Ain't modern technology wunnerful!
I suppose the correct way to state this would be "Life is as complicated as we make it." I have this fully functional Blackberry style phone with itty bitty monkey-finger buttons. I can cover eight buttons with my index finger (yes, they are that small -or- my hands are that big). It was only $10 from Tracfone, and there's a reason they had it reduced from $40. Everyone wants a touch screen phone—including me.
I found one on the Tracfone site (has to be Tracfone in order to support Safelink, my Obama phone), so I ordered it. Got here in three days. I left a note on my door in case I wasn't here when FedEx arrived. And, of course, I wasn't (they're too damned efficient, most deliveries never arrive before noon). But it required my direct signature, my neighbor couldn't sign for it. The complications begin.
On to the FedEx web site. Registration successful. I want to re-schedule delivery, but no. That requires another registration with about nine security questions. Which of these phone numbers were you associated with—702 blah blah. Didn't remember any of them so I answered None of the Above. Eeeee! I answered all the other questions, but how the hell am I supposed to remember a phone number from a state I left 44 years ago?! After several unsuccessful attempts it locked me out. I bet whoever programmed this used to work for the federal g'munt. They used to do the same thing but finally wised up and changed the questions because no one could gain access. I had to drive (as in automobile-couldn't find the pedals) quite a ways and hunt for the FedEx building. You'd think it'd be easy to find. Uh-huh, for any normal person (ahem). Finally picked up the box way after dark. But wait—it gets better!
Assembled the phone, went to the Tracfone site—more complications. The site would not accept half my inputs. Did they use the same web programmer as FedEx? So I used the 800#. Now the fun begins. They have 4 menus, each about 7½ days long. After 7 yawns and 3 butt scratches I was finally able to speak to a live person (foreign, of course). I wouldn't know how to act if a phone tech person didn't speak with an accent. I kin help you, Meester Rawzul.
Started the xfer of service from one phone to the other, several holds, and the line went Pffft! I was using Google Phone (computer w/headset) so I wasn't worried about batteries or minute charges. Redialed, played the "tag, you're not it" menu game again, got a different tech, "Okey Mister Kiz-ur...", and completed the process.
Part B of "But wait—it gets better!" One of the reasons I originally bought the monkey-finger phone was that it has a full QWERTY keyboard (small tho it may be). The new phone has a touch key pad, three and four letters to a key—two touches for I, three touches for R, select the style T9, Abc, etc. And it takes about 5 touches to get the correct letter if you make a mistake (very sensitive screen). Complicated menu selections (well, it's new) and that damned voice! Every selection the phone is talking to me. I couldn't find out how to shut that voice off! So I played menu phone tag again. Here's part A of "wait—it gets better". This phone is not compatible with Safelink. Oh, Crap! Frustration mounts. A few of the phones (the more expensive ones) stated "not compatible with Safelink". That's why I chose the one I did—it did not state that. One would assume, therefore, it is compatible.
I searched through the phone plans, I can't afford any of them. Solution: return the phone. "Please hold the line while I transfer you to the returns department." Arrrgh!
During each of the menu tags I'm required to "say or enter" my phone number. And each tech asks me for my phone number. I will never, ever forget this phone number. It's deeply etched in my brain—forever! I finally got a ticket number (11 digits) and a rather lengthy return address in Indiana (does anyone really live in Indiana?). By this time I went several menus deep in the new phone and shut the voice off, but now it doesn't matter because I'm returning the phone. Disheartened and frustrated I took the battery out of the phone, packed it up and let out a heavy sigh.
