FAQ: How does GAIT work?

While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in the same phone)
will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage is governed by the
programming of the SIM, which won't necessarily give you the best possible
signal. Now that GSM overlay is pretty much complete, I'd guess that all GAIT
phones are being "homed" on GSM. My prior posts have explained how and why
this matters:

========================================================================

Which network the phone will select depends on how the phone is
programmed (on the SIM) by the carrier. There are four different modes
of GAIT operation:

* GSM Native Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to a GSM
network and is operating on a GSM network. In this mode, the mobile
is able to perform standard GSM type functions including SMS and Data
services (circuit switched at 9600 or 14400 bps and packet switched
service if it is offered).

* ANSI-136 Native Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to an
ANSI-136 network and is operating on an ANSI-136 network. In this
mode, the mobile is able to perform standard ANSI-136 functions
including text messaging using GHOST SMS and Data services (circuit
switched at 9600 bps).

* GSM Foreign Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to an
ANSI-136 network but is operating on a GSM network. At this time, the
GSM portion of the phone is operational and the network's
Interworking and Interoperability Function (IIF) handles the call
delivery and SMS routing from the ANSI-136 network to the serving GSM
network.

* ANSI-136 Foreign Mode: This is where a GSM native subscriber is
accessing an ANSI-136 network. Again, routing of calls and SMS is
handled by the network's Interworking and Interoperability Function.

In short, a GAIT phone will be "homed" to either GSM or ANSI-136 (TDMA).
Network selection will be based on standard mechanisms in both
technologies.

Suppose that the GAIT phone scans for service and determines that there
are two networks available for selection, an ANSI-136 Neutral system and
a GSM Neutral system. If the PPI (Protocol Priority Indicator) is set to
ANSI-136 Preferred, then the mobile selects the ANSI-136 Neutral system.
Conversely, if the PPI is set to GSM Preferred, then the mobile selects
the GSM Neutral system.

Suppose that the GAIT phone scans for service and determines that there
are two network available for selection, an ANSI-136 Group A (Home)
system and a GSM Group B (Preferred) system. The mobile selects the
ANSI-136 system even if the signal is better on the GSM system.

Network selection is a function of preferences configured by the
carrier, not signal strength. It doesn't matter that the signal might
be better on the other technology.

========================================================================

Selection of network is controlled by GAIT SIM programming by the
carrier. The phone will be "homed" to either GSM or TDMA (ANSI-136),
and selection of network will be done by standard mechanisms in those
technologies (Home, Preferred, etc.).

* If a GAIT phone finds both a usable GSM Group B (Preferred) network
and a usable TDMA Group A (Home) network, then the phone selects the
TDMA network, regardless of relative signal strengths, and vice versa.
Home takes precedence over Preferred.

* If a GAIT phone finds both a usable GSM network and a usable TDMA
network of the same priority (e.g., Preferred), and the phone is homed
to TDMA, then the phone selects the TDMA network, regardless of relative
signal strengths. Conversely, if the phone is homed to GSM, then it
selects the GSM network, regardless of relative signal strengths.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are in an area where GSM is not usable and non-carrier ANSI-136
is usable, whether or not a carrier GAIT phone would work on ANSI-136
would depend on the type of available ANSI-136 network. The phone would
select a Partner, Favored, or Neutral network, in descending order, if
there were any such network(s) with usable signal(s). It would not
select a Forbidden network, except for emergency calls.

So whether or not *any* (GSM-homed or TDMA-homed) carrier GAIT phone
would work on TDMA in a GSM-only area (e.g., California) would depend on
(1) TDMA roaming agreement(s) by carrier, and (2) programming by
carrier to reflect those roaming agreements. I doubt that anyone here
knows for sure the answers to those questions, and I suspect it might be
hard to get that information from carrier, leaving us only with
speculation; i.e., we can't say for sure one way or the other.

========================================================================

---

› See More: FAQ: How does GAIT work?

