage, not customer). Thus, since my new company was willing to get me a new Motorola Q and service with Verizon... I jumped at the chance. Especially since my contract was done and I was on month to month.

The cancellation went fine.. they said I'll be billed for the remainder. No problem... and two days ago, I got my bill ... and it said "PAST DUE" ... huh? So I sat down on my computer yesterday and paid that bill via online banking. And guess what came in the mail yesterday afternoon? A letter from Cingular stating that they are going to a collection agency for my past due payment. WTF!!!?!?!

Glad I'm done with Cingular. Verizon's coverage can't be beat imo.... Their phones selection just typically suck... but that's changing I think.

ghporter · Jul 12, 2006, 09:08 AM

I became an AT&T Wireless customer when they took over Cellular One in the 90's. They were fine for me. When Cingular bought AT&T Wireless, it looked like we'd get the shaft. But instead, Cingular finally figured out that they needed to provide customer service and they have started to do so.

My coverage here is much better than before, and I know of very few places where I might lose calls-mostly within the depths of very large buildings. I won't say I'm extatic about Cingular, but they have not treated me badly.

ort888 · Jul 12, 2006, 09:24 AM

I've been with Cingular for about 4 years now and have been pleased with their service. Sounds like you are getting the shaft though. I can't say I blame you for being ticked off.

Cody Dawg · Jul 12, 2006, 09:25 AM

Were you with Cingular before they took over AT&T Wireless, ort888?

tooki · 09:39 AM

I'm a former ATTWS-now-Cingular customer, and while my experience hasn't been flawless, it's not been bad.

For a while, I did have problems with reception at my house, but it really did get fixed. Apparently, since Cingular and ATTWS had many overlapping antennas in their networks (the "orange" and "blue" networks, resp.), any time a blue antenna needed service, it would not be repaired if an orange antenna was already servicing the area. Instead, it would eventually fail and just be removed. What was happening is that my phone began to prefer a closer, but failing, blue antenna rather than the orange one.

Anyway, the only other problems I've had with the transition are:
1. I can't just add a line to my plan. Even though my account has been "transitioned" (that is, my bill changed shape and format, and I got a new account number), I can't add a line because they can't mix and match "blue" and "orange" phones on a plan, and they can't add new "blue" phones -- they all need to have "orange" SIM cards, but the phones of course are all locked. If I want to get my BF a phone on a family plan, I either have to somehow get my phone unlocked and switch it to orange, or buy two new phones. Either way, it requires a new contract.
2. After the account transition, one of my friends (who chose Cingular mostly because he and I could then talk for free) started being billed regularly instead of as free mobile-to-mobile. Though the customer service reps have been completely helpful in correcting each bill, it basically means that every month, I have to call and get my bill adjusted, since I'm being incorrectly billed huge overages. They have an open investigation going on for me.
3. Cingular's "orange" phone call centers are not open 24/7, as are the "blue" call centers. They also seem to have more call center problems/outages than the "blue" ones. The quality of the call center reps has been excellent with both.

Note that in all of the above, "transitioned" means specifically that your bill changed shape (from longer tri-fold to squarer bi-fold) and that you got a new account number. The fact that your phone shows "Cingular" on the screen, or that your tri-fold bills say Cingular on top, does not mean you've been transitioned.

On the positive side: I've had little problems with service quality overall. I know of one big dead spot near me, but other than that I have no trouble. Also, the thing about Cingular not being able to send international SMS is hogwash. I send SMSes to Europe just fine, and I receive them, too.

tooki

IceEnclosure · Jul 12, 2006, 09:45 AM

Experiences vary. And I can send/receive SMS fine with Cingular too.

macintologist · Jul 12, 2006, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by IceEnclosure

Experiences vary. And I can send/receive SMS fine with Cingular too.

But not to people around the world. Only to US cell phone users.

turtle777 · Jul 12, 2006, 10:36 AM

One more vote for T-Mobile.

Verizon's service is ok, but the phones suck balls big time.

-t

Landos Mustache · Jul 12, 2006, 10:38 AM

I'd just get a new phone off ebay and cancel with them when your contract runs out.

LordOfSkirts · Jul 12, 2006, 10:40 AM

I feel some of your pain. I used to be a SUNCOM customer. That company ROCKED. I had a badass phone, and I had 600 anytime minutes and unlimited nights and weekends starting at 8pm for only $40 a month. Try to find a plan like that today. Then AT&T bought Suncom, and I was 'forced' to switch to AT&T. Same problems you're describing. I was forced to get a new phone, and I had to renew my contract, with a shittier plan for more money. So then I had AT&T, and then cingular took over.

