A Definative [sorta] answer from ATTWS on "Extended Area"

[Smokehouse]

So I am looking into the ATTWS National Network Plan. I told the CSR that I am in Philly and sometimes I get Extended area in one part of my office and ATTWS in another and I didn't want the National Plan because I didn't want to worry about roaming, etc.

This is what he said.

"That's not exactly true. If you are certain your in an area that is indicated to be covered it could say anything, ATTWS, Extended Area, even Roam and you will not get any roaming charges. For example if you are in downtown Manhattan and get Extended Area you can be certain you will not get a roaming charge. The only time you need to be certain about the phone saying ATTWS is if you are outside the area indicated on the map. You can always dial 611 and the Rep will be able to tell you if you are on the network or not."

This makes me a bit happier because it essentially means that I don't need to worry about roaming in the tristate area where i travel and when i have a doubt and I need to make a call that is not an emergency I can check with ATTWS. It's a bit inconvienet but given the few times it's said Extended Area I don't think it will be that big a hassle. Not sure if I believe the whole "Roam" business not counting though.

[robg]

Hopefully that particular email will remain on your persona in the event you are hit with roaming charges while under 'extended area' (Cingular towers). By the way, if you compare the national network map with your local Philly map (I'm from the same market), you would notice that the eastern portion of Maryland (no AT&T Towers, 100% cingular) is covered under Digital Advantage but NOT under National network. Follow the national network map to the bottom line and make sure you are WITHIN the orange area when making/receiving calls. According to the email you received, AT&T will not charge roaming for logging onto Extended Area while within the orange area. As for Roam, I can guarantee you will never make a call under analog with AT&T within the philly area.

[Airb330]

Eastern MD is actually Cellular One and ATT and Cingular roam off them. Cingular needs to buy them out, they have DE,MD,PA(phil) and southern NJ covered, and eastern MD is a nice hole. National Network is total crap in the east I think, roam off Cingular in my state of De albeit for free. Hardly any of NY is covered, I dunno too weak of coverage. Heck my FREEUP covers more area in the east on Verizon, and thats where I need coverage (besides LA, Vegas, and Phoenix).

[jmccrane]

Originally posted by: Airb330
Eastern MD is actually Cellular One and ATT and Cingular roam off them. Cingular needs to buy them out, they have DE,MD,PA(phil) and southern NJ covered, and eastern MD is a nice hole. National Network is total crap in the east I think, roam off Cingular in my state of De albeit for free. Hardly any of NY is covered, I dunno too weak of coverage. Heck my FREEUP covers more area in the east on Verizon, and thats where I need coverage (besides LA, Vegas, and Phoenix).

Why buy a carrier when you can enjoy the free roaming. It's like friends with benefits...no commitment [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[Airb330]

Well you got to roam there for free, but I bet Cingular still has to pay them.

[bobolito]

Also, if Cingular buys them, they will standardize if there are features that don't work in that territory.