Anyone recommend cell phone company?

I have a cell phone that ATT refuses to activate. They want me to buy a new phone. Said mine is defective. I bought it 2 years ago for my son, who never used it because he was given a cell phone from his work to use. ATT, now Cingular I think, wants to sell me an phone for 100.00! I don't think I should have to buy another phone, I have paid for 2 years on a phone that was never used and its not defective. I need another cell phone company as I intend to use the phone myself. Can anyone recommend a place where they don't try and sell me an expensive phone? Maybe this one only needs a battery, but they wouldn't look at it even!
All I want is a phone I can keep in the car and use in an emergency. I have over 160,000 miles on my car and I do drive 28 miles round trip to the university where I have classes 1 day a week. There a very few gas sttations on my route so if something happens, I am stuck. Is there a solution to this?

I have a Nokia that I like very well. I buy TracPhone prepaid cards for it and only have it one when I make a call. I keep it in my purse and a charging cord in the van in case the battery does go down. You can talk while it is charging. This way I pay only for the minutes I actually use and they roll over if I renew it before the time period expires. I got mine for about $40 at WalMart tho Radio Shack and other places carry them.

DJM, Your phone is probably not defective, but not compatible anymore. I had a Nokia phone and a certain plan. Wanted to change my plan (after a year) and add some things to my plan, but because cell phones now have a GPS system (one that can find you if you get lost, injured, etc. I think new phones are required to have this), the old phones don't work anymore.

I sent my old phone to one of our DG members who had had hers stolen, but she was not changing her plan, just wanted to use my old phone with her number. It worked for her.

I have Cingular and swear by them. And you can get a plan with Cingular and not pay very much at all for the phone(s) with a contract.

Then perhaps you can put your "old" phone on Ebay as there could be someone in need like the member here on DG that needed one.

Hope this helps, Kathy

Even old phones can be used to call 911 when there is an emergency, even when you aren't on any sort of program. That is why there is a request that they be donated to Battered Women's Shelters once you no longer have use for them. If all you are going to use it for is emergency's, I'd keep the battery updated - nothing else. Then if needed, you can call 911. Dotti

absolutely!

Sorry, mom, don't mean to barge in here, but...
I think the main concern is what cell phone companies offer the best deal for someone who only plans on using the phone less than 30 minutes a month. She just wants to be able to call someone, a tow truck, me, my brother to come and rescue her if her car should break down. It is near impossible to get straight answers by going into the different company's stores, they are all out to make their commision selling something. Is there a website or somewhere that would provide a good comparison of different companies and what they offer??

There is something wrong with the phone she has now, I have the same phone, was AT&T now Cingular works fine, no compatibility problems. I have just found Cingular customer service very hard to work with, snippy reps, not helpful at all. If I didn't get a discount from my company, I would change, if I have any more problems with them, I will change anyway.
Deb

I have had several different companies and have had Cingular now for 4 years, the best company I've ever had. That's not to say that their customer service reps are all perfect and don't have attitudes, I've just never come across that.

If her phone is over a year old, then they won't replace it, especially if she had no insurance on it. It sounds to me like it is a faulty phone.

I had horrible problems with Nextel and wouldn't get Nextel service for my dog! I sit here with two Nextel phones with everything, case, earphone, charger, etc for both of them. I am going to donate them to the Battered Women's Shelter. (Nextel offered to give me $10 a piece for them, I laughed).

I think Cingular has a program where you only pay $19.99 mth for service, but then I'm not a Cingular rep, just a very satisfied customer.

I would say go to the Cingular store closest to you and explain, in person, your dilemma. And if it is GPS compatible, then she should be able to get a program to her needs.

I guess I'm a little baffled about something as well. She bought the phone two years ago for her son, who did not use it; did she just buy a phone or has she been paying for service on this phone for two years as well?

I'm also curious what kind of a discount you are getting from Cingular? :) I'd like to check it out.

And she will probably have to go onto each individual website. of course, you probably already know Cingular's is www.cingular.com

Not fun shopping for a cell phone. I remember the first time I did (and I swore I'd never have one), i was overwhelmed with all the words and such and just stood there bewildered. I've learned a lot since then, but it's like computers....everytime we think we've got them down pat, they go and change things.

