Reverse migrating from Cingular GSM to AT&T TDMA

[notjon]

Hi, I am a former AT&T Wireless TDMA customer who just upgraded to Cingular GSM recently. When I upgraded my plan, I was told my the rep on the phone that:
1. She would set me up with the exact plan that I had with ATTWS TDMA, but on Cingular's GSM Network
2. Cingular has a 30-day "buyer's remorse" period during which I can return my equipment and opt-out of my plan (this was also included in the Terms & Conditions within my welcome packet)

However, after I was migrated to Cingular GSM, I was notified that instead of unlimited night & weekend minutes, I would get 1000 N/W minutes; and that I would not be able to receive text messages for free any longer (they are now $0.10/message).

I contacted Cingular and asked if they could reverse-migrate me back to my old AT&T Wireless plan on my old TDMA phone. I was told that Cingular could not do this, as GSM accounts are "blocked" in the system from migration back to TDMA.

The text messages & night/weekend minutes may seem trivial, but the fact of the matter is that I take advantage of these features heavily. This is my work phone, so my employer will have an issue with having to pay more for less features in my new call plan.

Has anyone here been able to switch from Cingular GSM back to AT&T TDMA? Any ideas on how I can get this resolved would be appreciated.

[carcomptoy]

I know I might seem a little fanboyish, but honestly, this is just one of the many instances of Cingular's lying. They've been duping AT&T customers ever since the merger to move, and it angers me that they do this.

If you can, switch carriers...free yourself from the evil;)

[Serifan]

Has anyone here been able to switch from Cingular GSM back to AT&T TDMA?
Not to my knowledge.

[Box215]

Cingular is such an awful company. This is one of the reasons why i hate them so much.

[carcomptoy]

Cingular is such an awful company. This is one of the reasons why i hate them so much.
hehe that's what I feel...but I didn't want to blurt it out right at the onset:p

[notjon]

Yay, I was able to switch back to my old AT&T plan, but only after fighting with Cingular reps on the phone everyday for the past week and then threatening legal action. I guess I'll just keep my TDMA phone/plan for now while I shop around for a better service carrier... :I

[carcomptoy]

Either way though, they're cancelling TDMA in the near future, you do realize that?

[hotzigetty]

Whats the Difference between tdma and cdma??

[carcomptoy]

TDMA ~ TIME division multiple access

CDMA ~ CODE division multiple access

[Rik]

Ok i work for Cingular in the old AT&T digital customer Care and it is possible to reverse migrate to TDMA from cingular it's just alot more complicated then going the other way. Your best bet is to call the old AT&T cust care at 1800-888-7600 and say you want to do it it to them. It takes a day or two useually can take upto a week to be able to receive calls on your old phone. you might get an Early termination fee on your GSM account and if you do call into AT&T cust care and we can get it taken care of for you

[carcomptoy]

I guess it's good that it's possible...but I still don't see the logic in going back to an almost defunct technology:confused:

[Serifan]

I guess it's good that it's possible...but I still don't see the logic in going back to an almost defunct technology:confused:
Very true. Plus, considering that Cingular has announced plans to turn off TDMA and analog in 2008, there really is no point in going back to TDMA.

[Box215]

everyone should bring there number to a better place and start getting more from life

[carcomptoy]

LOL Okay Catherine Zeta-Jones:p

[Roni]

Hi
I am looking for old AT&T plan if anyone wants to transfer I’ll be happy to buy it

Thank you,

[shlinky]

Reverse Migrating is as easy as deleting your mobile from the GSM switch, loading it into the TDMA switch and possibley changing your LRN if you ported the number or if they had to port it internally during the merger.

If they tell you otherwise, it's just a scheme to keep you on GSM (which honestly is in your best interest reception wise in the long run). I can tell you from personal experience ( I work Tier II tech support for a regional provider who has roaming agreements with Cingular) that AT&T/Cingular has already began turning down TDMA towers in areas such as Florida and Georgia to name a few.

TDMA is going the way of the Dodo in all but the most undeveloped markets. GSM will be built out enough soon that the difference will be negligble or noticeable to the positive.

[no2gsm]

I know an old thread but..

I am so frustrated...

With ATT TDMA I got FULL coverage in my second home in AZ inside. Cingular took over and of course started forcing TDMA ATT people to switch. I have held out as long as possible...but my CA home area now has no coverage and the TDMA towers in AZ near my home are going down July 1st.


ATT/Cing GSM doesn't even get ONE BAR in my house there..used to have full coverage! I need the cell to call back to CA free long distance. Seems NO ONE in MY particular area of AZ house has GSM coverage..they added a couple of new towers but NO HELP.

I know everyone says GSM is the way to go and that they are dumping TDMA BUT shouldn't carriers FIRST put up full replacement towers so that former TDMA network coverage is fully replicated first? GSM seems weeker indoors period but as I said..they have NOT put up towers to cover all TDMA they are disconnecting!

So now...I have to pay 17 cents a minute from part time land line phone long distance and have NO CELL coverage inside my AZ house which is where I need it most.

I don't think NOW anyone will switch you back to TDMA..but would like to know if the 800 old ATT service number posted above is still good?

I have lodged formal complaints, paid EXTRA $6 or whatever it is to keep TDMA this long per month but since AZ towers are going away July 1st...and no longer can use in much of my CA area..I am forced to go GSM and give up coverage where 3/4 of my minutes are used!

Anyway..anyone know who I can call directly (back lines or whatever) to try and demand GSM coverage where had FULL TDMA before?

[carcomptoy]

Do you know if T-Mobile has coverage in the same areas? What you could do is get amplifyers for your house(s), and make AT&T pay for them. But that's a long shot.