Same thing happened to me. I was using an AT&T Nokia phone, and I was FORCED to renew my plan, and get a new phone..... but I wasn't charged for a new phone when I renewed my contract, it was free. They sent me an LG1300 or something... and it was THE ABSOLUTE SHITTIEST PHONE I HAVE EVER HAD. Talk about dropped calls, this thing got total DICK for reception. I HATE this phone. A week ago I threw it on the floor (for the millionth time, I do it everytime it drops a call) and the LCD broke. I went into cingular, they amde me renew my contract again and gave me a phone for $50.

Honestly dude... just renew your contract. It sucks, but it's much cheaper and less of a hassle than dealing with a crap phone. It's like AT&T SBC Yahoo. You pay $15 a month for DSL during your '1 yr contract'. Once that it is up, you pay $45 a month but it's now a monthly contract. Which would you rather do?

RAILhead · Jul 12, 2006, 10:47 AM

Our whole company uses Verizon and we all live happily ever current or whatever.

brassplayersrock² · Jul 12, 2006, 10:52 AM

i too am a former at&t now cingular person. i've not had a problem with my phone service at all. always full bars unless im underground. only little thing is that if my already sent out pay is late by a couple days due to snailmail than they shut my phone down, and i have to call them up and tell them its on the way

turtle777 · Jul 12, 2006, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

Our whole company uses Verizon and we all live happily ever current or whatever.

****, my company, too.

They got bribed by Verizon. We used to have a choice of Verizon and T-Mobile. I had a Razr with T-Mobile, now I have an LG piece of sh!t phone. No BT, doesn't take SIM cards, doesn't work in Mexico or overseas. F$%^**&. I'm gonna leave my company phone inb my office in the drawer. Not running around with that POS.

-t

LordOfSkirts · Jul 12, 2006, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

Our whole company uses Verizon and we all live happily ever current or whatever.

Verizon is one company who will never get my money.

http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,36210,00.html

They try to shut down any site that is critical of them. Screw that.

RAILhead · Jul 12, 2006, 10:57 AM

I like my LG phone. I've never had any issues with my service after, oh, about 5 years of being a customer.

RAILhead · Jul 12, 2006, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by LordOfSkirts

Verizon is one company who will never get my money.

http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,36210,00.html

They try to shut down any site that is critical of them. Screw that.

Holing a grudge for almost 7 years? No wonder you're such a whiney sissy.

turtle777 · Jul 12, 2006, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by LordOfSkirts

Verizon is one company who will never get my money.

http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,36210,00.html
.

Just to prove his point, Goldstein then registered another domain name:

wwvv.VerizonShouldSpendMoreTimeFixingItsNetworkAnd LessMoneyOnLawyers.com

-t

IceEnclosure · Jul 12, 2006, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by macintologist

But not to people around the world. Only to US cell phone users.

wrong, wrong, wrong. thank you.

LordOfSkirts · Jul 12, 2006, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

Just to prove his point, Goldstein then registered another domain name:

wwvv.VerizonShouldSpendMoreTimeFixingItsNetworkAnd LessMoneyOnLawyers.com

-t

2600 4 ever!!!11!1!!!!!

Dakar · Jul 12, 2006, 11:07 AM

I'm not particularly fond of how Verizon cripples their phones.

brassplayersrock² · Jul 12, 2006, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

Holing a grudge for almost 7 years? No wonder you're such a whiney sissy.

feçk off

LordOfSkirts · Jul 12, 2006, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

Holing a grudge for almost 7 years? No wonder you're such a whiney sissy.

It's just an example of what kind of company Verizon is, and how they like to run things. So no thanks, I won't do business with them. Ever.

davesimondotcom · Jul 12, 2006, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar

I'm not particularly fond of how Verizon cripples their phones.

That's really the only niggle I have with Verizon.

I love my E815 and I have very positive customer service experience (on the phone, going into the store is inviting yourself to stand around for an hour.)

This includes a time when I signed up for National Access internet plan for two weeks, cancelled and their billing system didn't record that I was signed up. So the next month, I got a bill for something like $700. Called them at 8 PM on a Sunday and by Monday at noon, they had credited back $550+.

My wife likes the E815 as well. It's a bit big, but feature packed and tough as nails. Originally, I got it because it was the only non-LG phone they had that was Bluetooth (well, there was the E710, but it's the same phone, newer model.)

Of course, our choices were at the time between Cellular One (which was my carrier for 8+ years and never gave me a positive experience, just was the only choice for most of that time - this was before number portability) and Verizon.