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: John Navas <[email protected]>
> Sent: 08/10/2005 12:21 AM -0400
> Subject: FAQ: How does GAIT work?
>

> While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in the same phone)
> will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage is governed by the

[snip]

John, kudos to you for posting various FAQs.

A question, however, re. GAIT. Have I overlooked your
description of *analog*, or is it missing?

--
RJW

John Navas wrote:

>While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in the same phone)
>will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage is governed by the
>programming of the SIM, which won't necessarily give you the best possible
>signal. Now that GSM overlay is pretty much complete, I'd guess that all GAIT
>phones are being "homed" on GSM. My prior posts have explained how and why
>this matters:
>
>========================================================================
>
>Which network the phone will select depends on how the phone is
>programmed (on the SIM) by the carrier. There are four different modes
>of GAIT operation:
>
> * GSM Native Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to a GSM
> network and is operating on a GSM network. In this mode, the mobile
> is able to perform standard GSM type functions including SMS and Data
> services (circuit switched at 9600 or 14400 bps and packet switched
> service if it is offered).
>
> * ANSI-136 Native Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to an
> ANSI-136 network and is operating on an ANSI-136 network. In this
> mode, the mobile is able to perform standard ANSI-136 functions
> including text messaging using GHOST SMS and Data services (circuit
> switched at 9600 bps).
>
> * GSM Foreign Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to an
> ANSI-136 network but is operating on a GSM network. At this time, the
> GSM portion of the phone is operational and the network's
> Interworking and Interoperability Function (IIF) handles the call
> delivery and SMS routing from the ANSI-136 network to the serving GSM
> network.
>
> * ANSI-136 Foreign Mode: This is where a GSM native subscriber is
> accessing an ANSI-136 network. Again, routing of calls and SMS is
> handled by the network's Interworking and Interoperability Function.
>
>In short, a GAIT phone will be "homed" to either GSM or ANSI-136 (TDMA).
>Network selection will be based on standard mechanisms in both
>technologies.
>
>Suppose that the GAIT phone scans for service and determines that there
>are two networks available for selection, an ANSI-136 Neutral system and
>a GSM Neutral system. If the PPI (Protocol Priority Indicator) is set to
>ANSI-136 Preferred, then the mobile selects the ANSI-136 Neutral system.
>Conversely, if the PPI is set to GSM Preferred, then the mobile selects
>the GSM Neutral system.
>
>Suppose that the GAIT phone scans for service and determines that there
>are two network available for selection, an ANSI-136 Group A (Home)
>system and a GSM Group B (Preferred) system. The mobile selects the
>ANSI-136 system even if the signal is better on the GSM system.
>
>Network selection is a function of preferences configured by the
>carrier, not signal strength. It doesn't matter that the signal might
>be better on the other technology.
>
>========================================================================
>
>Selection of network is controlled by GAIT SIM programming by the
>carrier. The phone will be "homed" to either GSM or TDMA (ANSI-136),
>and selection of network will be done by standard mechanisms in those
>technologies (Home, Preferred, etc.).
>
>* If a GAIT phone finds both a usable GSM Group B (Preferred) network
>and a usable TDMA Group A (Home) network, then the phone selects the
>TDMA network, regardless of relative signal strengths, and vice versa.
>Home takes precedence over Preferred.
>
>* If a GAIT phone finds both a usable GSM network and a usable TDMA
>network of the same priority (e.g., Preferred), and the phone is homed
>to TDMA, then the phone selects the TDMA network, regardless of relative
>signal strengths. Conversely, if the phone is homed to GSM, then it
>selects the GSM network, regardless of relative signal strengths.
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>If you are in an area where GSM is not usable and non-carrier ANSI-136
>is usable, whether or not a carrier GAIT phone would work on ANSI-136
>would depend on the type of available ANSI-136 network. The phone would
>select a Partner, Favored, or Neutral network, in descending order, if
>there were any such network(s) with usable signal(s). It would not
>select a Forbidden network, except for emergency calls.
>
>So whether or not *any* (GSM-homed or TDMA-homed) carrier GAIT phone
>would work on TDMA in a GSM-only area (e.g., California) would depend on
>(1) TDMA roaming agreement(s) by carrier, and (2) programming by
>carrier to reflect those roaming agreements. I doubt that anyone here
>knows for sure the answers to those questions, and I suspect it might be
>hard to get that information from carrier, leaving us only with
>speculation; i.e., we can't say for sure one way or the other.
>
>========================================================================
>
>
>
I would like to add something on network selection. Some GAIT phones
give you the option of selecting the "network stack". I had a SE T62u,
and I was able to choose from the following options:

