Lazy Man and Money

Virgin Mobile Mess… Google Voice Saves Me $10 a Month

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For the last three 3 months I’ve been paying double for cell phone service. That was a tough sentence to type, but now that I’ve got it out there, it’s a lot easier. Three months ago, I rushed to take advantage of Virgin Mobile’s $25 Unlimited Data, Text, and 300 Voice Minute plan. It was the last call as it’s now $35/mo.

I got my phone and got everything done on time. What I didn’t do was port my main cell phone number over. I was still auditing the service and in my opinion my old Palm Pre from 2009 blows away the middle of the road 2011 Motorola Android Triumph. If I could move my Palm Pre to the plan, I would, but alas even though it is technologically possible, Virgin Mobile wouldn’t activate it. I was very hesitant to downgrade my phone experience – so hesitant that I paid both Sprint and Virgin Mobile for three months.

Yesterday, I decided it was time to retire the Sprint contract. The $50 a month savings will look pretty nice in my bank account. So I called up Virgin Mobile and asked to port my Spring number over. They said that they’d help me and that it would be easy. First they’d just have to cancel my current contract with them and then reactivate it with the new number. You can probably guess where this is going:

Me: Okay, but when you reactivate my contract, you’ll give me the same price that I’m paying for my service now.
Virgin Mobile: Our computers are not able to do that sir.
Me: So you are telling me that I have to pay $10 more per month because your computer software is deficient.
Virgin Mobile: Ummm…

This went back and forth a bit. I clearly wasn’t getting anywhere. I decided to ask to speak to a manager. I was put on hold for a half hour and then hung up on. I tried calling back twice more and after 2 hours, I couldn’t even get through to a person again.

I figured that I could spend another 2 hours hoping to talk to someone who could help me, but even then they’d probably give me the same excuse. It certainly is convenient for computers to be programmed in such a way to generate more revenue for the company for what should be a simple and logical request.

I gave up and turned to Google Voice. I ported my existing Sprint number to Google Voice (it helped that I wasn’t under contract anymore, so no termination fees). That process took about 24 hours. I then went into the Google Voice control panel and set it up so that any calls to that number will go to my new Virgin Mobile number. I had to turn off some Google Voice features like greetings, but now anyone who had my old number will just bounce instantly to my cell phone. While it did cost me a one-time fee of $20 to port my number to Google Voice, I will save my $10 a month versus doing what Virgin Mobile suggested.

It’s quite sad that Google Voice did do what Virgin Mobile’s own computers could not. I thank you Google Voice. Virgin Mobile, I understand that you are a cheap cell phone service. That’s no excuse to take advantage of your customers, though.

Virgin Mobile: Last Chance for $25 Unlimited Data, Text, and 300 Voice Minutes

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As Jonathan from My Money Blog pointed out on Friday, the best deal in wireless is about to get a little more expensive. On July 20th, the price for the cheapest plan (300 voice minutes and unlimited data/text) will jump from $25 a month to $35 a month. (Those who talk more can also save a lot of money with their plans that include more minutes). However, if you get in there before the jump, you are grandfathered in at the $25 rate. On Saturday, I rushed to three Radio Shack’s to get in on the deal. Why three? It seems like there’s a lot of demand for Virgin Mobile’s best phone… an LG Optimus V running Google Android.

I had been threatening to move from Sprint to Virgin Mobile for months now. The only thing that stopped me is that I wanted to use the best mobile operating system on the planet (excuse the fan boyism) in HP/Palm webOS and it isn’t available on Virgin Mobile. However, with the last chance to get in at $25 and the increasing realization that Sprint probably isn’t going to carry the Pre3, it seemed like the right time to make the move. I had been happy with Sprint’s service, but if they aren’t going to carry the phone I want, I might as well save myself nearly $50 a month and go with Virgin Mobile (which, ironically, uses Sprint’s network).

Three Radio Shack employees, one at each store, tried to talk me out of it. They said that the data connection wasn’t very fast (it’s essentially the same 3G that I have my Palm Pre now). They said that they throttle everyone’s speed (cell phone jargon for slowing your connection when you use what they deem is too much data). They may be speaking from experience, but Virgin Mobile, in the press release above, said that they will only throttle those who use more than 2.5GB of data a month. That’s a lot of data for a mobile phone. I’d also rather be throttled to slower speeds than have to pay more money on Verizon and AT&T. The only carrier not restricting data in some way is Sprint, and if I’m going to be forced to use an Android phone, I might as well save $50 a month or $600 a year.