Part C of "But wait—it gets better!" The next morning I tried to send a text on the monkey-finger phone only to discover Invalid SIM. What the furk! Oh joy, time to play menu tag again. Apparently as soon as I tried to xfer service the old SIM was cancelled. For some reason once that's done they cannot reactivate it. We'll have to send you a new SIM, Mr. Kiss-her. It'll take 7-10 days. I've gone through this process before, ain't modern technology wunnerful? So while we're playing the please hold game (on the Google phone via computer) I'm on the web site and discovered a touch screen phone that is compatible with Safelink. And the tech had me look at an even better one (for the same $$ I spent on the now returned phone). And he swore it has a full QWERTY keyboard display, scouts honor, my you cut my tongue out if it's not (well, I made that last part up). So now the complicated process and long ticket numbers and "how to" process of reactivating a new SIM are obsolete, just like that! I'll receive the new phone in 3 days FedEx (oh, here we go again). Meanwhile I'm without a phone entirely, lost in the void, all alone, up the creek without a paddle, stranded. Oh, wait, I hardly ever make phone calls and receive about the same amount. Never mind.
(To be updated when the new phone arrives and complications ensue.)
Thursday Day 10 Update -or-
Why can't I just get a phone without complications?
Thursday, a week later FedEx shows up with a tiny package—the new SIM card. Huh? Okay, I'll play along. I called, only now I have a direct line & 6 digit code so the menu game is short. Got the old monkey-finger button phone back in operation. Huzzah!
On Friday FedEx delivered the phone. Pretty slick, all touch-screeny. The tech (bless her foreign heart) was quite helpful; I was assured the 247 phone number would be transferred, no problem (yeah, right!), might take a couple of hours. Soon the phone is operational, I'm having a good time entering old data into the new phone using the touchy-feely screen.
Sunday I discovered the 440 phone number in the phone is not my 247 phone number. Called again (they sure have a lot of different, foreign techs, but they speak passable Engrish) and it took the tech a while to figure out that the phone number had been transferred to the phone I sent back. Of course. He fiddled with his computer and said it would take 2 hours to 2 business days to get the 247 phone number transferred. Uh-huh, sure.
Wednesday, 3 business days later—menu tag, you're it. The number is still not my number, the one I have propagated on about 30 web sites, in friend's phones, and printed on business cards. I've been cussing people out for not retuning my calls and have missed a couple of important calls. I insisted on speaking to a supervisor. It's amazing how these tech get around that. We discovered that the phone number was transferred to the phone I sent back, meaning that SIM has that number. They have to send me a new SIM for the new phone. It's a good thing my hair is cut short or I'd have pulled it all out by now. Why didn't the girl on Friday or that clown on Sunday know this? I'm going to cost them a fortune in SIMs (there's no charge to me for the itty-bitty SIM card). "I'm checking, sir. Please stay on the line, sir." Time marches on. He has attached a note to the case so that when the new SIM arrives and I call in to have it activated it will carry my number.
I'm actually believing we might get this done—the call in menu voice pops up, press 1 for English, enter your ticket number, go jump off a cliff. Lost the tech. Called back, "May I have the number you're calling about?" Ah, c'mon. Just let me talk to the guy I was almost finished with. "There are several call centers, sir" "Oh, crap!" and I hung up. Didn't I say, "To be updated when the new phone arrives and complications ensue?" I knew, I just knew.
So now I have to wait anywhere from 3 days to Armageddon for the SIM to arrive, then play this activation game all over again. Whatever happened to pay phones?
To be updated when the new SIM arrives and complications ensue—again.
Friday Day 18 Update:
Didn't I tell ya'? Further complications ensue and they are:
These techs are under-trained, can't handle complicated situations, and never let you speak to a supervisor.
So they have to send me a new SIM card for the New Phone with my Old Number. Fine! Get it done. I only have to wait forever for it to arrive. However, I was Iron Clad Guaranteed that the New Phone would continue to work with the 440 number until the SIM arrived and I called it in. S u r e . . .