- GSM Only
- GSM Preferred
- TDMA Only
- TDMA Preferred
- Use SIM

I think there were two more options there, but I can't remember. I
still have the phone, but the battery is shot after working in AMPS mode
too much. The menu path to get there on the handset was Menu -> 4 -> 9
-> 5. Not all SE's had this cabilitiy, but some did.

TH

"Tropical Haven" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:M5pKe.86023$%Z2.65383@lakeread08...
> John Navas wrote:
>
>>While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in the same
>>phone)
>>will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage is governed by the
>>programming of the SIM, which won't necessarily give you the best possible
>>signal. Now that GSM overlay is pretty much complete, I'd guess that all
>>GAIT
>>phones are being "homed" on GSM. My prior posts have explained how and
>>why
>>this matters:
>>
>>========================================================================
>>
>>Which network the phone will select depends on how the phone is
>>programmed (on the SIM) by the carrier. There are four different modes
>>of GAIT operation:
>>
>> * GSM Native Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to a GSM
>> network and is operating on a GSM network. In this mode, the mobile
>> is able to perform standard GSM type functions including SMS and Data
>> services (circuit switched at 9600 or 14400 bps and packet switched
>> service if it is offered).
>>
>> * ANSI-136 Native Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to an
>> ANSI-136 network and is operating on an ANSI-136 network. In this
>> mode, the mobile is able to perform standard ANSI-136 functions
>> including text messaging using GHOST SMS and Data services (circuit
>> switched at 9600 bps).
>>
>> * GSM Foreign Mode: This is where the mobile is homed to an
>> ANSI-136 network but is operating on a GSM network. At this time, the
>> GSM portion of the phone is operational and the network's
>> Interworking and Interoperability Function (IIF) handles the call
>> delivery and SMS routing from the ANSI-136 network to the serving GSM
>> network.
>>
>> * ANSI-136 Foreign Mode: This is where a GSM native subscriber is
>> accessing an ANSI-136 network. Again, routing of calls and SMS is
>> handled by the network's Interworking and Interoperability Function.
>>
>>In short, a GAIT phone will be "homed" to either GSM or ANSI-136 (TDMA).
>>Network selection will be based on standard mechanisms in both
>>technologies.
>>
>>Suppose that the GAIT phone scans for service and determines that there
>>are two networks available for selection, an ANSI-136 Neutral system and
>>a GSM Neutral system. If the PPI (Protocol Priority Indicator) is set to
>>ANSI-136 Preferred, then the mobile selects the ANSI-136 Neutral system.
>>Conversely, if the PPI is set to GSM Preferred, then the mobile selects
>>the GSM Neutral system.
>>
>>Suppose that the GAIT phone scans for service and determines that there
>>are two network available for selection, an ANSI-136 Group A (Home)
>>system and a GSM Group B (Preferred) system. The mobile selects the
>>ANSI-136 system even if the signal is better on the GSM system.
>>
>>Network selection is a function of preferences configured by the
>>carrier, not signal strength. It doesn't matter that the signal might
>>be better on the other technology.
>>
>>========================================================================
>>
>>Selection of network is controlled by GAIT SIM programming by the
>>carrier. The phone will be "homed" to either GSM or TDMA (ANSI-136),
>>and selection of network will be done by standard mechanisms in those
>>technologies (Home, Preferred, etc.).
>>
>>* If a GAIT phone finds both a usable GSM Group B (Preferred) network
>>and a usable TDMA Group A (Home) network, then the phone selects the
>>TDMA network, regardless of relative signal strengths, and vice versa.
>>Home takes precedence over Preferred.
>>
>>* If a GAIT phone finds both a usable GSM network and a usable TDMA
>>network of the same priority (e.g., Preferred), and the phone is homed
>>to TDMA, then the phone selects the TDMA network, regardless of relative
>>signal strengths. Conversely, if the phone is homed to GSM, then it
>>selects the GSM network, regardless of relative signal strengths.
>>
>>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>If you are in an area where GSM is not usable and non-carrier ANSI-136
>>is usable, whether or not a carrier GAIT phone would work on ANSI-136
>>would depend on the type of available ANSI-136 network. The phone would
>>select a Partner, Favored, or Neutral network, in descending order, if
>>there were any such network(s) with usable signal(s). It would not
>>select a Forbidden network, except for emergency calls.
>>
>>So whether or not *any* (GSM-homed or TDMA-homed) carrier GAIT phone
>>would work on TDMA in a GSM-only area (e.g., California) would depend on
>>(1) TDMA roaming agreement(s) by carrier, and (2) programming by
>>carrier to reflect those roaming agreements. I doubt that anyone here
>>knows for sure the answers to those questions, and I suspect it might be
>>hard to get that information from carrier, leaving us only with
>>speculation; i.e., we can't say for sure one way or the other.
>>
>>========================================================================
>>
>>
> I would like to add something on network selection. Some GAIT phones give
> you the option of selecting the "network stack". I had a SE T62u, and I
> was able to choose from the following options:
>
> - GSM Only
> - GSM Preferred
> - TDMA Only
> - TDMA Preferred
> - Use SIM
>
> I think there were two more options there, but I can't remember. I still
> have the phone, but the battery is shot after working in AMPS mode too
> much. The menu path to get there on the handset was Menu -> 4 -> 9 -> 5.
> Not all SE's had this cabilitiy, but some did.
>
> TH

