Former ATT (Cingular Blue) customer - Need advise.

[Khopdi]

I joined ATT about 7 years ago with TDMA local plan. Then right before the merger (ATT & CIngular) I switched my plan to GSM Nationwide and ended up with 3 lines on the account w/ sharing 1200 mins, M2M, N&W @ 7 pm, no roaming, free long distance, etc... Additionally, back then the charge for additional line was $20, but I had managed to have it reduced by 50%. So, at end of each month my bill is about $55 (after taxes and corp discount). Overall I am very satisfied with the service and the monthly charges. But for former ATT (Cingular Blue customers) no new phones are available. I have called Cingular (now back to ATT) and have been told that they no longer carry phones for Cingular Blue customers. The only way I can get a new phone is by becoming a Cingular customer. If I switch to Cingular, N&W will start at 9, monthly bill will double, etc... I have looked at unlocked phones, but they are very expensive. Do you know if ATT is planning to offer new phones for their former (Cingular Blue) customers? What are my options in this situation (unlocked phone or a switch)? Is there an alternative for me? Please advise. TIA.

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by Khopdi

I joined ATT about 7 years ago with TDMA local plan. Then right before the merger (ATT & CIngular) I switched my plan to GSM Nationwide and ended up with 3 lines on the account w/ sharing 1200 mins, M2M, N&W @ 7 pm, no roaming, free long distance, etc... Additionally, back then the charge for additional line was $20, but I had managed to have it reduced by 50%. So, at end of each month my bill is about $55 (after taxes and corp discount). Overall I am very satisfied with the service and the monthly charges. But for former ATT (Cingular Blue customers) no new phones are available. I have called Cingular (now back to ATT) and have been told that they no longer carry phones for Cingular Blue customers. The only way I can get a new phone is by becoming a Cingular customer. If I switch to Cingular, N&W will start at 9, monthly bill will double, etc... I have looked at unlocked phones, but they are very expensive. Do you know if ATT is planning to offer new phones for their former (Cingular Blue) customers? What are my options in this situation (unlocked phone or a switch)? Is there an alternative for me? Please advise. TIA.

They are not going to offer Blue customers any phones, they want everyone switched over to their Orange plans.
Your only choice is to buy unlocked phones on Ebay, which depending on what you want can be inexpensive & just pop your SIM's into the new phones.

Remember, AT&T/Cingular is not the old AT&T Wireless we use to have, it is still Cingular with a new name.

I just migrated over & yes I am paying a few dollars more a month then I was, but I can't see you ending up with a plan with that many minutes for $55.00 a month. So I suggest spending a few dollars for the unlocked phones to keep a cheaper & by far excellent plan.

[Khopdi]

Thanks Fire 14. Do you know if Cingular will ever bring former ATT customers to Orange without having to give up the old plan? Also, any recommendations for trusted sites for unlocked phones? I am tired of using my LG 1150. Again thanks.

[hme83]

Originally Posted by Khopdi

Thanks Fire 14. Do you know if Cingular will ever bring former ATT customers to Orange without having to give up the old plan? Also, any recommendations for trusted sites for unlocked phones? I am tired of using my LG 1150. Again thanks.

That's highly unlikely. There is no advantage to at&t/Cingular in doing so. Thus far their policy seems to be to allow the old ATTWS ("Blue") customers to remain on their plan for as long as the customer chooses to do so without making any changes to the plan, and to allow attrition to slowly reduce the number of customers still on the "Blue" plans as they decide to upgrade equipment, desire some of the benefits available to "Orange" customers (integrated messaging packages) etc.

Bottom line is the current plans are more profitable than the old "Blue" plans were - so via their policies, at&t is strongly encouraging "Blue" customers to migrate without forcing it or terminating their service.

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by Khopdi

Thanks Fire 14. Do you know if Cingular will ever bring former ATT customers to Orange without having to give up the old plan? Also, any recommendations for trusted sites for unlocked phones? I am tired of using my LG 1150. Again thanks.

As hme83 said, I do not see them doing this one bit as for getting replacement phones, Ebay is good as long as you do your shopping right & ask questions to the seller, check their feedback & make sure it's unlocked for any network.

Normally I go for the Unlocked & Unbranded (no carrier software or logo's on the phone) this way you get a better phone for your money. There are sites you can buy phones from directly & I don't know your finances to say if they would be better, sometimes a few extra bucks with a reliable company is a better deal.

If you go with an unlocked/Unbranded phone, you can change the MMS & mMode settings manually so you can still use these items.

Hope this helps.

[Blue4Life]

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There are several sources for unlocked GSM phones that will work with your existing AT&T Wireless sim card, some of them are listed here.

I hope this helps.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

with the advantages of switching to the Orange side..........it's just more streamlined..........unlocked phones can be a hassle.........just make the switch or fins another company......

