It's true. I got one of these letters too. Cingular isn't doing anything about it. I live in an aread that doesn't have many other options. It's really frustrating. If you can help me with my alternative issues look at my post http://cellphoneforums.net/t208131.html or if Cingular starts waivering on this PLEASE let me know.

what's the zip code where you are?

I am a Cingluar Agent, and we've had customers coming in with these letters from Cingular for the past few days. I kinda understand, but then they shouldn't be bragging that they have the largest network and blah blah blah. The reason they have the largest network is because other carriers that use the same technology (frequency phones) allow them to use their towers, and vice versa.

not to be rude, but were you trying to make a point? how are the letters being handled? is cingular losing money from the roaming agreement and that is why they're axing their customers?

I have my letter. I can scan it in this afternoon. Will you please tell me how to put a copy up on here so everyone can see it?

Yeah I was making a point. People are getting these letters. As of right now, the only answer we've gotten is that there's nothing they can do about it. If a customer gets a letter like this, they have x number of days before their account is cancelled, ETF waived. Cingular must be losing money from their roaming agreements if they're doing this. That answer we haven't gotten yet. Of course, I doubt they'll admit it, though.

Are you getting any feedback or info regarding which networks they're roaming on? Is it simply >50% on T-Mobile, or is it on the smaller networks as well? It doesn't seem logical that they advertise their roaming partners, then boot you for taking advantage of it.

FYI, please don't think I'm shooting the messenger here, so to speak!

Oh no I understand. I just want to share with everyone the information that I've gotten so far, and I will continue to do so until there's a resolution for this, if we get one. Our store is in upstate NY, and most of our customers, at least half, are in the Oneonta area. Oneonta is owned by Dobson (CellularOne). There's no T-Mobile in our area, so I haven't received any customer complaints about this letter from people hitting T-Mobile - only CellOne.
The point I brought up is the same that you did. It doesn't make sense that they advertise they have the biggest network, and no roaming and blah blah blah, and then pretty much penalize their customers for doing so. Would you like to know the answer I got from my regional rep? SHE HUNG UP ON ME! Oh well!

Well mine didn't actually hang up on me, but he is only giving me the least amount of info he can.

Here's raunie's letter:



http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...ularletter.jpg

edit: raunie did inform me that the scan caused the cingular logo to disappear. i did see a smudge like remnant at the top on one of the files sent to me, so i'd say it's legit.

also, i like the options cingular has. both are pretty much the same, end your contract!

"we have determined you live and use your phone in an area not directly served by Cingular's

network"
"as part of our regular review of customer accounts, we have determined you live and use your

phone in an area not directly served by Cingular's network.
"This situation occurs with less than one percent of the customers on Cingular's plans, but

when it happens, the costs to Cingular greatly increases. That's why this type of usage is

contrary to the terms of your rate plan."
"As a result, your Cingular service will be cancelled by April 14, 2006. Of course, Cingular

will waive teh early termination fee. To maintain wireless service we recommend you select a

wireless service provider who directly serves teh area where you do most of your calling. If

you choose this option you may be able to keep your current phone number, and you will not have

to pay an early termination fee to Cingular."
"We regret this situation has occurred and, though no one is at fault, it is important that you

find an alternate carrier before April 14, 2006. If you don't, your service will be terminated

with no further warning."
"Please contact us at 866-704-0181 during business hours Monday-Friday, 7 am-7pm EST; Saturday,

9am-6pm CST and reference keyword: "Off-Network"


thats the letter i got (sorry for the broken lines)

There's language in the Terms & Conditions of just about every carrier that states they can terminate your plan any time they want. Most of them stipulate that you cannot use more than 50% of your minutes in a roaming area, no matter who the other tower belongs to. That is, Cingular doesn't care if you roam on T-Mobile, CellOne or whoever. If it's not a Cingular tower, it's costing them money.
My old contract with Cingular had that language, as does my new contract with Sprint.