The two additional "Protocol Stack" choices are:
- TDMA persistent (whatever that means?!)
- GSM Home Preferred

Bob in Dallas

[POSTED TO alt.cellular.attws - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]

In <WYmKe.1268$Im1.149@trndny02> on Wed, 10 Aug 2005 13:05:58 GMT, "Richard J.
Wyble" <[email protected]> wrote:

>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: John Navas <[email protected]>
>> Sent: 08/10/2005 12:21 AM -0400
>> Subject: FAQ: How does GAIT work?
>>
>
>> While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in the same phone)
>> will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage is governed by the
>
>[snip]
>
>John, kudos to you for posting various FAQs.
>
>A question, however, re. GAIT. Have I overlooked your
>description of *analog*, or is it missing?

I mentioned Analog (AMPS) only at the beginning of the FAQ, in combination
with TDMA (D-AMPS, IS-136), because it simply goes along with TDMA. What I'm
addressing is how the digital part of the service works.

--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>

This appears to be a moot point as Cingluar (at least) is shutting down GAIT
phones and accounts on September 3rd. SUPPOSEDLY, they're not shutting down
the TDMA network, but they've sent letters to T62u and S46 owners telling
them to switch. Worst part is that the phone offer is for a pair of "toy"
phones and they won't migrate any benefits (promo minutes, etc.) you
currently have -- even if your contract isn't up.



"John Navas" <[email protected]> wrote:
> While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in the same
phone)
> will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage is governed by the
> programming of the SIM, which won't necessarily give you the best possible
> signal. Now that GSM overlay is pretty much complete, I'd guess that all
GAIT
> phones are being "homed" on GSM. My prior posts have explained how and
why
> this matters:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "[ a m z ]" <[email protected]>
> Sent: 08/12/2005 3:50 AM -0400
> Subject: How does GAIT work? -- moot point, Cingular stopping GAIT
>

> This appears to be a moot point as Cingluar (at least) is shutting down GAIT
> phones and accounts on September 3rd. SUPPOSEDLY, they're not shutting down
> the TDMA network, but they've sent letters to T62u and S46 owners telling
> them to switch. Worst part is that the phone offer is for a pair of "toy"
> phones and they won't migrate any benefits (promo minutes, etc.) you
> currently have -- even if your contract isn't up.
>

Would you mind sharing the text of this letter, please?
Thank you.

