GAIT Questions

For anyone who has much experience with GAIT phones, I have a few
questions.

I just got my SIM and had it activated using my Nokia 6340i. However,
because I am roaming, I experienced some problems.

When I was asked to dial *18 the call would not go through. I got the
message, "Message B-I-S-32. Welcome to Cellular One. We're sorry, your
call cannot be completed as dialed. Please check the number and dial
again." The only unusual thing I am noticing so far is that this area
is showing "Cingular Extend" when it should be displaying "Cingular"
(I'm on the Preferred Nation). Is *18 some kind of OTA IRDB update?

I also have a SE T62u. I got both phones because the Nokia has better
battery life, but it would be easier for me to use the T62u with
external antennae already purchased (which is important to me,
espeically with my rural travels).

Is there any easy way for me to take the SIM out of the 6340i and put it
into the T62u so I could immediately use it? I was under the impression
from customer care that I could take the SIM out and put it into the
other phone with no problem. Should I be able to do that, or do I have
to call Cingular every time I leave town to have it switched? Cingular
did not ask me for the ESN of the T62u, so that might be part of the
problem.

Any help would be appreciated. This is my first actual experience with
a SIM, and handset freedoms not easily experienced with CDMA carriers.

AD

---

› See More: GAIT Questions

In article <[email protected]>,
About Dakota <[email protected]> wrote:

> The only unusual thing I am noticing so far is that this area
> is showing "Cingular Extend" when it should be displaying "Cingular"
> (I'm on the Preferred Nation).

You'll still see Cingular Extend when you're on one of their Nation
plans. You'll just never see roaming, that's all.

Sounds like you were out of your home area, AND out of a Cingular-owned
area. You were on a separate system that Cingular is leasing time from,
so you didn't have access to Cingular-specific features.



> Is there any easy way for me to take the SIM out of the 6340i and put it
> into the T62u so I could immediately use it? I was under the impression
> from customer care that I could take the SIM out and put it into the
> other phone with no problem. Should I be able to do that, or do I have
> to call Cingular every time I leave town to have it switched?

No. The SIM *is* you. Put it in the Sony and turn it on. Voila.

"About Dakota" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> For anyone who has much experience with GAIT phones, I have a few
> questions.
>
> I just got my SIM and had it activated using my Nokia 6340i. However,
> because I am roaming, I experienced some problems.
>
> When I was asked to dial *18 the call would not go through. I got the
> message, "Message B-I-S-32. Welcome to Cellular One. We're sorry, your
> call cannot be completed as dialed. Please check the number and dial
> again." The only unusual thing I am noticing so far is that this area
> is showing "Cingular Extend" when it should be displaying "Cingular"
> (I'm on the Preferred Nation). Is *18 some kind of OTA IRDB update?
>
> I also have a SE T62u. I got both phones because the Nokia has better
> battery life, but it would be easier for me to use the T62u with
> external antennae already purchased (which is important to me,
> espeically with my rural travels).
>
> Is there any easy way for me to take the SIM out of the 6340i and put it
> into the T62u so I could immediately use it? I was under the impression
> from customer care that I could take the SIM out and put it into the
> other phone with no problem. Should I be able to do that, or do I have
> to call Cingular every time I leave town to have it switched? Cingular
> did not ask me for the ESN of the T62u, so that might be part of the
> problem.
>
> Any help would be appreciated. This is my first actual experience with
> a SIM, and handset freedoms not easily experienced with CDMA carriers.
>
> AD

Moving the active GAIT SIM from the 6340i to T62u will transfer your
GSM calling over, with no intervention from Cingular required. However,
the phone won't operate in TDMA/AMPS until you tell Cingular about the
change in ESN (or as you're finding, not recognized). I'm a 6340i owner,
also.

Truly, I think you need a consultation with Cingular's technical support.
You should call in on another phone, so that you can manipulate the GAIT
phone as requested. Just out of curiosity, where are you?

