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One thing we simply cannot stand: the big company beating down on the less fortunate or elderly. It appears that AT&T is prepared to do that in Oklahoma, as they plan to eliminate early digital and analog networks in the area. And they’re not really doing much to make the transition easy for customers who use those networks. This is going to leave a significant number of Oklahomans with a choice: buy a new phone and sign up for new service with AT&T, or take a hike. We strongly suggest the latter.

Of course, AT&T is citing fuzzy numbers to support its claim that the network doesn’t get much use. They say that 95 percent of its network minutes are used on their GSM network, and that only 4.7 million (out of over 60) are affected by this move.

Well, think about this: there probably close to 100 percent usage of the GSM network in most metropolitan areas (New York, Chicago, LA, etc.). So that creates a vast disproportion as you move towards the middle of the country. We think that more than five percent of AT&T users are affected in Oklahoma.

The AARP cites that this really affects seniors, who have phones merely for security and safety reasons. They don’t need the fancy-schmantz GSM network and it’s expensive plans. They just want a basic service so that they can stay in touch when necessary.

We’ll let AT&T spokeswoman Tara Traycoff take this issue: “That’s an interesting theory. They’re using really old technology and we’re trying to incent them and motivate them to move to newer technology.”

Trying to incent them?!? You’re telling them “get off, cuz it ain’t gonna be here tomorrow.” How is that incenting them? Oh, what, because you’re offering a $50 rebate? No, you’re not incenting them; you’re taking their money. And we freakin’ resent that.

You know, if they gave you a phone and upgraded your plan for free, that would be one thing. But no. They’re handing you a $50 rebate card and saying, “okay, now buy a new phone and sign a two-year contract.” And if that isn’t enough, the card expires on July 31. Apparently, the letter that notifies seniors of their options doesn’t even mention prepaid, which may in fact be the best choice. No, they just talk about buying phones and two-yera contracts.

We’re pretty certain that no seniors in Oklahoma are reading this. But please, if you know anyone affected by this, tell them to switch. Do not cave to AT&T and their corporate greed. We’ve seriously never been this outraged, and we’ve never even been to Oklahoma! We didn’t like AT&T much before. Now we’re really against them.

[NewsOK]

Posted By : Joe
Posted at : June 26th, 2007 - 5:17 pm
Filed under : AT&T