Friday the phone displays Unregistered SIM (heavy sigh). So I decided, "I'm not frustrated enough, lemme call and get really aggravated." The tech (she spoke unaccented English) simply wouldn't get the point. "We have to register the SIM in the system, sir." Uh, what about the Iron Clad Guarantee the other tech made that the New Phone would continue to work until I received the SIM and called it in? "I understand, sir, but we have to register the new SIM in the system…." Clueless! Yeah, fine, register the damned thing after I call it in! " I understand, sir, but we have to register the new SIM in the system…" Arrrgh! I shouted, "I'll never buy another TracFone as long as I live!" and hung up. They should change their name to Frustration Я Us.
In Summary;
The phone I purchased did not say, "Not compatible with Safelink" on the website. Other Andriod phones did, so I didn't consider them. No where on the site does it say, "Andriod phones are not compatible with Safelink". No Where! This whole complicated business could have been avoided if the webmaster was on the stick and posted the proper information.
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called to active the phone they should have checked to make sure it would work before unregistering the SIM on the old phone. That's basically a no-brainer. They didn't (poor training). They also should have told me it wouldn't work before completing the call. They didn't (poor training—again).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called again because the old phone said Unregistered SIM and they decided to send me a new SIM, they should have known the number had been xferred to the returned phone and undone that. They didn't (poor training—poor training).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called to activate the new phone they should have known the 247 number was attached to the returned phone. I was told the 247 number would be activated on the new phone. They didn't—It wasn't (poor training—in spades).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called about the 440 number and was and was told I'd be sent a new SIM with the 247 number attached—and told the 440 number would continue to work until I received the new SIM and called it in, they should have known. They didn't (poor training—times 5).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
So, my dear friends, the bottom line is;
N e v e r___b u y___a___T r a c f o n e !
Monday Day 21 Update:
Okay, so maybe I was a little hasty in saying . n e v e r . I received the new-new SIM card and the phone is finally working—with the proper 247 phone number. It took 21 days (three weeks) to just get a cheap cell phone working. It's not even a smart phone (but I'll bet it has more memory than me). If it weren't for the fact that other than the cost of the phone ($40) the service is free (Obama phone—otherwise I couldn't afford cell phone service) I would have thrown it against the wall long ago. Lemme see, do I want a phone I use occasionally, mostly for emergencies, or do I want to eat. That's a no-brainer.
So call me, already! I have a working phone.
I found one on the Tracfone site (has to be Tracfone in order to support Safelink, my Obama phone), so I ordered it. Got here in three days. I left a note on my door in case I wasn't here when FedEx arrived. And, of course, I wasn't (they're too damned efficient, most deliveries never arrive before noon). But it required my direct signature, my neighbor couldn't sign for it. The complications begin.
On to the FedEx web site. Registration successful. I want to re-schedule delivery, but no. That requires another registration with about nine security questions. Which of these phone numbers were you associated with—702 blah blah. Didn't remember any of them so I answered None of the Above. Eeeee! I answered all the other questions, but how the hell am I supposed to remember a phone number from a state I left 44 years ago?! After several unsuccessful attempts it locked me out. I bet whoever programmed this used to work for the federal g'munt. They used to do the same thing but finally wised up and changed the questions because no one could gain access. I had to drive (as in automobile-couldn't find the pedals) quite a ways and hunt for the FedEx building. You'd think it'd be easy to find. Uh-huh, for any normal person (ahem). Finally picked up the box way after dark. But wait—it gets better!
Assembled the phone, went to the Tracfone site—more complications. The site would not accept half my inputs. Did they use the same web programmer as FedEx? So I used the 800#. Now the fun begins. They have 4 menus, each about 7½ days long. After 7 yawns and 3 butt scratches I was finally able to speak to a live person (foreign, of course). I wouldn't know how to act if a phone tech person didn't speak with an accent. I kin help you, Meester Rawzul.
Started the xfer of service from one phone to the other, several holds, and the line went Pffft! I was using Google Phone (computer w/headset) so I wasn't worried about batteries or minute charges. Redialed, played the "tag, you're not it" menu game again, got a different tech, "Okey Mister Kiz-ur...", and completed the process.
