GSM faq Debate - This list will keep expanding as the questions/answers keep coming in from You |
| Q: What if I just do nothing at all? Any change can't be that major to GSM service |
| A: Presumes that a broad GSM change will never occur, so it will not affect your current digital service. However, the USA market does seem to be shifting to the much bigger GSM world market. |
| Q: Why can't I just wait to see what will happen since I prefer my current service? |
| A: Waiting brings a risk. Clients are indicating that their current service is either changing to the more expensive roam status, or just being dropped without a prior notification. This can be an inconvenience with loss of airtime value or actual service loss. Of course, many other clients are saying everything works just fine. |
| Q: How can I find out the timing of any conversion in my service area? |
| A: Waiting until the last possible moment is ideal. One gets the maximum benefit from their current digital service. The answer may be out there somewhere, but is not available to us. As the major carriers perform their cell tower conversions the service changes will occur. Metro areas are probably the last to change over. |
| Q: Can't I just maintain my digital cell phone on the older analog system, so there is no need to make any changes? |
A: The FCC has ruled that the analog network be dropped by 2008 - an excerpt: The current directives of the FCC are that carriers must continue to support analog until Feb. 18, 2008, after which it is totally voluntary. Analog will very likely be phased out in highly populated areas, but it will likely linger for quite a while in rural America. |
| Q: Any recommendations. |
| A1: If your digital service is already dropped or shifted to the much more expensive roam status, debate is moot. Either choose to carry no cell phone, even for emergencies, or buy a GSM prepaid or VIVA phone system that works in your area. |
| A2: If you now spend more than $10/mth for your CallPlus or Locus Mobile service (@ $.25/min), consider our Locus-GSM plan as low as $.09/minute. Your savings can eventually add up to pay for itself over your current system in about a year's time, bonus savings thereafter. |
| A3: Wait-and-See as your comfort level dictates. |
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