Complaint Review: Cingular wireless

I lived in Massachusetts for 4 years, the last 2 of which I had cell phone service through Cingular Wireless. I had only signed a one year agreement but was fairly happy with their service. In August of 2001 I moved to Washinton State.

I called Cingular to let them know I had moved and needed a new phone number. They told me that my east coast phone was not compatable with west coast service and they would need to send me a new phone. I few days later I got my new phone but realized it was only a single band phone.

My old one was certainly better but I thought I would just wait and see how well the coverage was around my home area. Everytime I went to work in a different part of town, my phone would get no service.

Also, when I took a trip out to my brothers house, my phone would be dead. I went to a Cingular wireless store and talked to the representative there and he told me that another phone would work much better for me. He said the phone I was using now didnt have as good of reception as this other phone. Also this other phone was a tri-band phone which made it capable of working almost anywhere.

The phone was only $90 with a two year contract. I decided to go ahead and do it. When he called to activate, they told him I would be elegable until August of 2002. I asked why and they said I could only do one upgrade per year. UPGRADE??? I said "what upgrade"? My old phone was way better than this thing. Not only that, I didnt sign a contract and no one told me it was considered an upgrade or I would have paid for a better phone.

They offered me a second line on the phone and another free phone with no activation charge. I asked them what I needed another phone for and the lady just says, "I'm dont know sir, that is all we can do for you." I argued on the phone for 20 minutes with a manager and she would not budge. I cant believe they would rather loose a customer than give in and get me for another 2 years and I pay $90 for a phone.

I ended up telling the lady I will just be canceling my service in August and finding another carrier. She just said, "I'm sorry you feel that way", and hung up. AT&T, Verizon, or anyone else for that matter, here I come!

Jason
Everett, Washington