nickless@flash.ras.anl.gov (Bill Nickless) (06/14/90)
A couple months ago I related in this forum my experience signing up with a second cellular service for my Nokia Mobira handheld. I live in Michigan but work during the week in Chicago. I originally signed up with Ameritech Mobile here in Chicago, but then signed up with Cellular One of Berrien County, Michigan, for use on the weekends. When I travel back and forth I reprogram my handheld for use with the system I'm traveling into. Recently I decided to spend some time in Indianapolis. I contacted the two cellular carriers in Indianapolis, and ended up signing with GTE Mobilenet. They charge a $25 signup fee, and a basic fee of $15/month. Peak airtime is .50/minute, off-peak .20/minute. Detailed billing is only $1.75/month. I also asked for call forwarding at an extra $2/month. The person I spoke with, Natalie Newton, was very helpful and accomodating. There was no hesitation on her part to fulfill my request for service without having my phone reprogrammed by GTE Mobilenet. I simply provided the ESN and she gave me my Indianapolis number. She also faxed me the Indianapolis NAM paramaters for that system, as well as very complete instructions for reprogramming my phone. I did not have to sign up for a minimum usage per month, nor a year-long contract. In summary, I would recommend dealing with GTE Mobilenet if you wish to avoid roaming charges in Indianapolis. If someone else has had a bad experience with GTE Mobilenet I'd like to hear about it, but for now I am impressed with their customer service. Disclaimer: I have no connection with GTE Mobilenet except as a satisfied customer. Bill Nickless detour mail to nickless@flash.ras.anl.gov