Cingular To Charge Non-GSM Subscribers
Jul 31, 2006, 7:03 PM by (staff)
Cingular will soon begin charging subscribers with older phones $5 per month. In an effort to get subscribers off of older analog and TDMA handsets, Cingular will begin charging users on the older protocols as early as September. An FCC ruling declared Cingular and others like Verizon must continue to provide analog service until 2008. However the carriers can cut off service earlier if there are no remaining subscribers. The move is designed to convince customers to upgrade so that Cingular can reclaim the spectrum from them. The carrier is currently operating GSM, TDMA and analog services, which is reducing the amount of spectrum Cingular can devote to GSM as well as launching UMTS. Currently 4.7 million subscribers, about 8 percent of Cingular's total, are using TDMA or analog phones on the network.
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Comments
I'm quite amused
At all this whining about how wrong this is. What most of you have to understand is that Cingular already manages 3 and soon to be 4 networks. CDMA analog network, old AT&T customers, the current Cingular network, and the up and coming 3G network. All three of which run on different technologies. The idea of charging people to get off CDMA is because its costing Cingular a lot of money to keep that network up, just as keeping the AT&T network is also becoming largely costly and will eventually become non-existent also. Technology moves and changes, that fact that stuborn and ignorant people don't want to isn't anyone's problem. Watching them go to sprint/nextel would be amusing, seeing as I feel sorry that two companies with two completely d...
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First and foremost, when you said CDMA in your post, you meant TDMA.
Secondly, The AT&T network, to the best of my knowledge, is no longer "managed". If I'm not mistaken the networks are now fully integrated, and there's only one to manage.
The...
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Secondly, The AT&T network, to the best of my knowledge, is no longer "managed". If I'm not mistaken the networks are now fully integrated, and there's only one to manage.
The...
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Damn I couldn't of said it better myself
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cdma is not analog, the new network, HSDPA is based on a variant of CDMA called W-CDMA which has nothing to do w/ the CDMA2000 standard, W-CDMA uses the same techniques as CDMA but its incompatible and its a mix of cdma and gsm technology
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Do not understand Cingular or GSM And
I have a couple of different, extra GSM phones. Also a GSM account, and a TDMA account.
The GSM phones will not dial 911, or 611, *611, when there is no account connected with the phone.
I have tried using and older Sim card in them, still wont work. If I put a current Sim logged in account card, they work just fine.
I have a few TDMA phones, and they are not in use any more, but I can still call 911 on any of them, or 611. *611.
I was under the understanding, all phones would dial, 911.
Also Cingular, does not want to transfer my TDMA phone number, to a GSM phone Sim card.
They want me to take a contract and a new phone.
I do not need another phone.
I now have 2-Motorola V 220, and 2-Motorola Razors 3 phones and several others, al...
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The GSM phones will not dial 911, or 611, *611, when there is no account connected with the phone.
I have tried using and older Sim card in them, still wont work. If I put a current Sim logged in account card, they work just fine.
I have a few TDMA phones, and they are not in use any more, but I can still call 911 on any of them, or 611. *611.
I was under the understanding, all phones would dial, 911.
Also Cingular, does not want to transfer my TDMA phone number, to a GSM phone Sim card.
They want me to take a contract and a new phone.
I do not need another phone.
I now have 2-Motorola V 220, and 2-Motorola Razors 3 phones and several others, al...
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I have a solution
quit crying and upgrade your plan!!!!!!!! Help us reps put food on the table!!!!!!!
phoneguy806 said:
quit crying and upgrade your plan!!!!!!!! Help us reps put food on the table!!!!!!!
Hey, this service isn't free. Customers actually pay for it. It's not like you're doing them any favors.
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I just had a customer, maybe an hour ago with an old technology cingular phone, and the only reason he won't upgrade to a new phone is because of the design.
He's got a candy bar phone a little bigger than a Nokia 6010, and while the size isn't tha...
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He's got a candy bar phone a little bigger than a Nokia 6010, and while the size isn't tha...
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The Answer is PRE-PAID
After reading all the posts it's obvious that the 4.7 million customers consist of elderly folks with bag phones on $15 plans.
These customers are only making cingular lose money by keeping the network around. cingular does not maintain network for free.
When you sign up for a plan you are not just paying for the minutes. You're paying for the features, the network, the customer service. It's ALL included in the price.
You people fail to realize that what your paying for is not all in front of your face. When you buy food at the store, you're paying for the preparation and the shipping, and the packaging of the product, and the employees, not just the food.
The solution for these old people with bag phones is to get pre-paid, an...
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These customers are only making cingular lose money by keeping the network around. cingular does not maintain network for free.