--
RJW

Several things about this post don't ring true. The S46 was never offered
by Cingular to my knowledge. The only GAIT phones from Cingular were the
T62u and the Nokia 6340i.

In any case, these phones will continue to work just fine on the GSM
network, with or without GAIT implemented on the user's account. Even if
GAIT were discontinued there is no reason to force users to change phones.
GAIT is not being promoted, but is still available for the asking.

Along that same line, there is no reason to change plans. My T62u and my
V551 both work on my account, which just happens to have the GAIT feature
implemented. It is not a GAIT-specifice account, plan, or contract.

The post appears to be the result of bad information, or someone trying to
create it.

How about some credible documentation?

"[ a m z ]" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> This appears to be a moot point as Cingluar (at least) is shutting down
> GAIT
> phones and accounts on September 3rd. SUPPOSEDLY, they're not shutting
> down
> the TDMA network, but they've sent letters to T62u and S46 owners telling
> them to switch. Worst part is that the phone offer is for a pair of "toy"
> phones and they won't migrate any benefits (promo minutes, etc.) you
> currently have -- even if your contract isn't up.
>
>
>
> "John Navas" <[email protected]> wrote:
>> While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in the same
> phone)
>> will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage is governed by
>> the
>> programming of the SIM, which won't necessarily give you the best
>> possible
>> signal. Now that GSM overlay is pretty much complete, I'd guess that all
> GAIT
>> phones are being "homed" on GSM. My prior posts have explained how and
> why
>> this matters:
>
>

"Bob Walker" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "[ a m z ]" wrote:
> > "John Navas" <[email protected]> wrote:
> >> While GAIT (both TDMA/Analog technology and GSM technology in
> >> the same phone) will give the "best possible coverage," actual coverage
> >> is governed by the programming of the SIM, which won't necessarily
> >> give you the best possible signal. Now that GSM overlay is pretty much
> >> complete, I'd guess that all GAIT phones are being "homed" on GSM.
> >
> > This appears to be a moot point as Cingluar (at least) is shutting down
> > GAIT phones and accounts on September 3rd. SUPPOSEDLY, they're
> > not shutting down
> > the TDMA network, but they've sent letters to T62u and S46 owners
telling
> > them to switch. Worst part is that the phone offer is for a pair of
"toy"
> > phones and they won't migrate any benefits (promo minutes, etc.) you
> > currently have -- even if your contract isn't up.
> >
>
> Several things about this post don't ring true. The S46 was never offered
> by Cingular to my knowledge. The only GAIT phones from Cingular were the
> T62u and the Nokia 6340i.
>
> In any case, these phones will continue to work just fine on the GSM
> network, with or without GAIT implemented on the user's account. Even if
> GAIT were discontinued there is no reason to force users to change phones.
> GAIT is not being promoted, but is still available for the asking.
>
> Along that same line, there is no reason to change plans. My T62u and my
> V551 both work on my account, which just happens to have the GAIT feature
> implemented. It is not a GAIT-specifice account, plan, or contract.
>
> The post appears to be the result of bad information, or someone trying to
> create it.
>
> How about some credible documentation?

First, I'm not going to post a color scan of a two-page letter. It arrived
in the mail the other day. The key points of the letter are: "... you have
the option of keeping your existing GAIT phone, but you will need to
re-program it to operate on GSM only before September 3, 2005. After that
date... your rate plan will change to Cingular's GSM America National plan.
If you do not upgrade or re-program your phone... you will experience
degradation in your wireless service." The letter gives you the option of a
free Nokia 6010 or a $49.99 Moto V220, but only with a new 2-year agreement.
The phone number in the letter is 800-543-9611. It looks like this might be
"letter #5023?"