Have a great day, Kathy

I have Cingular, they are great, you get a free phone with certain plans mine is $35 a month and loads of minutes, and can be used in just about every State.

Well, here' s my 2 cents!

I had Alltel for years when I didn't use my phone much. They offered good deals and also give discounts depending on the company you work for. (if you aren't retired of course.)

Now I have Nextel, which I also love but it is more $$. I use my phone more too so it works out for me though.

Nicole

Hi, back again. Interesting reading. Yes, I have been paying for 2 years for his phone service that he was not using. I kept thinking if he had to give the company phone up, he would still have a good phone. I don't know the number, but the bill should be coming anyday now and I will cancel it now.
I will check out the Cingular store but not one that used to be ATT. and see what they can do without intimidating me!

I have Verizon and I've been with them for almost 5 years. I have never had a problem with them. I've heard of other people having problems, but as of yet, I haven't. Very interesting to know about the old cells being used for 911 regardless if they are hooked to a service or not. Do they have to be the type of cell that has the GPS ability or is it any of them. The old analogs too? I have several older cells that I could donate. I believe Verizon has a drop off station at their retail stores for old cells. Great info!

Judy, the only problem with Verizon is that there are many places that it doesn't work. My family in Massachusetts have all had Verizon, but couldn't use their phones until they went two towns over. I went for a visit and what a surprise to be sitting in their dining room when my daughter called my Cingular cell phone. They now have Cingular. :) and love it. Around here, Verizon has cell blocks where they won't let any other company's phone #s work. A certain spot in Corydon, Indiana I can't use my Cingular phone. The Verizon "star wars voice" comes on and tells me I made an illegal transaction or something like that!

Thank you for all this information. Based on that, and the fact the ATT bill came so I could see the number, I called Cingular. Once I got past all the automated questions, and it asked the reason, I said cancel! Next thing I knew there was a live person there, asking me what was the problem and why was I cancelling. Told him. He offered me a free phone, 'worth 164.00' ,no connection fees and they would send it to me free of charge in 24 to 36 hours by Fed Express. I will be paying 29.00 a month, plus I suppose a bunch of other taxes and additions no doubt. He started to tell me about all the wonderful hours and all, but I told him, it won't be used much I just need it to be there when and if I need it! Its interesting to know about the 911 thing. Never know! thanks for all the input.,, Doris

Good for you Doris. I hope you are satisfied with your service and use the minutes every once in a while and depending on what plan you got, you can call a Cingular customer that has mobile to mobile minutes for free. :) Yippee.

I have never had that problem with Verizon. My whole family is within my calling area so thats probably why we don't have problems. lol

I think Verizon works best out west. It seems that Cingular/ATT haven't spread so far west yet.

I've heard that Verizon is prominent out my way. I've never tried the long distance part of it even though I have nationwide calling. I think if I got that Darth Vader voice telling me I was out of area, I'd toss my phone in the nearest canal. lol

I have had TracPhone for over five years now, and am very satisfied with it. It is a prepaid service and to keep it current, I have to buy 40 minutes ($l9.99) every other month. If I expect to use the phone more, I just buy more minutes. I especially use the phone when I am on my computer, using my phone line. I especially like the fact that I don't have a bill that I HAVE to pay. I can let it lapse if I can't afford it at the time. Dotti

I use T-Mobile and am completely happyy with them.

I didn't like Verizon's customer service at all, when I cancelled the contract at the end, they tried charging me 200.00... saying I ended it early. I didn't end it early, I had called them up and asked them specifically when my contract ended and they told me the date. I called them up on that date and ended it. It took me 5 hate bills later to get them straightened out.

we,ve had verizon for six years now i really like them great company

Consumer Reports rates Verizon the highest.

I just believe it depends on the area you are in. Verizon is not that good in the NE and they lockout other companies in our area. But I do agree that Verizon and Cingular are probably the top two companies. :)

I had US Cellular for 5 years when I lived in Asheville, NC. No problems, but I don't know who they buy their service from. Now living here, I have Verizon because they own most of the towers around here, even though there is No Service at my home. 5 miles away, I get service, but that's the mountains, LOL.

