What!! $4.99 Tdma/analog Ntwk Chg

I’m currently a Cingular customer and have had the same phone contract since 1999. It is an old plan that started with Suncom then ATT&T and now Cingular. I know that Cingular doesn’t like to honor this plan and it’s on the TDMA network. They have now come up with a new way to drive people away from it. It’s a $4.99 TDMA/ANALOG NTWK CHG. I just called them to ask WTF is this charge on my bill. I informed the CS person that I don’t care what network I’m on as long as it works and I didn’t have a need for TDMA ect ect. Of course this did me no good but I think they should either let me out of the contract at no charge or not charge me any additional money.

Has anyone had any success getting this fee waved or getting out of the contract?? I’m not interested in their current plans that anyone off the street can get at full price.

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Yeah, their "old network" (TDMA) must be shut down by 2008 by government orders. Although they never said Cingular had to charge people $5 a month for it. You could get a new phone that works on the "new network" (GSM) which might work a little better and be a nicer phone, but that's up to you.

I don't know if they will let you out of this or not. My guess if no unless if you have a really creative reason. And I don't believe there's anywhere you can go but Cingular to use your TDMA phone.

Yes, Cingular would love for me to move over to the new system and are willing to give me the phone ect. The problem is I have the plan I need/want that is relatively low cost that they won't honor on the new system. I would consider a new plan if they will give me some sort of discount for being a good customer for 7 years. I know cell companies did these things at one time but maybe they are trying to get out of valuing good customers.

If I have to take an "off the street rate plan" than it will be with their competition.

Perhaps you can try and get a nice customer care rep that will let you keep your old plan with a new phone. If I can find a lady at my Sprint store that would take $70 off my bill every month and give me free phones, then I bet you could find a way to get a new phone with the old plan.

OP, the reason why Cingular is charging you $4.99 is because to maintain lingering customers who are still using the TDMA network. Like char777 stated, plans are already made to phase out the old network, and switch fully to digital. Now I'm not going to try and convince you to migrate over to Cingular. I'd say to keep your current plan as long as you can, cause those deals are more than awesome. I'm actually jealous when I hear some people whom I know are still using ATTWS. But more than likely I'm guessing those deals/features that you got are just essentially promos. It's something that is either added onto or discounted from the original plan. They are subject to change. And as far a getting the fee waived, can't do. When it's time for you to leave ATT, hey you can opt to go with T-Mobile or another provider.

I don't think T-Mobile has analog/TDMA services. You could just use TDMA until they shut it down which is sometime in 2008, I just can't remember when in 2008. After that, go with whom you think has the best coverage in areas you use your mobile phone and rates and services you want/like/can afford. Of course, you won't have to make that decision until you want to or in 2008.

TDMA demise in March 2008.

My old att plan is 29.99 for 750 anytime minutes now they added the 4.99 so I'm paying $35 + fees.

The new offer they are giving me is 39.99 for 650 anytime minutes + rollover if I switch.

I'm thinking about switching and just paying the extra $5 since I will have better service and a better phone.

The only thing keeping me from switching is wondering if they will offer me a better deal if I continue to hold out (plus I save $5 per month).

Originally Posted by FoldNowSucker

My old att plan is 29.99 for 750 anytime minutes now they added the 4.99 so I'm paying $35 + fees.

The new offer they are giving me is 39.99 for 650 anytime minutes + rollover if I switch.

I'm thinking about switching and just paying the extra $5 since I will have better service and a better phone.

The only thing keeping me from switching is wondering if they will offer me a better deal if I continue to hold out (plus I save $5 per month).

Well, you will be getting rollover, so at least your minutes will be able to increase.

why wait till it is dead? as most of the towers are already being taken down.... just upgrade now... its smarter... and if something happened to your phone, you could actually replace it... plus when you get a new phone each time you dont have to manually copy your contacts over... u just move the sim card (so it is more efficient too) plus no more hissing noise in your ear.

My TDMA/Analog phone came with my 2001 car -- built in and operated from buttons on the steering wheel. I am being told network will be shut down Fen 2008 (no offer of a $4.99 surcharge). Any ideas as to what to do next since the phone is an integral part of the audio/stereo system in the car?