I asked about the return policy because I wasn’t sure about the coverage and whether I’d be able to make the move to Android. Radio Shack said they’d take it back in 30 days. That will give me enough time to run the phone through the paces. I’ll keep my existing Palm Pre for back-up during that time.

I should note that Virgin Mobile is coming out with the Motorola Triumph, a new higher-end Android phone, the day that prices increase. If you are grandfathered in at the $25 rate, you can upgrade to the new phone without triggering the price increase. This means that one could sell their existing Virgin Mobile phone and get something almost on par with the HTC Evo or Droid. The phones are more expensive, but the data plan savings will make up for it in just a few months.

Sprint, I’m Leaving You for Virgin Mobile

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Dear Sprint,

I have been in love with you for more than 10 years now. On our tenth anniversary you gave me a great gift and made me a Sprint Premier customer. Oh how I looked forward to upgrading my Palm Pre to the new hotness that HP is sure to bring. However, HP has already put the Palm Pre 2 in the hands of some customers and you remain silent about it. Video of the Palm Pre 2 on Verizon is circulating around the web, but there is no sign of it coming from you. In the past, you’ve always gotten my the new Palm phones first, but it looks like those days are over. I’m not leaving over a phone though. I like to think that I’m not that shallow. Why am I going? Well it’s complicated…

Do you remember our first date? I remember it like it was yesterday. You offered me a $10/unlimited data plan and I accepted it like a giddy schoolboy. I realize it wasn’t the 3G or even 4G that you are offering today, but it was still the fastest available service at a great price. Over the years, I’ve remained faithful. However, it wasn’t always easy. Whenever, I got a new phone you asked me to pay more for data. I remember when I got the Palm Treo 700P, that $10 wireless plan jumped up to $25. I had bought the phone because I wanted the revolutionary 320×320 screen and the state-of-art 1.3 megapixel camera. However, since it worked on your newer EVDO (3G) network, I was forced to pay more. You denied my request to limit my download speeds to the older CDMA network. Fortunately, I was able to switch to your Sprint Employee Referral Offer SERO plan which offered me get some of that money back. It was enough to keep me loyal despite the smoking-hot iPhone.

When I upgraded to the Palm Pre, you once again forced me to a new phone plan. This time, I had to accept the Simply Everything plan, which took away all the benefits of our long relationship together. My cell phone plan that used to be $30 skyrocketed up to $70. Unfortunately, your network service didn’t change with my new phone, I simply had to pay more for it. I was using just as much data on the Palm Treo 700P because of its Slingbox application.

Even at the $70, you represented some of the best value out there. AT&T and Verizon can’t even come close. I must have recommended you to thousands of people over the years. I wasn’t alone. Companies like BillShrink put up infographics that showed how much cheaper a smartphone is on Sprint. It was a rare consumer win to get the best phone paired with the cheapest price.

However, it is with tears in my eyes that I tell you I have to end our relationship. I’m not leaving you for some hot new phone. I’m leaving you for a hot phone plan. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but I’m leaving you for your sister, Virgin Mobile. If it is any consolation, I’ll still be using your network. However, I’ll be sending my checks to Virgin Mobile instead of you.

I didn’t want it to come to this. Virgin Mobile is offering me a $25 a month plan for 300 minutes, unlimited data, and text messages… and no contract. That includes all those pesky taxes. You know I don’t make a lot of phone calls, so this is a great deal for me. Virgin has a middle-of-the-road Android phone in the Samsung Intercept, but it will get the job done. The Intercept will cost me around $250, but the $45 a month difference will save me money in less than 6 months. Perhaps that is why experts are calling this deal “the single best deal in the history of smartphones“.

Sprint, I have tried to work it out with you. When I called your retention line, you offered me a free month if I sign a two-year contract. Surely you can understand how a $70 savings over two years isn’t going to compete with the $1000+ I’ll save with this change. I thought maybe you could put me in your new SERO Premium plan. However, since you forced me from my previous SERO plan to the Simply Everything plan, I am no longer eligible. By being a good customer and upgrading early, I shot myself in the foot with your new SERO plan. It hurts that you’d treat one of your greatest supporters like this. It is unfortunate that despite our long-term relationship, you couldn’t find a way to make it work.

I hope you aren’t too disappointed. Please remember all the good times we shared.

