K-57

Is our cellular service meant to sell us cell phones?

I had to "exchange" my (manufacturer unnamed) cell phone today. The display turned blue, thus rendering the phone useless. I could place and receive phone calls with no trouble, however, I could no longer send or read text messages. (over 550 text messages just last month) SMS mail on my phone has become part of life. A server complaint sent to the phone during a particularly fun bike ride is common these days. Or perhaps a call out to "which phone book entry is that?" to setup after ride plans. No, I don't think to turn off the phone or leave it in the car while I'm out. You never know when "This is Your Life" will call.

The idea that struck me today implies that the whole cell phone/service system is setup to charge $50 to $110 per year for a cell phone. That's over and above the exciting 'Special rate with service activation' price paid at the beginning. When I explained the problem I was asked for my cell number and without even looking at the phone I hear: "I'm sorry, this phone is past the initial 90 day warranty and I see you do not have the phone insurance. You can use the manufacturer 1 year warranty or purchase a new phone out front...". "OK," I said, "What's involved with the warranty?". Gee, I always thought the phone would last at least a year, and besides? Isn't the cell phone part of the service I buy? I mean you can't have one (service) without the other (phone) can you? Apparently you can. OR you can contact the manufacturer and return the phone for repair. (expected turn around time: 10 to 14 days in addition to shipping time). Could YOU do without your cell phone for close to a month?

The insurance, at $4.99 per month, covers your phone with a $50 deductible. Hmmm, $60 a year insurance plus $50 to replace it when needed. Some 'deal'.

After expressing my concern, they did perform a "one time courtesy replacement for only $50", but that left me with an empty phone. Transfer of the phone book is another $10. (OK, I didn't have to pay that today but the sign on the wall, seen after I signed the credit card receipt, clearly shows that rate.) 230 phone numbers transferred from one phone to the other. Good, I don't have to do THAT again.... Wait? What about the 53 E-mail addresses, including mobile phone text message addresses? Where are the 15 'Locked' text messages? Will any of my 23 phone settings (like zoom to max so the display is just barely readable instead of microscopic text) be carried over? "Oh, the program only transfers phone numbers."

Yet I can't imagine going a day without the cell phone. Good thing I wrote down all of the E-mail addresses when my last cell phone failed (I could read the display then but not dial out). Now I just have to remember the 4 or 5 I didn't write down.

Moral? Make sure you keep a copy of your cell phone book somewhere outside of your phone for that "one time only" that you'll need it.

Now, where is that cell phone...I need to make a call...

Tag: communication

posted by Kev @ 5/26/2005 02:54:00 AM