When you sign up for a plan you are not just paying for the minutes. You're paying for the features, the network, the customer service. It's ALL included in the price.
You people fail to realize that what your paying for is not all in front of your face. When you buy food at the store, you're paying for the preparation and the shipping, and the packaging of the product, and the employees, not just the food.
The solution for these old people with bag phones is to get pre-paid, an...
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SkillciaX said:
After reading all the posts it's obvious that the 4.7 million customers consist of elderly folks with bag phones on $15 plans.
Oh, it's obvious is it? Where'd you get your stats? "The Book...
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u can't activate a tdma phone on prepaid anymore
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FYI
This decree is not being implemented nationwide immeadiatly. It will be started in the southeast. Customers will be warned one month prior to the charge being added. They all have the option of upgrading with new contracts and new plans. The vast majority of these customers are on old plans that either have 800 minutes with unlimited nights and weekends and mobile to mobile for twenty or thirty dollars (former At&t plans) or thirty dollar or less "no roaming" plans with Cingular. It's been said before: these customers are costing Cingular dearly. Losing 8 percent of of the customer base will pay off better financially for cingular than to keep these people until February 2008. It sucks for these people, but this is bussiness. If you...
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RX240 said:
If you can't evolve in today's society then you either need to get out of the way or get run over. Sorry.
I think Hitler said something similar back during WWII.
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As an associate for an authorized dealer of Suncom, I see why some of the customers are sticking to analog or TDMA in the great state oc NC. Most of the customers that I converse with live in rural areas where there are no GSM towers to speak off. T...
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This could actually drive those 4.7 million to another carrier...
I guess Cingular could give a crap about being in 1st place.
It could. But you gotta remember, most of those 4.7 million people are on old plans that already got bumped up to at least $30/mo.
they're costing cingular money... why shouldn't cingy try to recoup on their loss?
they're costing cingular money... why shouldn't cingy try to recoup on their loss?
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thats so wrong couldn't they just send them a letter, or offer them some other incentive to switch....charging them 5 bucks! a month is absurd.
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I guess Cingular, or any other analog or CD/TDMA
outfit is suppose to just keep their old equipment running for free? It costs a LOT of money to maintain this old equipment, for just "a few" subscribers. It's a costs/profits situation, and since we ...
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outfit is suppose to just keep their old equipment running for free? It costs a LOT of money to maintain this old equipment, for just "a few" subscribers. It's a costs/profits situation, and since we ...
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Well, think about it. $5 a month from all of these customers is probably making it so that cingular doesn't lose money for the time being.
I mean, $5 x 4,700,000 = $23,500,000.
cingular has probably been losing slightly less than that for the la...
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I mean, $5 x 4,700,000 = $23,500,000.
cingular has probably been losing slightly less than that for the la...
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this is just showing that cingular wants/needs people on their network who actually LIKE forward advancements in technology. If those 4.7 million people wanna leave, Fine. They will just have to get new service anyways. Analog phones use more battery ...
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SprintPCSGuy said:
I guess Cingular could give a crap about being in 1st place.
And I guess 4.7 million customers could give a crap about GSM.
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Verizon Wireless will welcome you with open arms.
So come on over to the nations most reliable network. And we make that claim because we test our own network as well as those of our competitors. Not because we paid some research company to say so.
yes join another wireless company...pick your poison..want ringtones on your phones..pay for them, oh you want to transfer them using bluetooth..oh sorry you will need to download files and pay for it..oh you dont need a plan as high as 700min for a f...
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yesVZW said:
So come on over to the nations most reliable network. And we make that claim because we test our own network as well as those of our competitors. Not because we paid some research company to say so.
N...
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yesVZW said:
So come on over to the nations most reliable network. And we make that claim because we test our own network as well as those of our competitors. Not because we paid some research company to say so.
Y...
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So let me see if I get this right. Verizon is the "most reliable" network because Verizon "tests it's own network". I'm sure these so called tests are on the up and up and Verizon would surely tell us all the test results if they weren't favorable (ye...
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You'll wish you never invited those customers.....
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This is so untrue!! Verizon's service is AWFUL! The service barely even works in the Southeast! In order to attract new customers, Verizon HAS to offer phones very similar to Sprint and Cingular.
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Stupid Companies do Stupid things
I can picture it now. A bunch of business men sitting in a board room deciding the best way to get the TDMA customers to switch.
Lets see folks. How about we offer them new phones for free and not make them extend their contract?
CEO: Ummmmm I dont think so.
Lets see folks. How about we give them a discounted new phone and a discount on their first monthly Bill. Also they won't have to extend their contract.
CEO: Ummm I dont think so.