Now that Celluar One is Alltel, the choices they offer in phones is MUCH improved, so they might be worth a shot next time I'm a "free agent" in the contract wars.

Things I like about Verizon:

Good customer service (in my experience)
No roaming nationwide
Reasonable service plans for me and my wife
Good phone
Most of my friends are Verizon so I can call/txt/pix them for free

Things I don't like:

Crippled good phone - can't use OBEX without hacking my phone (and voiding contract)

Landos Mustache · Jul 12, 2006, 11:33 AM

Do any US carriers charge roaming?

tooki · Jul 12, 2006, 04:42 PM

Not if you go with the usual national plans.

tooki

tooki · Jul 12, 2006, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

Holing a grudge for almost 7 years? No wonder you're such a whiney sissy.

Hey, knock it off. Name calling is unacceptable.

tooki

Cody Dawg · Jul 12, 2006, 07:45 PM

Just to let some of you know (some of you are PMing me about this information) here you go if you want to participate in any way including voicing your personal complaints:

We e are asking AT&T customers to contact us via cingular@consumerwatchdog.com or by writing us directly.

Coneff, et al. v. AT&T, et al.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

In order to best represent the class, it is our goal to create a database of information from numerous class members who have contacted us. It is important that we obtain at least the same information from each person who has contacted whether by telephone or e-mail or by letter. The questionnaire should be used as a guide to following up with individuals who have contacted us. In addition, the people you contact may have numerous questions. Remind them that we are not representing them yet and are providing them no legal advice.

Here are some examples of some questions and possible answers:

Definition of the class: Subscribers to AT&T Wireless in the United States as of October 26, 2004 (the “Class”).

• What is the next step in the lawsuit?

Answer: The defendants will be required to answer the complaint. There will be a period of time for mutual discovery of information from both sides. The named plaintiffs will also bring a motion for class certification which will be ruled upon by the court. We anticipate that the defendants will attempt to get the case dismissed on the grounds that the mandatory arbitration clause in the AT&T contract with its customers bars civil litigation and, in particular class action litigation. Other motions to dismiss or for summary judgment will also be litigated.

We expect the Court to set a trial date for 18 to 24 months from the date of filing.

• How do I join the lawsuit?

After we take your information from you we will make a determination whether you fall within the class that we have alleged and, if so, whether you will be eligible to be a class representative in this or companion cases?

• If I am not a class representative, do I need to do anything to join the class?

If a class is certified, you do not need to “opt in” to the class. Rather, you will be given the opportunity to “opt out” if you desire not to be part of the class. Your providing us with this information is very helpful for the court’s consideration of Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification. If the class action is successful, you will then probably be required to complete a claim form indicating your losses and damages.

• Should I contact AT&T or the FCC?

We can provide you no legal advice as to your best options. As a customer of AT&T you are certainly entitle to contact them or any Federal or state agency that has jurisdiction over them in order to register your complaints.

• Should I keep my records?

We would advise you to retain copies of your cellular phone records, any correspondence with AT&T and any documents from AT&T. Also, make a notation of the and dates and times of any telephone calls you made to them or other governmental agencies.

Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Withey Coluccio
200 Second Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119-4204
206-448-1777
Fax: 206-728-2131
www.stritmatter.com

For more information about the nationwide class and the class action lawsuit, visit the website of The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) at: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corp...larcomplaints/.

I urge everyone with a complaint about their experience to contact the attorneys handling this matter directly and to let others know that there is a class action lawsuit.

Good luck everyone!

Stratus Fear · Jul 12, 2006, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by macintologist

America seems to never get it right with cell phone service. It's so crap in this country.

It should be like this: The telecom companies like Cingular and Sprint provide the plan, the reception, and then customers are supposed to go to the electronics store and pick out their own phone and buy it outright rather than be tied to these retarded plans and locks.

Idiots

I would love if it was that way from the get go. Phone are a bit expensive by themselves, but that way I wouldn't be tied to a contract either. As it is, I've been with T-Mobile since 2002, and haven't bought a phone from T-Mobile since Jan. 2004 (only ever had the original and another), and I don't plan to. Shame it can be a pain sometimes -- eBay and random websites are the easiest places to get non-subsidized phones. As I understand, you can realistically do it either way in some countries in Europe. Choice would be good, wouldn't it? Not to mention a better choice of phones.

Stratus Fear · Jul 12, 2006, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by mindwaves

Former AT&T and now Cingular customer here. Service with AT&T stinks and service with Cingular stinks even more. I always get dropped calls and I hardly ever get a signal where I live (along with everyone else there) and even when I have full bars, I still get dropped calls. Definitely cancelling with them whenever my contract expires and going back to T-Mobile. Only reason why I switched over was because of the better phone offer which was a hassle in iteself to get.