I immediately called Cingular CS and was told that they were just learning
what they could and couldn't do for customers. Contrary to your "GAIT... is
still available for the asking" comment, you CANNOT initiate a new
Multi-Band plan (or even change your existing one). The account codes are
apparently "off the system" now. Anyone with a Multi-Band plan will also
lose any promotions (minutes, evenings, etc.) because Cingular has no way of
adding them back "on the fly." They can only do current, advertised
promotions.

For your other points... No, Cingular didn't offer the S46 because it was
custom-made for AT&T by Siemens. The T62u and v551 will work fine... for
now. Starting September 3rd, Cingular is wiping out the Multi-Band
accounts.

Long story short... If you have a GAIT phone, you can still run it in GSM
Only mode, but you will get forced off of your rate plan. Apparently, no
grandfathering -- even for contracts that aren't up.

[POSTED TO alt.cellular.attws - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]

In <[email protected]> on Fri, 12 Aug 2005 18:10:54 -0700, "[
a m z ]" <[email protected]> wrote:

>First, I'm not going to post a color scan of a two-page letter. It arrived
>in the mail the other day. The key points of the letter are:

>you have the option of keeping your existing GAIT phone,

Which will still work fine on GSM.

>but you will need to re-program it to operate on GSM only before September 3, 2005

They want you to get a GSM-only SIM.

>After that date... your rate plan will change to Cingular's GSM America National plan

If it wasn't already.

>If you do not upgrade or re-program your phone... you will experience degradation in your wireless service."

Won't be any worse than any other multi-band GSM handset without ENS.

>Anyone with a Multi-Band plan will also
>lose any promotions (minutes, evenings, etc.) because Cingular has no way of
>adding them back "on the fly." They can only do current, advertised
>promotions.

What "Multi-Band plan?" 850 and 1900 are bands. GSM and TDMA are modes.
GAIT is a feature, not a plan. If you have a GSM plan, keep it and let them
delete GAIT.

>The T62u and v551 will work fine... for
>now.

Indefinitely -- they support all of Cingular's GSM bands.
And that's Nokia 6340i, not V551.

>Starting September 3rd, Cingular is wiping out the Multi-Band
>accounts.

What "Multi-Band accounts?" Subscribers are either TDMA or GSM mode, on 850
and 1900 bands. GAIT is a feature that allows both modes.

>Long story short... If you have a GAIT phone, you can still run it in GSM
>Only mode,

Which will work fine.

>but you will get forced off of your rate plan. Apparently, no
>grandfathering -- even for contracts that aren't up.

I'm skeptical.

The nasty part of GAIT for Cingular is that it takes special support from the
network to allow for multi-mode operation, which is an expensive issue as
Cingular integrates, upgrades, and expands its network.

--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>

>
> First, I'm not going to post a color scan of a two-page letter. It
> arrived
> in the mail the other day. The key points of the letter are: "...
> you have
> the option of keeping your existing GAIT phone, but you will need to
> re-program it to operate on GSM only before September 3, 2005.
> After that
> date... your rate plan will change to Cingular's GSM America
> National plan.
> If you do not upgrade or re-program your phone... you will
> experience
> degradation in your wireless service." The letter gives you the
> option of a
> free Nokia 6010 or a $49.99 Moto V220, but only with a new 2-year
> agreement.
> The phone number in the letter is 800-543-9611. It looks like this
> might be
> "letter #5023?"
>
> I immediately called Cingular CS and was told that they were just
> learning
> what they could and couldn't do for customers. Contrary to your
> "GAIT... is
> still available for the asking" comment, you CANNOT initiate a new
> Multi-Band plan (or even change your existing one). The account
> codes are
> apparently "off the system" now. Anyone with a Multi-Band plan will
> also
> lose any promotions (minutes, evenings, etc.) because Cingular has
> no way of
> adding them back "on the fly." They can only do current, advertised
> promotions.
>
> For your other points... No, Cingular didn't offer the S46 because
> it was
> custom-made for AT&T by Siemens. The T62u and v551 will work
> fine... for
> now. Starting September 3rd, Cingular is wiping out the Multi-Band
> accounts.
>
> Long story short... If you have a GAIT phone, you can still run it
> in GSM
> Only mode, but you will get forced off of your rate plan.
> Apparently, no
> grandfathering -- even for contracts that aren't up.
>
>