Lets see folks. How about we sucker them into paying 5 bucks more a month to upset them. This will create 4.7 million irate customers. We also will not give them a phone discount or a discount on their first monthly bill and we'll make them sign a 2 year contract. If they don't like this new pla...
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Lets see folks. How about we offer them new phones for free and not make them extend their contract?
CEO: Ummmmm I dont think so.
Lets see folks. How about we give them a discounted new phone and a discount on their first monthly Bill. Also they won't have to extend their contract.
CEO: Ummm I dont think so.
Lets see folks. How about we sucker them into paying 5 bucks more a month to upset them. This will create 4.7 million irate customers. We also will not give them a phone discount or a discount on their first monthly bill and we'll make them sign a 2 year contract. If they don't like this new pla...
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CEO: Lets see folks. How about we offer them new phones for free and not make them extend their contract?
Team: Sorry sir, we tried that and these people apparently weren't interested.
CEO: Lets see folks. How about we give them a discounted ne...
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Team: Sorry sir, we tried that and these people apparently weren't interested.
CEO: Lets see folks. How about we give them a discounted ne...
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why do customers complain so much. if you are so upset, why not switch to another company, which is gonna offer you about the same deals (1 or 2 year contract required). people just like to bitch about anything, especially low revenue cust who thinks...
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I have TDMA and GSM phones
🤭
I have been with Ameritech, and then with
Cingular, when they changed names, from day one.
I have used all of the types of phones
from the start. Most Motorola a couple of Nokia. Also bags phones and portables and big handhelds, to new Razors.
But now I have to keep both systems when I travel. (TDMAGSM)
The GSM does not have the dependability of the
TDMA.
Numerous times I have been dropped when using the GSM phone.
I did a comparison using both phones, in same car going to St Louis, from Dayton Oh. early morning.
Speaking to same person using both phones, and speaking on two land lines at same had passenger, on both phones.
The GSM lost connection, approximately 18 times, and the TDMA only once in a different location...
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I have been with Ameritech, and then with
Cingular, when they changed names, from day one.
I have used all of the types of phones
from the start. Most Motorola a couple of Nokia. Also bags phones and portables and big handhelds, to new Razors.
But now I have to keep both systems when I travel. (TDMAGSM)
The GSM does not have the dependability of the
TDMA.
Numerous times I have been dropped when using the GSM phone.
I did a comparison using both phones, in same car going to St Louis, from Dayton Oh. early morning.
Speaking to same person using both phones, and speaking on two land lines at same had passenger, on both phones.
The GSM lost connection, approximately 18 times, and the TDMA only once in a different location...
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According to the article linked to by phonescoop, once Cingular can completely drop TDMA, they can concentrate all of their resources on newer technology... so it stands to reason that when they are able to do this, you will *probably* see better resu...
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Dobson Cellular/Cellular One
They are also going to be charging 5 dollars for any Analog or TDMA customer. Dobson from January to April was offering free Upgrades and double minutes on Any GSM plan for life. IMO Dobson was great for this but a small regional carrier cannot afford to keep it going, Cingular however can and should do this instead of charging 5 extra dollars per month.
90% of the problems the carriers whine about could be solved . . .
If they would have started out charging full retail for all equipment and have promotional rate plans instead. The idea is not new - in fact I didn't think of - I read it somewhere else here on this board.
New customer wants service. You show them all the phones at retail price and they buy it and its theirs. No subsidy or locking or anything at all. Write the contracts for 1 or 2 years with a promotional price. Then at the end of the contract term, the price goes back to the month to month rate unless a new contract agreement is signed on a current rate plan. This would almost guarantee people would renew and sign a new current rate plan contract every year or two. It would also show people what the phones cost and if they loose i...
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New customer wants service. You show them all the phones at retail price and they buy it and its theirs. No subsidy or locking or anything at all. Write the contracts for 1 or 2 years with a promotional price. Then at the end of the contract term, the price goes back to the month to month rate unless a new contract agreement is signed on a current rate plan. This would almost guarantee people would renew and sign a new current rate plan contract every year or two. It would also show people what the phones cost and if they loose i...
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Thats actually a very good idea...
Too bad too many customers have gotten it in their mind that cell companies give things away for free if you threaten to cancel...
Too bad too many customers have gotten it in their mind that cell companies give things away for free if you threaten to cancel...
yes i agree also im a consumer and i work for cingular for almost 3 years/store, business to business and now business care for AT&T/Cing to migrate these cust and i hear it all with what they want for free and we can only do so much for them we are n...
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I think that's a great idea, however I couldn't see Cingular doing that at this point. They make too much money on those people that are out of contract, but are content with their service (and phone) and continue to pay faithfully. Plus, the transi...