I've seen mine do all modes, except analog, traveling within 150 miles of
Memphis, TN. 800/1900 MHz, GSM/TDMA and all on Cingular. I could see
analog if I reroute through Centennial Wireless country in NE Louisiana.

John C.

In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
> When I was asked to dial *18 the call would not go through. I got the
> message, "Message B-I-S-32. Welcome to Cellular One. We're sorry, your

*18 is NOT a Cingular specific feature--it is the old style "follow me
roaming" activation code. It hasn't been needed for years not even on
TDMA/AMPS, not since ACD automatic call delivery became common. WHO
"asked" you to dial it? It still should work to toggle all forwarding
(*19 is the "off" function) but the phone would already have to be
registered and working correctly on a system which yours probably wasn't
at the time.

> I also have a SE T62u. I got both phones because the Nokia has better
> battery life, but it would be easier for me to use the T62u with
> external antennae already purchased (which is important to me,
> espeically with my rural travels).

Huh? The 6340i has an antenna adapter on the back. How much easier can
the T62U be than just plugging an external antenna cable into the Nokia
connector? They even make a combination antenna/power (lighter plug)
coiled cable for the 5xxx/6xxx phones. I have the full car kit which
also uses the rear antenna connector--it connects when you seat the
phone in the holder.

> Is there any easy way for me to take the SIM out of the 6340i and put it
> into the T62u so I could immediately use it? I was under the impression
> from customer care that I could take the SIM out and put it into the
> other phone with no problem. Should I be able to do that, or do I have
> to call Cingular every time I leave town to have it switched? Cingular
> did not ask me for the ESN of the T62u, so that might be part of the
> problem.
>
Moving the SIM would allow GSM to work on both phones without
intervention but I believe you'd have to go thru CS to change the ESN
for TDMA/AMPS.

Again, I don't think you're getting enough benefit swapping these two
phones to justify the hassle. Some people are doing that to switch to a
full-bells-and-whistles feature-loaded GSM-only phone when TDMA/AMPS
isn't needed.

--
Jud
Dallas TX USA

> Moving the active GAIT SIM from the 6340i to T62u will transfer your
> GSM calling over, with no intervention from Cingular required. However,
> the phone won't operate in TDMA/AMPS until you tell Cingular about the
> change in ESN (or as you're finding, not recognized). I'm a 6340i owner,
> also.
>
> Truly, I think you need a consultation with Cingular's technical support.
> You should call in on another phone, so that you can manipulate the GAIT
> phone as requested. Just out of curiosity, where are you?

Right now I am in college in North Dakota. Last night, I just left my
SIM in my T62u so I could monitor battery life and signal, and I saw it
in all three modes last night. When it was in GSM, I could not place a
call, however, but I think that is because the GSM system here is not
officially live yet.

> I've seen mine do all modes, except analog, traveling within 150 miles of
> Memphis, TN. 800/1900 MHz, GSM/TDMA and all on Cingular. I could see
> analog if I reroute through Centennial Wireless country in NE Louisiana.

If I'm running TDMA or GSM, how do I tell what frequency I am picking
up? In my location, there are no PCS tower, and just two carriers, each
having analog, so I know that I am running in the 800 band.

> John C.
>
>

AD

Jud Hardcastle wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> [email protected] says...
>
>>When I was asked to dial *18 the call would not go through. I got the
>>message, "Message B-I-S-32. Welcome to Cellular One. We're sorry, your
>
>
> *18 is NOT a Cingular specific feature--it is the old style "follow me
> roaming" activation code. It hasn't been needed for years not even on
> TDMA/AMPS, not since ACD automatic call delivery became common. WHO
> "asked" you to dial it? It still should work to toggle all forwarding
> (*19 is the "off" function) but the phone would already have to be
> registered and working correctly on a system which yours probably wasn't
> at the time.