Part B of "But wait—it gets better!" One of the reasons I originally bought the monkey-finger phone was that it has a full QWERTY keyboard (small tho it may be). The new phone has a touch key pad, three and four letters to a key—two touches for I, three touches for R, select the style T9, Abc, etc. And it takes about 5 touches to get the correct letter if you make a mistake (very sensitive screen). Complicated menu selections (well, it's new) and that damned voice! Every selection the phone is talking to me. I couldn't find out how to shut that voice off! So I played menu phone tag again. Here's part A of "wait—it gets better". This phone is not compatible with Safelink. Oh, Crap! Frustration mounts. A few of the phones (the more expensive ones) stated "not compatible with Safelink". That's why I chose the one I did—it did not state that. One would assume, therefore, it is compatible.
I searched through the phone plans, I can't afford any of them. Solution: return the phone. "Please hold the line while I transfer you to the returns department." Arrrgh!
During each of the menu tags I'm required to "say or enter" my phone number. And each tech asks me for my phone number. I will never, ever forget this phone number. It's deeply etched in my brain—forever! I finally got a ticket number (11 digits) and a rather lengthy return address in Indiana (does anyone really live in Indiana?). By this time I went several menus deep in the new phone and shut the voice off, but now it doesn't matter because I'm returning the phone. Disheartened and frustrated I took the battery out of the phone, packed it up and let out a heavy sigh.
Part C of "But wait—it gets better!" The next morning I tried to send a text on the monkey-finger phone only to discover Invalid SIM. What the furk! Oh joy, time to play menu tag again. Apparently as soon as I tried to xfer service the old SIM was cancelled. For some reason once that's done they cannot reactivate it. We'll have to send you a new SIM, Mr. Kiss-her. It'll take 7-10 days. I've gone through this process before, ain't modern technology wunnerful? So while we're playing the please hold game (on the Google phone via computer) I'm on the web site and discovered a touch screen phone that is compatible with Safelink. And the tech had me look at an even better one (for the same $$ I spent on the now returned phone). And he swore it has a full QWERTY keyboard display, scouts honor, my you cut my tongue out if it's not (well, I made that last part up). So now the complicated process and long ticket numbers and "how to" process of reactivating a new SIM are obsolete, just like that! I'll receive the new phone in 3 days FedEx (oh, here we go again). Meanwhile I'm without a phone entirely, lost in the void, all alone, up the creek without a paddle, stranded. Oh, wait, I hardly ever make phone calls and receive about the same amount. Never mind.
(To be updated when the new phone arrives and complications ensue.)
Thursday Day 10 Update -or-
Why can't I just get a phone without complications?
Thursday, a week later FedEx shows up with a tiny package—the new SIM card. Huh? Okay, I'll play along. I called, only now I have a direct line & 6 digit code so the menu game is short. Got the old monkey-finger button phone back in operation. Huzzah!
On Friday FedEx delivered the phone. Pretty slick, all touch-screeny. The tech (bless her foreign heart) was quite helpful; I was assured the 247 phone number would be transferred, no problem (yeah, right!), might take a couple of hours. Soon the phone is operational, I'm having a good time entering old data into the new phone using the touchy-feely screen.
Sunday I discovered the 440 phone number in the phone is not my 247 phone number. Called again (they sure have a lot of different, foreign techs, but they speak passable Engrish) and it took the tech a while to figure out that the phone number had been transferred to the phone I sent back. Of course. He fiddled with his computer and said it would take 2 hours to 2 business days to get the 247 phone number transferred. Uh-huh, sure.