Friday, after charging my 6 months' old phone overnight, I still got a "Low Battery" warning. On Sat. I went to the Verizon store and they deduced it was a charger failure and gave me a new charger, plus I finally bought a car charger.

My sister ended up in a nasty place from a T-Mobile phone that charged her $1800 for 6 weeks' service. Her teen-age kid was sending all kinds of text messages, going over the allotted limit for minutes, not realizing the per minute over-limit charge.

The only thing wrong with Doris' old phone is she had it in her purse and it got gummed up with all the chocolates she hides in there! JMHO...LOL Jo

LOL!!!

After I licked it clean, it should have been OK!

But did you take it apart? :)

Gee, I didn't think of that!

For what it's worth.
I have Verizon with the GPS. I would never be with out that feature.
I'm an avid birder and get lost in the woods quite easily. The GPS is a comfort factor.

I update my phone once monthly...
I've been in N.H. and Mass. never had a problem getting through to anyone.Recently I was in a valley in Pa. and thought I would never be able to make a call and yes, I did!
I guess it's all a matter of choices!
Sandy

Most people in MA where my family live have Verizon, but they have to drive a half hour to town to use their cell phones. Cingular works right in their homes and they were shocked. (They are pretty high elevation in The Berkshires). You're right, it is a matter of choices :) Happy Day, Kathy

We have 2 Motorola V600 camara phones on the family plan.
Only 500 minutes but all call to each other are always free.
Night and weekends are free anywhere.
No roaming or long distance anytime.

These phones come ready to use. You will know your number before you get your phone. Can carry your old # if ya wish.

This is our 3rd time with T-Mobile.
Besure and check their coverage map.

The link:
http://www.a1wireless.com/frmDefault.aspx?dcid=43&adid=
89&hfid=4448tsid=7877&ptptid=&ptid=78787878&sfid=
1291&qqdi=8&tmid=8989&attid=898&glhdh=
12_2313_5545_857876_55__12&coslid=erw_FSadf_FSDsf_fsfds_
fsf&fksf=42&nmncnzm=535&nmmnmf=66&bnbcbn=4444&afid=
28931&crid=&prid=&rpid=&pmid=&zpcd=&guid=&rtid=
4393566&stid=XOESisxP_58-ex7D40rVcoZhtOABqniamQ&d1cid=
ws3&a2did=89&4hfid=34348&tasid=7873e2&agtid=&ptsid=
7834444&sfiad=391&cqqdi=2123&btmid=893232&gattid=
8&lhdh=51215_857876_55__12&slid=erw_FS333adf_&fksa=
412&nnzm=5123125&mmnf=12366&bnbcbn=114
-
Takes you to a T-Mobile page that shows phones and more phones.
Our phones are not only free after rebates but we make money.

Other times we've had 600 & 1000 min's but only one phone.
DW got tired of hunting me so i had to get one, lol don't mean I can't remember to turn it on.

I do get weather reports sent to me, can read tha news if I want, or surf the internet.
Not a simple phone to use! Not if you're going to use all of its features that is......

Their service is great and friendly. If they can't resolve your problem right away they'll give you free minutes.
I know, jus got 100. you are billed directly from t-mobile. They call it bonus minutes. They had my problem fixed same day & I still got tha extra time

Happy hunting

ps
Motorola is made in America

Better link;
includes all phones & companies.
http://www.inphonic.com/wlnp/wlnpcarriercomparison.aspx?referringdomain=
wdcLinkShare&oflag=wnp002&zipcode=77371&refcode1=&refcode2=&eid=
&agent=

This message was edited May 14, 2005 1:35 PM

Russ had an AT&T phone, and when it went to Cingular, he had to get a new phone because of new technology. His old Nokia wouldn't work for it anymore. Needless to say, he liked his old phone because he knew how to use it. The new phone is completely different and is a hassle.

I have Verizon - no problems.
Of course I'd recommend them - I work for 'em!
LOL!

Nancy