When my Nextel contract expired last year, I started the search for a more perfect world in cellular connectivity. We live in a no-cell area, guarded on all sides by higher elevation and high tension power transmission lines, so any cell service is better than no cell service. Forget inside the house - the added padding of mortar and wood dampen out that last bar of signal easily.
While I enjoyed having Direct Connect (first responders extensively use it as an alternate communications channel), I did not like the high charges and lack of service. So I started researching the alternatives and came upon T-Mobile's family plan. The basic one has more minutes, more features, and only charges for additional lines after the first two lines rather than the first line. Add the $20 for unlimited text, audio, picture, and video messaging for the plan (not per line) and it is far cheaper than any other carrier. Additionally, with the MyFaves option, it will allow us more calls to non-family members who we will select as favorites. The phone selection was super because they have now entered the arena of combination cellular/WiFi phones! Who cares that will live in a poor cell coverage area with a home wireless network that rocks!
The downside (why is there always a downside?) to all cell phone providers is the reason why I waited so long to change carriers: the two-year contract. I was reading the Red Tape Chronicles on MSNBC. Its author, Bob Sullivan, has a book out (Gotcha Capitalism: How Hidden Fees Rip You Off Every Day and What You Can Do About It) and there is an excerpt published on the web about this very topic, Most Americans are in cell phone jail. This quote describes the pain and angst that most people who own cell phones feel:
While I enjoyed having Direct Connect (first responders extensively use it as an alternate communications channel), I did not like the high charges and lack of service. So I started researching the alternatives and came upon T-Mobile's family plan. The basic one has more minutes, more features, and only charges for additional lines after the first two lines rather than the first line. Add the $20 for unlimited text, audio, picture, and video messaging for the plan (not per line) and it is far cheaper than any other carrier. Additionally, with the MyFaves option, it will allow us more calls to non-family members who we will select as favorites. The phone selection was super because they have now entered the arena of combination cellular/WiFi phones! Who cares that will live in a poor cell coverage area with a home wireless network that rocks!
The downside (why is there always a downside?) to all cell phone providers is the reason why I waited so long to change carriers: the two-year contract. I was reading the Red Tape Chronicles on MSNBC. Its author, Bob Sullivan, has a book out (Gotcha Capitalism: How Hidden Fees Rip You Off Every Day and What You Can Do About It) and there is an excerpt published on the web about this very topic, Most Americans are in cell phone jail. This quote describes the pain and angst that most people who own cell phones feel:
Worse yet -- cell phone companies can, and do, change their side of the contract unilaterally. Consumers seemingly have no options to decline the higher prices. In other words, they can raise prices, and you can't quit. Consider this note of complaint, filed with the Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group by a consumer named Kerry:The whole article is well worth the read. I may have to pick up the book if it is like the great tips that he gives in the Red Tape Chronicles.
I'm currently in the middle of a two-year contract with Verizon Wireless. They just notified me that they are dramatically increasing the charges I pay for receiving each text message from 2 cents to 10 cents.
When I called to complain, they left me with a few choices, and I was unhappy with all of them. I could simply accept the increase in charges. Alternatively, I could sign up for an unlimited text messaging plan for another $5/month, but only if I renew with Verizon for another two years. Or, I could end my contract and pay an early termination fee of $175.
If I don't pay the fee and change my plan to get the best rate for text messaging, then I'm locked in with Verizon for even longer than I originally would have been had they just kept the rates the same. And since the new plan also has an early termination fee, I'll face the same problem if they decide, without my agreement, to change the plan again to suit their needs.
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