I'll accept that you have letter in hand and understand what you were
told by customer service. Are you a former ATT customer still on one
of their plans? My contract is for a Cingular GSM national plan that
just happens to have the GAIT feature added. I can't see why removing
GAIT, if it happened, would have any effect on the rest of the plan.

When I receive my letter I'll post the information here.

"John Navas" wrote:
> a m z ]" wrote:
>
> >After that date... your rate plan will change to Cingular's GSM America
National plan
>
> If it wasn't already.

No, I still have my original contract and terms (for now). Only difference
is that I talk to "Cingular Blue" customer service people.

> What "Multi-Band plan?" 850 and 1900 are bands. GSM and
> TDMA are modes. GAIT is a feature, not a plan. If you have a
> GSM plan, keep it and let them delete GAIT.


AT&T's terminology. They didn't have it as an optional feature. On the
AT&T system, you had to specifically sign up for a "Multi-Band" plan in
order to have both the GSM and TDMA "sides" of your phone recognized. You
could, however, get a GAIT phone and run it only on GSM, but when they
stopped selling Multi-Band (before the merger, I think), you couldn't start
a new GAIT-capable account. Multi-Band plans had slightly fewer minutes
than comparable GSM plans, but you could often get promos to improve your
deal. For example, I have 800 anytime minutes, unlimited
nights/weekends/M-to-M, nationwide no-roaming and 7pm evenings all for
$39.95. Cingular's current plans don't compare.

Also, when I asked about switching to ANY sort of GAIT-like package or
feature, Cingular's "migration" reps said that those codes were no longer
available in the system.


> >but you will get forced off of your rate plan. Apparently, no
> >grandfathering -- even for contracts that aren't up.
>
> I'm skeptical.

That's what I was told by Cingular. Rep had already had calls about it and
had escalated the situation for a previous customer.


> The nasty part of GAIT for Cingular is that it takes special support from
the
> network to allow for multi-mode operation, which is an expensive issue as
> Cingular integrates, upgrades, and expands its network.

But for those of us in semi-rural areas, having the TDMA as a backup is
critical.

Update... I just talked to Cingular again and was told that Cingular is
TAKING DOWN the TDMA and analog networks in September. Apparently, people
with TDMA-only phones are being told they must get new phones.

Good news is that the rep said that this is a sufficiently large change to
allow you to walk away from your contract without penalty, regardless of the
time left on it.

>>but you will need to re-program it to operate on GSM only before September 3, 2005
>>
>>
>
>They want you to get a GSM-only SIM.
>
>
>
There is no such thing as a GAIT SIM or a GSM-only SIM. A SIM card is a
SIM card is a SIM card. You have Cingular SIM cards in 32k and 64k
denominations, and you have ATTWS (Cingular Blue) SIM cards.

My point is that a SIM is not manufactured to be either GAIT or GSM only
without being able to switch. The only difference is the software
that's loaded. A GAIT SIM will work fine in any GSM-only phone, and if
it doesn't it's because the phone can't handle the SIM.





In regards to the letter, it wouldn't surprise me if the OP is in a Blue
area with 850 mHz that is being swapped to GSM...his Siemens phone won't
work with GSM 850, but the T62u will, hence why there would be no need
to replace it. However, if Cingular changed the network while you are
in contract and those changes *require* you to use a new handset, they
will provide you one free of charge with no changes in contract.

That letter sounds fishy, and I don't believe Cingular would send it out.

TH

>First, I'm not going to post a color scan of a two-page letter. I
>

Maybe you could scan the letter and post it somewhere, and drop the URL here?