The Cingular representative I called asked me to dial *18. The phone
can make and receive calls, but I still get that same message from
Western Wireless (Cellular One West).


>
> Huh? The 6340i has an antenna adapter on the back. How much easier can
> the T62U be than just plugging an external antenna cable into the Nokia
> connector? They even make a combination antenna/power (lighter plug)
> coiled cable for the 5xxx/6xxx phones. I have the full car kit which
> also uses the rear antenna connector--it connects when you seat the
> phone in the holder.

The Nokia is already easier to find equipment for, but I have acquired
equipment for the T62u (free of charge from a friend who no longer
travels, but still used his T62u). The T62u only cost me $17.00 on ebay.

>
>>Is there any easy way for me to take the SIM out of the 6340i and put it
>>into the T62u so I could immediately use it? I was under the impression
>>from customer care that I could take the SIM out and put it into the
>>other phone with no problem. Should I be able to do that, or do I have
>>to call Cingular every time I leave town to have it switched? Cingular
>>did not ask me for the ESN of the T62u, so that might be part of the
>>problem.
>>
>
> Moving the SIM would allow GSM to work on both phones without
> intervention but I believe you'd have to go thru CS to change the ESN
> for TDMA/AMPS.

That makes sense to what I understand. My phone number is based in
Orlando, FL, a GSM market, so maybe the rep didn't realize how that
might affect me on a TDMA/AMPS systems with no access to GSM.

> Again, I don't think you're getting enough benefit swapping these two
> phones to justify the hassle. Some people are doing that to switch to a
> full-bells-and-whistles feature-loaded GSM-only phone when TDMA/AMPS
> isn't needed.

According to Cingular, North Dakota and Wyoming should be mostly covered
(where I travel) by the end of 2003. Western Wireless, who is building
the GSM Network for roaming purposes has not commented on the progress.
My T62u does pick up a GSM signal a couple times a day, but soon gives
that up for a weaker TDMA signal.

http://onlinestore.cingular.com/weba...ap_6_30_03.htm

Cingular GSM Nation map.

AD

Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> About Dakota <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>The only unusual thing I am noticing so far is that this area
>>is showing "Cingular Extend" when it should be displaying "Cingular"
>>(I'm on the Preferred Nation).
>
>
> You'll still see Cingular Extend when you're on one of their Nation
> plans. You'll just never see roaming, that's all.
>
> Sounds like you were out of your home area, AND out of a Cingular-owned
> area. You were on a separate system that Cingular is leasing time from,
> so you didn't have access to Cingular-specific features.
>
>
>
>
>>Is there any easy way for me to take the SIM out of the 6340i and put it
>>into the T62u so I could immediately use it? I was under the impression
>>from customer care that I could take the SIM out and put it into the
>>other phone with no problem. Should I be able to do that, or do I have
>>to call Cingular every time I leave town to have it switched?
>
>
> No. The SIM *is* you. Put it in the Sony and turn it on. Voila.
>

That's what I had thought. However, when I switch the SIM and turn it
on, I am unable to make or receive calls on the Sony. I guess it must
have to do with the fact that I'm roaming on a TDMA/AMPS system?

AD

Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:

> .... Voila
>


....another geek word

--
jer email reply - I am not a 'ten' ICQ = 35253273
"All that we do is touched with ocean, yet we remain on the shore of
what we know." -- Richard Wilbur

About Dakota wrote:
> That makes sense to what I understand. My phone number is based in
> Orlando, FL, a GSM market, so maybe the rep didn't realize how that
> might affect me on a TDMA/AMPS systems with no access to GSM.

That puts another twist to my concern about upgrading with Cingular
as I've posted elsewhere. Does that mean that if I have a Nokia 6340i
with GSM and TDMA (purchased in the Dallas market), it may not work
in some areas that are TDMA only?

In article <[email protected]>,
About Dakota <[email protected]> wrote:

> I guess it must
> have to do with the fact that I'm roaming on a TDMA/AMPS system?