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The only thing that can solve the problem we have now (what you described) is if all carriers worked together and did this. Back as little as 5 years ago phones were not subsidized and there were a lot fewer problems.
The average price per minute h...
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The average price per minute h...
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I would NEVER sign a contract if I paid full retail for a phone. This idea has been discussed in depth many times, but I cannot see anyone signing a contract while paying full retail; the reason we sign contracts is to get subsidized pricing on phones...
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All this arguing is funny to me!
🤣 I love it when a carrier makes a change in their policy because it provides me with the kind of comic relief that I can only find in these forums. Everyone complains and bitches and moans about every single lil thing, and to be honest I think alot of these companies take turns pissing ppl off just to stir up business. I have upgraded and migrated customers with plans so old I never even heard of them but they loved their plan so much they stayed with it which is cool for them.
Cingular is a huge company and they take advantage of the Capitolist system that we as Americans all enjoy to a point. While charging $5 a/mth extra might sound crappy to these 4.7 mil or so ppl at least they are not changing they plans without their consent ...
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Cingular is a huge company and they take advantage of the Capitolist system that we as Americans all enjoy to a point. While charging $5 a/mth extra might sound crappy to these 4.7 mil or so ppl at least they are not changing they plans without their consent ...
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I agree with you. I would like to add that all these 4.7 million people who have been getting these grandfathered plans for all this time, costing Cingy so much money. This five dollar charge will make up alittle bit back what they have been costing ...
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E911 Fines?
Hrm ... perhaps this $5 charge is to help pay for *possible* fines by the FCC for not having their 95% E911 handset capable phones. In that regard, it would be in Cingular's best interest to market stronger to those customers to upgrade phones rather charge them more and potentially loose them as a customer entirely for raising rates.
...perhaps, just maybe perhaps 😉
...perhaps, just maybe perhaps 😉
maxrebo said:...
Hrm ... perhaps this $5 charge is to help pay for *possible* fines by the FCC for not having their 95% E911 handset capable phones. In that regard, it would be in Cingular's best interest to market stronger to those c
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Maybe they should be more blunt and informative?
Instead of just sending inserts that say "upgrade to a free color flip phone" and such to all the customers they should be more upfront and more informative about what's going on.
I mean how many customers out there know the difference between CDMA, GSM, duel, tri, or quad band that don't work in a cell phone store?
How many customers out there that maybe do know about the technologies know about the upgrades to them, and the importance and benefits of the new phones that go with the upgraded network?
I think cellular companies overall need to be more informative to the customer about the technology. Like maybe stores with interactive hands on things about the technology and what it's all about and why it's better for the customer,...
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I mean how many customers out there know the difference between CDMA, GSM, duel, tri, or quad band that don't work in a cell phone store?
How many customers out there that maybe do know about the technologies know about the upgrades to them, and the importance and benefits of the new phones that go with the upgraded network?
I think cellular companies overall need to be more informative to the customer about the technology. Like maybe stores with interactive hands on things about the technology and what it's all about and why it's better for the customer,...
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Non-GSM better than GSM?
Why dont customers move to GSM? Is it cheaper or is the reception better? What gives?
They think AMPS/TDMA will give them better reception, and GSM is some mystery technology that doesn't work. Those darned whipper-snappers just came up with a new standard and confoundit I ain't switchin!
People are afraid of change, and the funny ...
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People are afraid of change, and the funny ...
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They could have thought of a better way to go about this
I;m not a Cingular subscriber but I would think that there is a better way of going about this. Don't bully people into a new contract by charging them more for what was sold to them. If I were Cingular I would send inserts with every bill from Jan 2007 to 2008 (TDMA/Analog customers only) letting them know that the network will no longer be operational, per government allowance, and offer the options for new equipment and comperative rates to their current plans. If you give people a finite date then I would assume that it would be more urgent to switch. Charging $5.00 is just a poor move IMO and will result in a loss of many of those customers.
Cingular has sent out inserts in there bills telling them about what is happening to there service with offers for free phones or highly discounted ones as well as bonus minutes to add to any plan we have since Former AT&T gave away the bank to these ...
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what idiots
Why not (instead) give a bonus for switching over? It would not only inspire goodwill in present customer, it would also clear up some of their "bad press" let's say with the better business bureau. And they would be making more money from these "new" GSM customers anyway with higher plan rates. At this point, between giving out personal phone records, exorbitant taxes, crappy service and stunts like this, I don't even know if any of the wireless carriers are worth it.
They've tried that and it obviously hasn't worked. My wife had one of those old AT&T accounts until just last week and she's received many "special offers" trying to get her to switch to a Cingular account. Inertia (read: laziness) kept it from happ...
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