Why did you ever leave? For an American carrier, T-Mobile's service in covered areas is usually pretty good (haven't had a dropped call that was their network's fault in quite a while), the plans are great and the customer service is good.

Stratus Fear · Jul 12, 2006, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by LordOfSkirts

I had a badass phone, and I had 600 anytime minutes and unlimited nights and weekends starting at 8pm for only $40 a month. Try to find a plan like that today.

T-Mobile has a plan like that. I think nights start at 9pm though.

Cody Dawg · Jul 13, 2006, 08:40 AM

My "plan" that I had with AT&T was 1400 anytime minutes and free 7pm to 7am and weekends free.

$79.

Of course Cingular can't touch it with a 10-foot pole.

And I won't sign a new contract with them because they demand 2 years on a contract and they screwed me over on everything else. Bastards.

scottiB · Jul 13, 2006, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

My "plan" that I had with AT&T was 1400 anytime minutes and free 7pm to 7am and weekends free.

$79.

Of course Cingular can't touch it with a 10-foot pole.

And I won't sign a new contract with them because they demand 2 years on a contract and they screwed me over on everything else. Bastards.

That's my plan now. I re-upped with ATT right before the switch. The contract expires in October.

I plan on just holding on to my ATT phones after my contract expires. I've moved from Michigan to Maryland, so locals will just have to call long distance to reach me

.

Cody Dawg · Jul 14, 2006, 05:14 AM

Same deal here.

The attorney who is handling the class action suit said not to terminate early (as I was planning to do) and I may become a plaintiff in this case. (Which I would love to do.)

Interesting enough, when I called Cingular to ask questions it turns out that they have divided accounts into "Pre-merger AT&T" and there is a separate division for that and then Cingular accounts. I requested a copy of the contract from Cingular and they said, "We don't seem to have one for you."

Just more BS.

mac128k-1984 · Jul 14, 2006, 06:05 AM

I've been pretty pleased with Cingluar. There network isn't as expansive as Verizons so we get a few deadspots/weak signals and for that reason my wife and I may switch.

The only thing that is bugging me with cingular is that we both signed up for a 1 year contract but their records show she has a 2 year contract and we now have to prove it was only year. Like I'm going to find the contract after nearly a year has passed by.

Overall if I need to make a phone call I can, and for me that's the important fact. I feel no brand loyalty to any cell phone company and if t-Mobile or Verizon has a better deal we'll jump ship and at the moment our best bet is verizon.

Eriamjh · Jul 14, 2006, 06:59 AM

If Cingular won't honor the warrantee then you can argue they can't charge you a cancellation fee since you do not have an agreement with them to pay one. Cancellation fees are arguably illegal in many circumstances, although any lawyer fees make them not worth fighting.

Are you going on a month-by-month basis now? Is that why you won't sign a new contract? If you continue to use a cell phone, why not just sign up (with anyone)? Use this as a chance to get a good plan from someone, anyone!

Just like Cody mentioned, ask about the terms of your contract today. If they "don't seem to have one" then maybe you have an "out". No contract means you should be able to get out of anything even without a fee. Their terms don't apply to you.

Let us know what happens. And remember that class-action suits only make money for the lawyers. You'd probably win a $5 gift card or a small discount on a new contract which still makes Cingular money because they have your business!

MRTrauffer · Jul 14, 2006, 08:29 PM

I've been with Cingular ever since they bought out BellSouth Mobility. There was a period of time where coverage in my area was really terrible. Even other people on my street were having the same trouble, but I do have to give credit to Cingular though, as they actually sent some engineers out to test the signal in our area, and found that there were some trees that were blocking a good portion of the signal or something.

But I have since moved to a metro area, where I've had no trouble at all with coverage or dropped calls.

As far as them honoring my warranty/phone insurance...no problems there. And my experiences with their customer service have been great.

kupan787 · Jul 15, 2006, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by Stratus Fear

T-Mobile has a plan like that. I think nights start at 9pm though.

Another vote for T-mobile.

I was an AT&T customer, but switched to Verizon just before the whole Cingular transition. One year ago I switched over to T-Mobile (because of plans and phone). My total plan is $59.99 for 1000 anytime, unlimited nights/weekends, unlimited internet (and real internet, not crappy mobile internet), unlimited text, unlimited email. If I dropped the internet, texting, and email it would only be $39.99. Very good deal. And I have had no problems with the service, coverage area, or tech support. My coverage seems to be just as good as my old Verizon phone (I haven't run into an area where my current phone doesn't work, but my Verizon phone did).

