Cingular raising PPU SMS pricing 1/21/07 - Waiving ETF?

[CingularZ]

Im curious to know for those that are complaining about the pay per use pricing, how much TXT message do you use a month?

Reason is, assuming that you are really irate about this, and that you do alot of text messagine, why wouldnt you just go with the package plans where you wont ever have to worry about the PPU rates?

[CingularZ]

I think otherwise because the piece of paper I was handed when I signed up for service... It is called (by Cingular) a "Service Summary". It has several sections including my calling area, my services, my first bill...but nothing about the "features" that Cingular reps are being told I have (had). This document has two piece of information that are relevant to this discussion - 1) an Early Termination Fee 2) text messaging costs $0.10 per message without a package.

I did leave Cingular, and am half expecting them to bill me for an ETF. If they do, I will send one politely worded note explaining again what has already been "resolved" on the phone. If they persist I have no problem going through the arbitration process. Just because the legal beagles at Cingular say something is so doesn't make it so. I can't picture a judge buying into Cingular's convoluted theory, but if one does, then I will pay the ETF and consider it well worth it.

I currently have the only thing I have ever asked for - a cell phone that works as the company says it will; at the price that I agreed to pay; and for a specific period of time. I really don't feel that is asking too much.

Do you also feel that since that is the case, that Cingular should only provide you as a customer with the services and network coverage as of that day?

Basically assuming that , this is what you signed up for, so technically we as the carrier dont have to improve the network, give you new handsets and/or offer you any future applications/data features...

The issue, I feel is that customers in general want more from the carrier, but dont want to pay for it... Again, I asked if you;re concerns are so high with the PPU , why dont you just get the basic txt package?? which comes down to $.16 cents a day... 16 cents, this is what were debating??

[torifile]

Im curious to know for those that are complaining about the pay per use pricing, how much TXT message do you use a month?

Reason is, assuming that you are really irate about this, and that you do alot of text messagine, why wouldnt you just go with the package plans where you wont ever have to worry about the PPU rates?

That's not the point.

[chibby]

Im curious to know for those that are complaining about the pay per use pricing, how much TXT message do you use a month?

Reason is, assuming that you are really irate about this, and that you do alot of text messagine, why wouldnt you just go with the package plans where you wont ever have to worry about the PPU rates?

For me, in my case still being on Blue, none of the text message plans were available to me unless I migrated and signed another 2 year contract.

[Joan]

Im curious to know for those that are complaining about the pay per use pricing, how much TXT message do you use a month?

Speaking only for myself - it is not the amount of the price increase, but rather that they changed the price.

If they can raise it from $0.10 to $0.15 then they could just as easily raise it to $0.50 or $1.00 per TXT.

They can change the price of any service they want, but according to the contract when they do I am allowed to either agree to the change or disagree. If I disagree then I am free to take my business elsewhere.

[Joan]

Do you also feel that since that is the case, that Cingular should only provide you as a customer with the services and network coverage as of that day?

You mean only provide coverage for the area that it was the day the contract was signed? That would be great. If they want to add a bunch of new services and say you have to sign a new contract to get them. If I choose to not sign a new contract, either I don't get the new services like everyone else or I go away...I'd be fine with that.

Basically assuming that , this is what you signed up for, so technically we as the carrier dont have to improve the network, give you new handsets and/or offer you any future applications/data features...

BINGO - you are getting it! All I am asking is for both sides to be held to the contract they agreed to...like any other legal contract. I am complaining about a contract that one party is locked in to the terms exactly as written, but the other party can change at whim (or for sound business reasons) any other that suits them.

The issue, I feel is that customers in general want more from the carrier, but dont want to pay for it... Again, I asked if you;re concerns are so high with the PPU , why dont you just get the basic txt package?? which comes down to $.16 cents a day... 16 cents, this is what were debating??

Again - it is not the PRICE it is the CONTRACT issue.

Remember - I am not saying I am 100% right. Cingular has expressed thier corporate opinion, as I have expressed my opinion. I am perfectly content to have a judge tell one or both of us that we are wrong. Just because a corporate legal team has decreed X is legal doesn't mean it IS legal.

[TxTwin]

Im curious to know for those that are complaining about the pay per use pricing, how much TXT message do you use a month?

Reason is, assuming that you are really irate about this, and that you do alot of text messagine, why wouldnt you just go with the package plans where you wont ever have to worry about the PPU rates?

Did you read the thread? I don't think you would be asking this question if you had.

[PhantomPretende]

I'd like to personally state that beacuse of Cingular's PPU increase, and because of the way that they have handled the situation, I've been able to cost Cingular 7 separate lines of service. While that may not seem like a big deal, I'm personally very satisfied to know that Cingular won't be getting money from myself, my parents, or my fiance's family ever again.

[CingularZ]

Speaking only for myself - it is not the amount of the price increase, but rather that they changed the price.

If they can raise it from $0.10 to $0.15 then they could just as easily raise it to $0.50 or $1.00 per TXT.

They can change the price of any service they want, but according to the contract when they do I am allowed to either agree to the change or disagree. If I disagree then I am free to take my business elsewhere.