Wednesday, 3 business days later—menu tag, you're it. The number is still not my number, the one I have propagated on about 30 web sites, in friend's phones, and printed on business cards. I've been cussing people out for not retuning my calls and have missed a couple of important calls. I insisted on speaking to a supervisor. It's amazing how these tech get around that. We discovered that the phone number was transferred to the phone I sent back, meaning that SIM has that number. They have to send me a new SIM for the new phone. It's a good thing my hair is cut short or I'd have pulled it all out by now. Why didn't the girl on Friday or that clown on Sunday know this? I'm going to cost them a fortune in SIMs (there's no charge to me for the itty-bitty SIM card). "I'm checking, sir. Please stay on the line, sir." Time marches on. He has attached a note to the case so that when the new SIM arrives and I call in to have it activated it will carry my number.
I'm actually believing we might get this done—the call in menu voice pops up, press 1 for English, enter your ticket number, go jump off a cliff. Lost the tech. Called back, "May I have the number you're calling about?" Ah, c'mon. Just let me talk to the guy I was almost finished with. "There are several call centers, sir" "Oh, crap!" and I hung up. Didn't I say, "To be updated when the new phone arrives and complications ensue?" I knew, I just knew.
So now I have to wait anywhere from 3 days to Armageddon for the SIM to arrive, then play this activation game all over again. Whatever happened to pay phones?
To be updated when the new SIM arrives and complications ensue—again.
Friday Day 18 Update:
Didn't I tell ya'? Further complications ensue and they are:
These techs are under-trained, can't handle complicated situations, and never let you speak to a supervisor.
So they have to send me a new SIM card for the New Phone with my Old Number. Fine! Get it done. I only have to wait forever for it to arrive. However, I was Iron Clad Guaranteed that the New Phone would continue to work with the 440 number until the SIM arrived and I called it in. S u r e . . .
Friday the phone displays Unregistered SIM (heavy sigh). So I decided, "I'm not frustrated enough, lemme call and get really aggravated." The tech (she spoke unaccented English) simply wouldn't get the point. "We have to register the SIM in the system, sir." Uh, what about the Iron Clad Guarantee the other tech made that the New Phone would continue to work until I received the SIM and called it in? "I understand, sir, but we have to register the new SIM in the system…." Clueless! Yeah, fine, register the damned thing after I call it in! " I understand, sir, but we have to register the new SIM in the system…" Arrrgh! I shouted, "I'll never buy another TracFone as long as I live!" and hung up. They should change their name to Frustration Я Us.
In Summary;
The phone I purchased did not say, "Not compatible with Safelink" on the website. Other Andriod phones did, so I didn't consider them. No where on the site does it say, "Andriod phones are not compatible with Safelink". No Where! This whole complicated business could have been avoided if the webmaster was on the stick and posted the proper information.
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called to active the phone they should have checked to make sure it would work before unregistering the SIM on the old phone. That's basically a no-brainer. They didn't (poor training). They also should have told me it wouldn't work before completing the call. They didn't (poor training—again).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called again because the old phone said Unregistered SIM and they decided to send me a new SIM, they should have known the number had been xferred to the returned phone and undone that. They didn't (poor training—poor training).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called to activate the new phone they should have known the 247 number was attached to the returned phone. I was told the 247 number would be activated on the new phone. They didn't—It wasn't (poor training—in spades).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
When I called about the 440 number and was and was told I'd be sent a new SIM with the 247 number attached—and told the 440 number would continue to work until I received the new SIM and called it in, they should have known. They didn't (poor training—times 5).
___Tracfone dropped the ball.
So, my dear friends, the bottom line is;
N e v e r___b u y___a___T r a c f o n e !
Monday Day 21 Update:
Okay, so maybe I was a little hasty in saying . n e v e r . I received the new-new SIM card and the phone is finally working—with the proper 247 phone number. It took 21 days (three weeks) to just get a cheap cell phone working. It's not even a smart phone (but I'll bet it has more memory than me). If it weren't for the fact that other than the cost of the phone ($40) the service is free (Obama phone—otherwise I couldn't afford cell phone service) I would have thrown it against the wall long ago. Lemme see, do I want a phone I use occasionally, mostly for emergencies, or do I want to eat. That's a no-brainer.
So call me, already! I have a working phone.
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