Cellphones and Cable

Within the last two months two of my service providers have taken a wrong turn in the public relations and pricing departments.

I have been an ATT Wireless customer for four years. The company has had four names during that time, but I have had the same phone and same plan. My plan provided 300 minutes per month for a fee of $30, plus unlimited night and weekend minutes. It has been unusual that I exceed more than 100 minutes of calling, so the plan was a good one for someone like me who only calls occasionally. I never bothered to upgrade the phone because I didn't need to, although I have looked enviously at the newer phones of my friends, with their latest technology and slim design.

With my January 07 bill I began to receive messages from ATT that my analog phone and plan were being discontinued sometime prior to January 2008, and that I should plan to upgrade. Of course, their digital plans are all more expensive and would place me under a new contract. Then, in April, my current plan cost was changed so that it was $5 more, with the same warnings that the plan would be discontinued soon.

Well, that was enough for me to begin looking. A rate hike, another rate hike coming, a two-year commitment, and still the same lousy coverage (I've always felt that the coverage area even in twon wasn't very good).

I checked in with every company that has a plan in my zip code. In the end, I strolled up to the counter of a mall kiosk and purchased a new phone and plan with I-Wireless. Same 300 minutes a month, all digital network, no roaming, and nights beginning at 5 p.m., all for the same $30 I was paying before. The phone, which is basic (no cameras or video recording) was free with a two-year commitment.

Three weeks into the deal I am very happy. I've had a good signal everywhere I have called from, and the portage of my number was smooth. I like the fact that I-Wireless is an Iowa-based company (though it is a subsidiary partner of foreign company T-Mobile).

As for ATT ... I would think that with adances in technology and the desire to expand their customer base, they would have found a way to keep me, instead of forcing my hand.

Next, I'll let you know about the latest Mediacom debacle.