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

with the advantages of switching to the Orange side..........it's just more streamlined..........unlocked phones can be a hassle.........just make the switch or fins another company......

How do you figure it's a hassle to go with an unlocked phone? I have never had a hassle with the unlocked & unlocked/unbranded phones I have bought, actually I find the unbranded ones better, no carrier restrictions like less ringtones, wallpapers ect...

I think the OP should stick with the old Blue plan as long as he/she can & just go the phone route.

[Blue4Life]

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Originally Posted by Fire14

How do you figure it's a hassle to go with an unlocked phone? I have never had a hassle with the unlocked & unlocked/unbranded phones I have bought, actually I find the unbranded ones better, no carrier restrictions like less ringtones, wallpapers ect...

I think the OP should stick with the old Blue plan as long as he/she can & just go the phone route.

I haven't had any problems with unlocked/unbranded/uncrippled phones either, including setting up and using existing data services. The only hassles that I have gone through were to unlock & unbrand my AT&T Wireless branded Siemens SX56 & Handspring Treo 600, and a T-Mobile branded Motorola V300. While most Nokias are the easiest to unlock (3120b, 3595, 6010, 6030b, 6800a) , they are more difficult to unbrand. The Nokias can have most of the network settings updated via an OTA update (assuming that the carrier didn't lock the settings - like T-Mobile). I have purchased the following unlocked/unbranded phones:

• i-mate PDA2k
• Nokia 3300b
• Motorola V635
• Nokia E70-2 (I am posting with this phone as we speak)

I made my decision partially based on the costs incurred over the course of a two year contract:

• keep my existing blue plan and purchase an unlocked phone for full retail.
• migrate to a comparable orange plan ($10/month additional - recurring cost) and get a discounted upgrade that is locked to Cingular/AT&T Mobility

In my case, it made sense for me to keep my existing blue plan. Another reason I stay blue is because mMode has features that no other carrier offers for a comparable price (mMode e-mail account with notifications is included with mMode data plans) and free unlimited incoming SMS/MMS.

















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[dmapr]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

with the advantages of switching to the Orange side..........it's just more streamlined..........unlocked phones can be a hassle.........just make the switch or fins another company......

What are the advantages you speak of? I'd love to know what I'm missing out on...

[COtech]

My NEC 525 and Treo 600 are ATTWS branded phones, unlocked for use with my Cingular SIM. I have also a Pacific Bell branded and unlocked Motorola MicroTac Select 2000 (1900 MHz only). My current Cingular phone is the Nokia 6340i GAIT phone, from my last upgrade and contract signing. I have avoided a new contract, by not resigning for a new phone. The bargains are all to the new customer. All phones above work fine for voice and SMS.

Like your Blue plan? Best obtain a new, unregistered ATTWS SIM (or two) in case your existing one is lost (inside its current phone) so you can continue on your preferred plan.

COtech

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

Originally Posted by dmapr

What are the advantages you speak of? I'd love to know what I'm missing out on...

things like family texting

cheaper data

and generally less of a hassle to switch from AT&T.......

[Blue4Life]

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Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

things like family texting

cheaper data

and generally less of a hassle to switch from AT&T.......

So, what are the advantages you speak of? I'd love to know what I'm missing out on...

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

things like family texting

cheaper data

and generally less of a hassle to switch from AT&T.......

AT&T Wireless had shared text messaging long before anyone else, and always had free incoming.

They had better & cheaper data plans

I had No hassle what so ever migrating over from Blue to Orange a couple of weeks ago, it was smooth as anything.

[dmapr]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

things like family texting

cheaper data

and generally less of a hassle to switch from AT&T.......

I have a single line on my account

True, unlimited is cheaper, but Java apps work just fine on AT&T Wireless accounts — I've read a few disturbing reports that with latest AT&T SIMs there are problems with things like Google Maps, etc.

There's absolutely no hassle if you don't switch But still, switch from AT&T to what — I don't understand

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

w/e................i just know that around here my uncle had AT&T Wireless before the Cingular Wireless/AT&T Wireless merger..........and when they merged his calls started getting all funky..........they were messed up and would drop so he just switched and the probs stopped

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

w/e................i just know that around here my uncle had AT&T Wireless before the Cingular Wireless/AT&T Wireless merger..........and when they merged his calls started getting all funky..........they were messed up and would drop so he just switched and the probs stopped

When they were merging the towers networks there were some problems, that eventually cleared up. Here in NJ it was only a week, but I think alot had to do with the Cingular network being a JV between then & T-Mobile.

Yes people did have better coverage when they switched during this period, but if he held out, he would have been fine.

