"The Cingular Promise"

On their website, Cingular has posted what they refer to as the "The Cingular Promise". Much of what they claim to provide to the customer in terms of actual service is included here, along with more abstract claims concerning "self-expression" and "flexibility." Here are some of the claims made in the "promise":

• Changes to your calling plan, features, promotions etc...

  "We're Flexible!" Cingular asserts. However, their idea of flexibiity comes with a price. Depending on what region you live in, making changes to your calling plan or adding additional promotions or features to your service could cost you in " additional charges or penalties" and can even extend your contract liability for another year. Again, for some reason,these charges depend on where you live so be sure to ask specific questions before you sign up for service.

• Exchanging your phone.

  After you have endured 24 consecutive months of service with Cingular, they give you the option of trading in your phone for a newer model. However, doing this also requires you to give back your old phone and charger (I'm curious about what they do with old phones) or pay a $20.00 "processing fee." Additionally, getting the new phone also obligates you to another 12 month contract with Cingular. One thing that is not made clear is whether or not you'll have to pay for the phone or if they give you the same phone offered to new subcribers for free. If you have any information about this (and about where the old phones end up) please let me know.

• What happens if you move?

  Cingular says that they can make transfering your wireless service hassle free, in the event that you move out of your coverage area, by getting in touch with their "Cingular Reloction Team." For some reason though, this gives them yet another opportunity to demand that you extend your contract another 12 months, once again, depending on where you move to. What is not mentioned is what happens if you move to an area that is not covered by Cingular. What I have heard from other customers who found themselves in this situation is that they either had to continue paying for a phone service they could not use or were forced to pay the early termination fee (usually $150.00).