Cody Dawg · Jul 15, 2006, 10:53 AM

Eriamjh:

I agree. It makes NO sense. No matter what you say to them, they threaten you with destroying your credit - even though they a) Admit that they won't honor the warranty and b) Cannot prove a contract.

It's crazy.

I heard from the attorney who has filed the lawsuit.

I am going to try to be one of the plaintiffs in this lawsuit. I will be #7 or #8 and represent Florida. I am going to let them have all my phone records in discovery and give a deposition if they feel I can be a plaintiff and not just a participant (all former AT&T customers are automatically made participants.)

To me it's not about the money. It's about the principle.

Velocity211 · Jul 15, 2006, 12:36 PM

I was a former At&t wireless customer too, but when it switched to cingular, everything got back. So last month I dropped my At&t service and got real cingular service. Everything is MUCH MUCH better, I didn't get one dropped call yet. Probably because of my new phone, my old phones probably didn't work with cingular's network very well (K700i, K800i) no GSM 850. Maybe because of where I live, everything is better. I'm thinking those Cingular ads are telling the truth.

Kenneth · Jul 15, 2006, 10:12 PM

I re-joined AT&T wireless in Oct/04 with its SE T637 locked phone. It was the time around AT&T Wireless and Cingular were doing the deal. I had a 1-yr contract. As time goes by, my carrier got switched to Cingular. I didn't do anything or extend my contract. My plan was the good old AT&T America Natl. 400+50 additional mins with unlimited night/weekend for $39.99.

In Dec/05, I went out any bought a Nokia 6682 unlocked phone and simply dropped the blue AT&T SIM card into it. It worked fine. I got full signal pretty much all the time in the Seattle area.

Few days ago, I got myself a Sidekick 3 from T-mobile. Basically, I dumped Cingular service all together and switched to T-mobile due to the complicated system with Cingular for AT&T customer.

The Sidekick data plan costs $29.99/mon with unlimited data. I also keep the Nokia 6682 unlocked phone and signed up for the 1500 whenever mins from T-mobile for $39.99.

kupan787 · Jul 16, 2006, 04:22 AM

Originally Posted by Kenneth

The Sidekick data plan costs $29.99/mon with unlimited data.

They increased it?

I was just looking online, and it still is showing as $20/month with a new plan and phone. And I know that I am only paying $20/month for my plan (just upgraded to the Sidekick 3).

Do you have phone service as well, or just data? Maybe that is why it is more if it is just data...

Cody Dawg · Jul 16, 2006, 06:02 AM

Wow! I'll be switching to T-mobile next.

typoon · Jul 16, 2006, 06:12 AM

I've been with Cingular for a while now. (before the ATTWS purchase) I've had great service with them so far. No problems. I must be one of th few who doesn't get dropped calls. I used to but since the ATT purchase their service IMO has gotten better. Much better. Sorry to hear youare having problems with their service.

Kenneth · Jul 16, 2006, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by kupan787

They increased it?

I was just looking online, and it still is showing as $20/month with a new plan and phone. And I know that I am only paying $20/month for my plan (just upgraded to the Sidekick 3).

Do you have phone service as well, or just data? Maybe that is why it is more if it is just data...

Here's the deal, I have 2 separated lines so the cost for the Sidekick unlimited plan is going to be $29.99/mon. The sales rep told me that if you did a family plan on my Nokia 6682 and Sidekick 3, that I will be able to take advantage of the $20/month Sidekick data add-on.

Anyway, I will like to add more about the whole AT&T/Cingular crisis. 4 weeks ago, I sent back my Nokia 6682 for a repair and firmware upgrade. The turnaround time was about 10 - 15 days. I first went to the Cingular.com forum and asked about will my AT&T blue SIM card work on any Cingular phone. Some suggested me to get a Go phone and pop the AT&T SIM card into it, I tried it and it won't work since Cingular-branded phones only talk to Cingular orange SIM cards. I retuned the Go phone the next day.

Days later, I went to the Cingular store and pretended I lost my SIM card. The lady checked my phone number and said since I was a former AT&T subscriber, I must renew my contract in order to get the new Cingular orange SIM card. Screw that since I was about to jump ship, so I went home. My last resort was going back to Compusa and bought an unlocked phone, I bought the Motorola RAZR phone. Since Compusa offered a 21-day no hassle return and no restocking fee, I simply returned the phone. No matter what, the RAZR phone was by far the worst phone I have even used.

Around the same time, T-mobile launched the Sidekick 3 to the public on July 10. I kissed Cingular goodbye.