P.S. By the way, Sprint rebates suck.

Sprint Rebates Suck

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On Friday, I came home to following letter:

Sprint Rebates Suck
Sprint Rebates Suck

This letter is in response to the Palm Pre that I bought and activated within the Sprint store – an hour after it became available. How dare they say that I haven’t activated in time? Without causing injury to other Sprint customers it would have have been impossible to activate it any faster.

Where does Sprint Rebates, who owe me money, get off sending me a letter saying that they aren’t going to pay and “no further action is required.” On a list of most obnoxious responses, I think this has to be at the top, right? I’m thinking of not paying my Sprint bill this month and instead sending in a letter that says, “You are not being paid because [insert a lie that would a valid reason if true], no further action is necessary.” I might give that a try with the copy of the rebate letter.

Nonetheless, it’s time to call up Sprint and find out what’s going on.

The first guy doesn’t know anything about rebates. He tells me that it’s another number. I realize that rebate-handling is typically outsourced, but I don’t want to talk to the third party and have them tell me that I didn’t actually by the phone and have it activated. I argued for a minute and then decided to see how the Sprint Rebate company would go.

After about 15 minutes on hold with the Sprint Rebate company, they found the problem. They had mistaken one of the digits of my phone number – entered it in as a 6 instead of a 0. Being that it was their mistake, I figured, they ‘d be rushing out a check to me right away. Not so. They said that they’d process it in the next 15 business days. I have to wait three weeks for their mistake? Here’s how the rest of the conversation went:

Me: Overnight the money.
SR: Sorry can’t do that.
Me: Overnight the money.
SR: Sorry can’t do that.
Me: I’ll have the money in my hands in the next 15 days?
SR: We’ll process it in the next 15 days.
Me: I’ll have the money in my hands in the next 15 days?
SR: We’ll process it in the next 15 days.
Me: You realize that I my money shouldn’t be delayed based on your error.
SR: Sorry there’s nothing else we can do.

I realized that there’s nothing more I can do either. I suppose I can think twice about using Sprint in the future. In fact, I’d say there’s a high likelihood I’ll do that as soon as mine and my wife’s contract is up.

That might be a little over-reacting to this incident, but they’ve taken away my grandfathered billing plan because I got a new phone (note to carriers – new phone should not equal new plan). Sprint is still the cheapest as far as I can tell, but it’s getting worse and soon I will pay more to deal with a different company.

Why I’ll Try to Buy a Palm Pre Tomorrow

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If there are supplies at my local Sprint store, I’ll be the owner of a new Palm Pre on tomorrow morning. With Sprint pricing it at $199 (after a $100 mail-in rebate and a renewing of contract for two years), it’s a decision that I didn’t even have to think about. I buy a new cell phone about every 3 years, so cost of the upgrade isn’t much of a financial decision for me. It becomes even less of one when you consider that I can sell my previous Treo on eBay for a few dollars.

The Palm Pre is being billed as the best competitor to the Apple iPhone. Almost everyone agrees that Apple iPhone is the best cell phone you can buy today… so that begs the obvious question, “Why not just get an Apple iPhone?” For me, some of it is design, and some of it is price.

  • The iPhone is only available on AT&T – My wife is on Sprint (as well as myself) and the free network to network calling saves me money. And while the Palm Pre is only on Sprint, Palm has a history of working with other networks. There are rumors of a Pre being on Verizon by the end of the year… and
  • The iPhone’s plans are expensive – Also, I’ve been with Sprint so long that I get every add-on they offer for around $50 month. The equivalent AT&T plan is $90. Cnet’s Rick Broida also says that the iPhone plans are too expensive. That $90 gets you nights and weekends starting at 9PM instead of 7PM. That’s big because I have some friends who I can call on the east coast from 10PM-11PM. I’m sure that calling them at midnight would be pushing it.
  • The iPhone lacks a keyboard – I will never be able to touch type on a glass screen. I’ve never seen anyone type with one-hand on the iPhone either. This aspect alone represents a major for me to not go with an iPhone.

