Cingular Options GAIT versus Dual Mode Roaming

My cell phone usage is "emergency use only" with a soft definition of
"emergency". I seldom reach 80 minutes a month. Some months are Zero
minutes.

My bill shows "Dual Mode Roaming" and indeed my old Ericsson is "Dual
Mode", and that's why I keep it. I get service in an are that's
critical to me once a year.

I have read comments in this group about Cingular "GAIT Mode" and indeed
I have acquired a used GAIT enable Nokia 6340i.

What's the difference in respect to my needs?

Cingular local store rep and the 800 tech support explain that I cannot
upgrade my ancient plan "D$25 150 MINUTES W/LD" The plan allows me to
ANalog Roam for a fee. The fees are not an issue in my usage patterns.

Cingular says I will lose the Analog Roaming if I upgrade my phone.

After escalation and letter writing, it was explained that a business
decision was made to block access in analog in North Carolina and South
Carolina...
because Sprint owns all the analog rights, and Sprint wants $1.00 a
minute and fees, so Cingular chose not to do business with them.

The blocking is done at the tower level by cell phone model. That my
old phone is still allowed because I pay for the calls.

I asked why I am blocked with a new phone since I am paying. A. Because
the blocking is not by the Plan by by phone type.

So here is what I am trying t0 accomplish,
and so far it seems to be working. What are my exposures with this
plan??...

PLAN:
Move the SIM from the Ericsson CF888 to the Nokie 6340i for all usage
EXCEPT one week a year when I go camping/fishing in a remote location.

For that week, I move the SIM back to the Ericsson.

I like the Nokia for the rest of the time because"
- It also has GSM 1900 and therefore better high signal coverage.

- I can update my phone book with the PC.

Observation... I seem to have an echo with the new Nokia. I read a post
herein that I can get a newer replacement SIM card for that problem. If
I do that, will the New Sim still support my Ericsson Dual Mode that I need?

Any other issues I need to be aware of?

Carl

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› See More: Cingular Options GAIT versus Dual Mode Roaming

> Observation... I seem to have an echo with the new Nokia. I read a post
> herein that I can get a newer replacement SIM card for that problem. If
> I do that, will the New Sim still support my Ericsson Dual Mode that I
> need?

I also had an echo with the 6340i. It's been a year since I used the
phone, so I don't remember where, but there is a setting that changed
the sound, and the echo went away.

TH

<snip>
> My bill shows "Dual Mode Roaming" and indeed my old Ericsson is "Dual
> Mode", and that's why I keep it. I get service in an are that's
> critical to me once a year.
>
> I have read comments in this group about Cingular "GAIT Mode" and indeed
> I have acquired a used GAIT enable Nokia 6340i.
>
> What's the difference in respect to my needs?
<snip>

GAIT phone has GSM mode which is what Cingular is converting most of the
network too, as well as TDMA and AMPS modes it also does both bands 800/850
and 1900 PCS. I'am not sure what your old Ericsson would do, do you know
it's model number ?

Different people report different phrases for GAIT on their bill. I have a
GSM national plan with a GAIT phone and GAIT features it is listed on the
bill as :

/DUAL BAND
GSM - TDMA INTEROPERABILITY
/NATION GAIT/GSM
OFF-NETWORK ROAM
ROAMER ADMIN FEE EXCLUSION

The plan code is NATP 600R UMMUNW7

Cost is $56.99 but bill is $63.34 with taxes and other stuff, added the
fastfoward for $2.99 new bill will be $65.34 guess it will be $66.34 or more
next month.

Stanley Reynolds wrote:
> <snip>
>> My bill shows "Dual Mode Roaming" and indeed my old Ericsson is "Dual
>> Mode", and that's why I keep it. I get service in an are that's
>> critical to me once a year.
>>
>> I have read comments in this group about Cingular "GAIT Mode" and indeed
>> I have acquired a used GAIT enable Nokia 6340i.
>>
>> What's the difference in respect to my needs?
> <snip>
>
> GAIT phone has GSM mode which is what Cingular is converting most of the
> network too, as well as TDMA and AMPS modes it also does both bands 800/850
> and 1900 PCS. I'am not sure what your old Ericsson would do, do you know
> it's model number ?
>
> Different people report different phrases for GAIT on their bill. I have a
> GSM national plan with a GAIT phone and GAIT features it is listed on the
> bill as :
>
> /DUAL BAND
> GSM - TDMA INTEROPERABILITY
> /NATION GAIT/GSM
> OFF-NETWORK ROAM
> ROAMER ADMIN FEE EXCLUSION
>
> The plan code is NATP 600R UMMUNW7
>
> Cost is $56.99 but bill is $63.34 with taxes and other stuff, added the
> fastfoward for $2.99 new bill will be $65.34 guess it will be $66.34 or more
> next month.
>
>
>

The Ericsson CF888 is GSM-1900 and AMPS 800.

Carl

> The Ericsson CF888 is GSM-1900 and AMPS 800.
>
> Carl
You should be happy with the Nokia just make sure Cingular sets up your
account for GAIT or at least swaps the esn for you. Make sure you make it
clear that you want to keep your old plan each time you talk to them, you
can check your plan online at : www.cingular.com