That would be the case, yes. The SIM card controls GSM stuff.

"About Dakota" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> > Moving the active GAIT SIM from the 6340i to T62u will transfer your
> > GSM calling over, with no intervention from Cingular required. However,
> > the phone won't operate in TDMA/AMPS until you tell Cingular about the
> > change in ESN (or as you're finding, not recognized). I'm a 6340i owner,
> > also.
> >
> > Truly, I think you need a consultation with Cingular's technical
support.
> > You should call in on another phone, so that you can manipulate the GAIT
> > phone as requested. Just out of curiosity, where are you?
>
> Right now I am in college in North Dakota. Last night, I just left my
> SIM in my T62u so I could monitor battery life and signal, and I saw it
> in all three modes last night. When it was in GSM, I could not place a
> call, however, but I think that is because the GSM system here is not
> officially live yet.
>
> > I've seen mine do all modes, except analog, traveling within 150 miles
of
> > Memphis, TN. 800/1900 MHz, GSM/TDMA and all on Cingular. I could see
> > analog if I reroute through Centennial Wireless country in NE Louisiana.
>
> If I'm running TDMA or GSM, how do I tell what frequency I am picking
> up? In my location, there are no PCS tower, and just two carriers, each
> having analog, so I know that I am running in the 800 band.
>
> > John C.
> >
> >
>
> AD

The Nokia 6340i "Field Test" screens 01-01 through 01-13 give you some
hints on GSM operation. The 21-01 through 21-09 will be familiar if you've
used a Nokia TDMA phone before. 21-01 will show what band you are on, and
a channel number. The 01-01 shows a GSM channel number (wider channels)
that I don't yet know enough to interpret.

I really am starting to believe that your account's ESN field is either
blank or incorrect. If you see this in time, call Cingular before the
1800 CDT Saturday closing. Or perhaps after-hours support at 866-802-2922.

Since you're in TDMA territory, ESN is everything. Pick one phone of the
two, and stay with it. In GSM territory, you can readily switch SIMs.

John C.

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:6%[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> About Dakota <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > The only unusual thing I am noticing so far is that this area
> > is showing "Cingular Extend" when it should be displaying "Cingular"
> > (I'm on the Preferred Nation).
>
> You'll still see Cingular Extend when you're on one of their Nation
> plans. You'll just never see roaming, that's all.
>
I saw "Cingular Extend" for the first time today. It is still a free call?
(Well, I mean as free as a "Cingular" call)

In article <[email protected]>,
"John" <[email protected]> wrote:

> > You'll still see Cingular Extend when you're on one of their Nation
> > plans. You'll just never see roaming, that's all.
> >
> I saw "Cingular Extend" for the first time today. It is still a free call?

That depends on your plan. For my Preferred Nation plan, yes.

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> "John" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > > You'll still see Cingular Extend when you're on one of their Nation
> > > plans. You'll just never see roaming, that's all.
> > >
> > I saw "Cingular Extend" for the first time today. It is still a free
call?
>
> That depends on your plan. For my Preferred Nation plan, yes.
>

For my pref nation, cingular extends costs for me.
59 cents a minute, even though it says 79 cents on my plan. Who knows , , ,

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> "John" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > > You'll still see Cingular Extend when you're on one of their Nation
> > > plans. You'll just never see roaming, that's all.
> > >
> > I saw "Cingular Extend" for the first time today. It is still a free
call?
>
> That depends on your plan. For my Preferred Nation plan, yes.
>
I have "Cingular Nation". My understanding is that all calls simply count
against my 500 minutes. The map indicates that I either have service under
the plan, or there is no service. So, I don't understand why it shows
"extend". Is that just an artifact from other plans?

I have an email into the sales rep at Cingular about this, but I am not
holding my breath; and I am certainly not bothering to call customer
disservice.
Thanks.