Here are some of the features that makes the Palm Pre exciting:

  • Multitasking – I can have 5 browser windows at any one time?!?! I can get driving directions while I’m streaming music over Pandora. Sweet! I know that Windows Mobile has multitasking as well, but I never found it usable on my Dell Axim.
  • WebOS – I know that Apple has a huge headstart with applications. I think the Palm Pre will catch up since development should be easier than on the iPhone. The Pre uses web technologies – things that many, many developers already know – the learning curve is not steep at all. Also, the Palm Pre will run a lot of previous Palm applications through a third-party emulator. Over the years, there are probably hundreds of thousand of Palm applications.
  • Synergy – Synergy is supposed combine and simplify your web-presences. So your Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar can live together and always be in sync. Ditto with your contacts (and add Facebook into the mix there). I’m curious how this is going to work in practice. I wonder if they took into account people like me who have a regular identity and a secret one.
  • The Keyboard – One of the reasons not to get the iPhone is one to get the Pre. Reviews of it aren’t great, but every one of them says it’s much, much easier than typing on an iPhone.
  • The Camera – I’ve started to use camera phones a little more… mostly to send on pictures of my dog to my wife when she’s working on the road. Reviews say that the Pre has the best camera of any smart phone. It has a LED flash and takes pictures instantly – doing the post processing in the multitasking background. Oh and it’s 3.2 megapixels for those that crave the MP number.
  • The Music Software – Plug in a Palm Pre and it tricks iTunes into thinking that it is an iPod. I’ve always thought that iPods have had a bit of a monopoly and don’t play well with others. In my opinion it’s a good thing that Palm is challenging the status quo.

    • The Apple iPhone has some of those features plus many additional ones… and two days after the Pre comes out Apple is expected to announce a big update to the iPhone. However, it still comes down to price and my complaint there isn’t as much with Apple as much as it is about AT&T (well and Apple’s exclusive agreement with them).

    I’m not the only one who is enthralled by what the Palm Pre represents. Many of the biggest names in technology agree that for the first time since it came out, the iPhone has a competitor:

    • Associate Press: Dazzling Palm Software beats the iPhone – Title says it all.
    • PC Magazine – Palm Pre Feature Face-Off – “The Palm Pre is the sexiest handset since the iPhone””and it also marks the dawn of a major new smartphone platform.”
    • PC World: Palm Pre Review – “the Palm Pre made a solid impression on me. Its eye-catching design and smooth operation make this smartphone the most exciting device I’ve seen in a while.”
    • USA Today: Pre could pilot Palm to smartphone glory again – “The first Palm Pre will certainly give the iPhone and other rivals a run for their money.”
    • Gizmodo: Palm Pre Review – “Impressive start to an OS that should form the base of some quality phones in the future”
    • SlashGear: Palm Pre Review – “[Palm has] delivered a smartphone not only capable but honestly impressive and distinctive… we’d readily recommend the Palm Pre.”
    • CNET: Palm Pre Review – “Palm has developed a solid OS that not only rivals the competition but also sets a new standard in the way smartphones handle tasks and manage information.”
    • Palm InfoCenter: Palm Pre Review – Can’t get much more biased, but “The Palm Pre delivers on Palm’s promise of a bringing a next generation differentiated product to market. WebOS is a powerful and compelling new mobile platform. Despite being a 1.0 product, the Pre is pleasantly functional and it users in new level of simplicity and ease of use. Coupled with the attractive hardware design and charming display, this adds up to a distinctively agreeable experience for mobile phone users. Palm has a lot ridding on the Pre and it now appears to be fully back in the game with a superb combination of software and hardware.”
    • Information Week: Video Palm Pre Review – I hate websites that include video without some kind of translation – especially when I’m trying to pull out a “quotebite”. And now I’m just sad to learn that I didn’t coin the word “quotebite.”
    • Engadget: Palm Pre Review – “Some of the ideas and concepts at play in webOS are truly revolutionary for the mobile space, breaking down lots of the walls that separate the experience of using a dedicated PC versus using a handheld device… To put it simply, the Pre is a great phone, and we don’t feel any hesitation saying that… Just like the iPhone’s notches up the ladder, and the G1’s contributions, the Pre moves the game forward in a very real way.”
    • WSJ.com: Palm Pre Takes On iPhone – “All in all, I believe the Pre is a smart, sophisticated product that will have particular appeal for those who want a physical keyboard. It is thoughtfully designed, works well and could give the iPhone and BlackBerry strong competition…”
    • New York Times: Palm Pre Review – “… Especially when you consider that Verizon Wireless has announced that it will carry the Pre ‘in the next six months or so.’ Can you imagine how great that will be? One of the world’s best phones [Palm Pre] on the nation’s best cell network [Verizon]?”