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In Defense of Cingular

Cingular • Billing • Collections • Contracts • Flaming Phones • Reliability • Rebates • Lori's Indictment • Chris' Defense -- • Lawsuit: Cingular Deceived & Overcharged AT&T Customers • Cingular-AT&T Wireless Deal is Done • California Fines Cingular $12 Million • Cingular Buys AT&T Wireless • Consumer Group Sues Nextel, Cingular

Chris of Naples FL writes: (2/4/03):
I read with horror the stories about customer's problems with Cingular -- not so much about Cingular -- but at the ignorance of the consumers.

I avoided getting a cell phone until I found the offers irresistible. But after having friends receiving $1,200 bills I made sure I understood the fine print. The best plans are for local service only. This means if you use them out of the area (or purchase a plan in an area with poor coverage) you will incur roaming charges at around 70 cents per minute! (Ouch!)

I wouldn't even consider using my phone outside my plan's calling area and can use a phone card if I travel.

I also bought my phone at a national chain that I knew I would honor an exchange or upgrade without the hassle one might find from an independent agent.

Armed with all offers available from the different companies, the knowledge of coverage in my area by each company, the technology and price of the phones offered -- I was able to get Cingular to give me their best plan (1000 anytime rollover minutes; no roaming in plan area; long distance included; detailed billing; and all bells & whistles like voicemail, ID, etc. -- all for $40/month!)

Cingular matched a competitor's offer of waived activation fee of $36 for new service. At Best Buy (yes I know), I was able to get an amazing phone with the latest technology (and special edition face plates) for free (after rebate)!

I had a few things to tweak with Customer Service in the first month, but I have been genuinely happy with Cingular.

The other thing I'm aware of is that many of the companies have "districts" for customer service. I talked to other wireless customers (in my area only) to ask them about coverage, billing problems and general advice -- which helped me a lot in making a decision. Some companies are stronger in certain markets over others.

I know that if I live in an area that has no/poor coverage or is oversubscribed, I would either wait until circumstances improve -- or at the very least find a plan that has no "roaming" or a 30-day trial period without any penalties or fees. You will also pay more for less "anytime" minutes in these areas because of the no roaming fees.

Wireless service is definitely a "buyer beware" shopping experience and consumers who don't do their homework beforehand shouldn't be shocked at the outcomes of their choices.

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