I know what you are saying, I just dont feel theres really anything you can do. Seemingly so, rate plans have change, txt msgs and mms, or sms all became as one, and so forth.

To be fair, I would look at the overall package and not just 1 of the many important factors that you as a consumer made, when joining cingular in the first place. In my opinion, I do understand why Cingular has to make changes, which will include rate plan changes, pricing, fees etc.

Maybe I think this way, because of the business that I am in, and at times its unforeseen and its a cost that myself and my customers have to bear.

But back to the contract issue, I dont belive there is anything stating there in regards to protecting rates/fees for service usage, clearly that is something we all as customers were aware of prior to signing up.. correct?

[CingularZ]

Did you read the thread? I don't think you would be asking this question if you had.

Yes, I read the thread. I merely stated this notion because in the end, I feel, in my opinion that the topic on hand is a bit over exaggerated.

I feel Cingular gives alot more to us, as consumers that cleary justifies $0.05 on hand. and if Im going to sit here and fight about something, then at least fight about whats on the table, not assumptions, ifs and or buts.

If the $0.05 increase is that detrimental, and enough for you to really want to leave Cingular, then I dont know what else to tell you..

For sure, jsut the rollover alone already is a huge BENEFIT to me compared to any other carrier, just my opinion.

[CingularZ]

That's not the point.

you mean to say, thats not YOUR point.. hey, in the end.. its just an opinion. We dont have to agree, but the bottom line is.. for what its worth, I am willing to pay more , because I value the services and its necessary for me and my current living.

Theres one thing I learned though, you just cant please them all.. and thats that.

[tszefr]

But back to the contract issue, I dont belive there is anything stating there in regards to protecting rates/fees for service usage, clearly that is something we all as customers were aware of prior to signing up.. correct?

Let us try to put it in possibly more understandable terms...

Suppose you go lease an apartment for $1000/mo on a 12 month lease. With me so far?

Good now you are committed to pay the landlord $12K for those 12 months. If you fail or refuse to pay, he comes after you. Still with me?

Now two months into it, landlord says "sorry it will be $1500 for each of the next 10 months." A modest 50% increase just like the text. What protects you?

That lease contract, just like your cell phone contract! Landlord cannot do that, just like Cingular cannot get away with what they are trying to pull. The contract sword cuts both ways. If it does not bind Cingular, it cannot bind me. My service summary says it is 10 cents and that is the way it better darned well be. If they want it to be 15, I am entitled to exit. Cingular's own papers say so!

[CingularZ]

Let us try to put it in possibly more understandable terms...

Suppose you go lease an apartment for $1000/mo on a 12 month lease. With me so far?

Good now you are committed to pay the landlord $12K for those 12 months. If you fail or refuse to pay, he comes after you. Still with me?

Now two months into it, landlord says "sorry it will be $1500 for each of the next 10 months." A modest 50% increase just like the text. What protects you?

That lease contract, just like your cell phone contract! Landlord cannot do that, just like Cingular cannot get away with what they are trying to pull. The contract sword cuts both ways. If it does not bind Cingular, it cannot bind me. My service summary says it is 10 cents and that is the way it better darned well be. If they want it to be 15, I am entitled to exit. Cingular's own papers say so!

Its funny you mention this example, let me put it in easier terms for you then..

According to your theory, that is correct. Why? Because the contract that you normally sign with your landlord, states clearly that through a range of your rental/leasing period, the price is agreed upon, hence called your LEASE.

The problem is you cant apply this to the T&C, or shall i say your contract with CINGULAR... why?

Heres the contract for you to read...

"IF WE INCREASE THE PRICE OF ANY OF THE SERVICES TO WHICH YOU SUBSCRIBE... YOU MAY TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT WITHOUT PAYING AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE... PROVIDED YOUR NOTICE OF TERMINATION IS DELIVERED TO US WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE FIRST BILL REFLECTING THE CHANGE.""

Do you notice the key word?

Let me give you a hint, its called SUBSCRIBE. Technically so, pay per use is not a subscription price. Its not a set price that is agreed upon prior? why? Because its a PAY PER USAGE rate, which means you only get charged if you use it, and if you dont, you wont. So for example, in case you are still confused.. if they change your RATE PLAN, or the MEDIA BUNDLE that you signed up for , then yes.. they broke the contract, but a PPU, or a company taxed fee or local tax increase, sorry that doesnt count.

So from a legal standpoint, they can change that rate and no it doesnt not void your contract. Sorry, but no one is getting out of their contract because of the PPU increase, at least not if you are trying to use the legal case as you mistakenly thought so prior..

You need to compare apples to apples, the problem is your example is not the same. Hope you understand.

[chibby]

So from a legal standpoint, they can change that rate and no it doesnt not void your contract. Sorry, but no one is getting out of their contract because of the PPU increase, at least not if you are trying to use the legal case as you mistakenly thought so prior..

I got out

[CingularZ]

I got out

I can only imagine it may be a case by case basis but the official word, is that from a legal standpoint, the recent PPU will not allow a customer to avoid their ETF fee.

I am curious how you got it, considering it didnt even go into effect yet... please do tell