Questions about moving from AT&T Wireless to Cingular

I'm an AT&T Wireless customer with an old TDMA phone, and I'd like to get a new GSM phone.

1. I'm wondering if I should make the default switch to Cingular or if I should go with another provider (e.g., Verizon, which Consumer Reports says provides better service where I live, in San Francisco). What do you think?

2. I don't know if I'm still under contract with AT&T Wireless and if I'd therefore be subject to an early termination fee if I switched to a provider other than Cingular. I can't seem to find this info when I'm logged in to AT&T Wireless's Web site, nor is it on my most recent bill. Will I have to call AT&T Wireless to find out if I'm still under contract, or is there another way to find out?

3. I want to get a Motorola clamshell phone. If I stay with Cingular, I'm looking at these phones, in increasing order of cost:

- Motorola V180
- Motorola V220
- Motorola V551

The Motorola MPx220 seems cool but costs more than I want to pay. Any opinions about these phones? What about any of Verizon's Motorola phones?

4. Finally, it seems like it's possible to get good deals on phones via this Web site -- like, it's possible to get the Motorola V220 for free by signing up with Cingular via this site. Can I do this? Or do I have to go through AT&T Wireless/Cingular to migrate to Cingular?

Lots of questions...This is all very confusing. Like many people, I just want a good phone, good services, and to pay as little as possible. Any and all assistance will be much appreciated?

Go with Tmobile, You can either get the motorola v180 for free or go for the motorola V300 (which is twice the phone that the v220 is) for 49.99$

http://www.tmobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=201260&class=phon e

Features:
Camera

Instant messaging capable

External caller ID

Flip phone

Download Fun™ (MegaTones®, Wallpaper, & Games)

Alarm clock

Automatic redial

Battery strength indicator

Calendar

Games
Hands-free options

Multi-language display

Organizer

Predictive text input for easy messaging

Signal strength indication

Speakerphone

Speed dial

Vibrating alert

Voice-activated functions

Voice recorder

Plus tmobile was voted #1 for customer care by JD power. They are running 1000 min w/ free nights and weekends, nation wide calling and roaming for 45.99$ (10-25$ cheaper then the competitors). Plus if you want to keep your At&t number you can port it to Tmobile for free (as long as you are not under contract).

I have sort of the same problem but i know i'm on my AT&T Wireless' GSM plan for one more year!!! and actually i'm happy with that! If you want to get the most coverage, you should go for Cingular... if you would appreciate more minutes, you should go for T-Mobile (by the way T-Mobile's got nice sound quality (1900MHz instead of those "new" 850MHz, that AT&T Wireless and Cingular use), but don't forget that there is not perfect sound where there is no coverage...

.... so it's up (to ya, bro!!! I'm not talking about Verizon because I don't like CDMA and TDMA, I trully respect GSM (rated #1 voice's quality)... I'd go for T-Mobile, because it's a growing company and it's going to keep expanding its coverage over years keeping the good sound quality... I'll go for T-Mobile when my contract is expired (gonna happen in 1 and half years...).... but remember my words: THE AT&T WIRELESS WAS THE BEST COMPANY EVER!!! if u need more info, just respond...

hhehe, but your missing out on the all over network (Cingular has service in 97 of 100 top markets- which might have changed since November to include more markets)

Besides, you loved att, and all the reps from ATT are now cingular, so even though your service company name changed, you still deal with the same people.

And about the contract, you will need to call into customer care about that. It wont tell you on your bill or Online Customer Service.

If you are under contract, you can migrate to cingular with out incurring the early term fee (175). If you leave to any other carrier be prepared to pay it. Cingular also gives a discounted activation fee to former att customers (18 dollars compared to the 36.00 standard fee). So if you leave to any other carrier, be prepared to pay the act. fee. Also, leaving ATT would mean leaving your tenure with the company. This tenure is extremely important to AT&T, as they have dedicated departments in keeping customers satisfied. If you truly feel the need to leave at&T, call care and ask to speak to Loyalty. Give them a shot before you leave completely. They might be able to help u with the Migration and cost of the phone. Never know till you try.

You got me wrong! First of all I'm not saying I'm leaving AT&T Wireless now!!! I LOVE IT AND NOT GOING TO LEAVE FOR AS LONG AS MY CONTRACT LASTS... but when this happens in 1.5 years... i will not go for Cingular!!!

here is two reasons: first of all Cingular feels like #1 company in america, so that's why they F*** CHARGE PEOPLE MUCH.... they don't give ppl much minutes (even though their coverage is almost everywhere)

the second reason is t-mobile keeps expanding its network (1900MHz is the most advanced frequency)... and over years it's gonna become number one, and then these two companies will have to deal with each other. If there is competitor, you will want to give your customers more benefits, right? so, that's how it's gonna happen.... that's why i vote for T-mobile being an AT&T Wireless' customer...

Tmobile #1 Customer Care

JD Power and Associates

more min, nationwide roaming and calling for a fraction of the price of the competition.

ATTWS had great rates and was always willing to prorate to the begin of a billing cycle a midcycle rate plan change. which at the time was awsome if you went over your monthly minutes then they came out with the charater GSM plan... unlimited minutes for 99 a month and you can even extend it if you call before you plan ends for two years... the question is will cingular honor the same rules with the plan promotions for signing a new 2 year contrat or not...anyone know? if so then im hardpressed to get a new carrier untill more offer unlimited minutes for such a low price...

If you switch to Cingular - do it online (you get better deals on new phones) and dont forget about the rollover minutes

true, but also don't forget about AT&T's nights from 7 p.m. and free incoming messages plus availability to manually switch to Cingular...any time, any place....

Questions about moving from AT&T Wireless to Cingular

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