[dmapr]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

w/e................i just know that around here my uncle had AT&T Wireless before the Cingular Wireless/AT&T Wireless merger..........and when they merged his calls started getting all funky..........they were messed up and would drop so he just switched and the probs stopped

The dropped call problems show up all the time for all customers — both legacy and current in different places. Just look at the Network issues section of the Cingular forums.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

yeah well it got super bad right after the Cingy/ATTW merger

[dmapr]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

yeah well it got super bad right after the Cingy/ATTW merger

Well, that was 2004... it's 2007 now

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

yeah but he changed like right after the merger.........and yes the mergers 1st and 2nd have both had very positive effects on the company

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

yeah but he changed like right after the merger.........and yes the mergers 1st and 2nd have both had very positive effects on the company

There really was only 1 merger as far as the network goes, and he made what he felt was the best decision for him at the time, all we are saying is he could have held out a little while longer & would most likely have been fine & kept his old plan, that's all.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

yeah but some of the of the post-merger (Cingy/ATTW) plans and add-on services were to his liking and budget.......

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

yeah but some of the of the post-merger (Cingy/ATTW) plans and add-on services were to his liking and budget.......

I am sure they were, most people had great plans with the old AT&T Wireless, but again he choose to switch instead of trying to ride it out & it may have been not worth it to stay Blue with the issues.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

yeah and cingy has turned out alright for him.........it gave him all the things he needed at the prie he could afford........most people these days want a buttload of minutes nights and weekends mobile to mobiles unlimited texting and unlimited internet.......their bill is high but hey didnt need so much and cingys packages were small

[mrjr101]

I am still an Att Wireless Customer (Blue), it is true that since the merge with Cingular occured, there have been a considerable loss of quality as far as drop calls is concerned for customers like myself. It is also true that the former ATT wireless had better calling plans than any other carrier. I pay $49.99/plus tax a month for 2 lines sharing 1000 minutes, with nights/weekend, unlimited mobile to mobile and unlimited long distance calls. I am sure that I am one of the few in the country that is reluctant to switch plans because of this.

Since 2004,I have upgraded my GSM phone 3 times buying off eBay and I'm glad for it. I have better looking phones than other ATT customers, the only thing again is that I have too many drop calls. I have complain with ATT over this issue and the answer that they give me is "switch over". This is like the devil telling you, see what happens when you don't switch over?

Well, you know what, I am reluctant to "switch over". There's even a class action lawsuit over this issue. Here's the link

[Particular]

I like at&t (cingular blue) never had a problem with the company at all. Now Don't even get me started on T-mobile.

[Eric47]

Originally Posted by mrjr101

I am still an Att Wireless Customer (Blue), it is true that since the merge with Cingular occured, there have been a considerable loss of quality as far as drop calls is concerned for customers like myself. It is also true that the former ATT wireless had better calling plans than any other carrier. I pay $49.99/plus tax a month for 2 lines sharing 1000 minutes, with nights/weekend, unlimited mobile to mobile and unlimited long distance calls. I am sure that I am one of the few in the country that is reluctant to switch plans because of this.

Since 2004,I have upgraded my GSM phone 3 times buying off eBay and I'm glad for it. I have better looking phones than other ATT customers, the only thing again is that I have too many drop calls. I have complain with ATT over this issue and the answer that they give me is "switch over". This is like the devil telling you, see what happens when you don't switch over?

Well, you know what, I am reluctant to "switch over". There's even a class action lawsuit over this issue. Here's the link

you probably arent getting proper updates to the towers, not to mention you are in a 3G area with no 3G capabilities on your account and a SIM thats not 3G...

these are probably why you have calling issues. id be willing to bet if you got a 3G go phone it would be more reliable than your "blue" account...to some people thats worth a few extra bucks i guess.

[dmapr]

Originally Posted by EricN4707

you probably arent getting proper updates to the towers, not to mention you are in a 3G area with no 3G capabilities on your account and a SIM thats not 3G...

these are probably why you have calling issues. id be willing to bet if you got a 3G go phone it would be more reliable than your "blue" account...to some people thats worth a few extra bucks i guess.

Can't speak for Florida, but in my area all that matters is that the phone is 3G — and then you can have 3G with a "blue" account.

[RadioFoneGuy]

With the dropped calles it sounds like he has a SIM profile issue.

With the ATTWS SIM you will not get the latest PLMN this is watt ATT calls their PRL or perfered roaming list.

Cingular (ATT) uses 410 I dont remember what ATTWS had but depending on the last OTA the sim had may still be looking for the old ATTWS network and the ATT 410 as the first back up.
When set up like this your phone will search for 410 every 6-9 minutes which uses up your battery faster.

If ATT has made any network changes it wouldnt benefit a Blue SIM just Orange or new ATT one.

This may or may not be the case but my experience if network changes happened and handsets are having issue there is normally a Sim profile mismatch.

One example of network changes are the MNC for Cingular 410, in the 3 years since the merger more towers have been build and probably additional LACs in your area.

LACs or Location Area Codes can be barred in the SIM profile.