Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!accuvax.nwu.edu!nucsrl!telecom-request From: Edward_Greenberg@cso.3mail.3com.com Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Programming the Radio Shack CT-102 Message-ID: <10515@accuvax.nwu.edu> Date: 6 Aug 90 21:23:00 GMT Sender: news@accuvax.nwu.edu Organization: TELECOM Digest Lines: 46 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 546, Message 3 of 11 John DeBert Writes: > If you don't get the cellular service from the RS dealer the people >who you try to get service from may refuse to program your phone, >saying that a special handset is needed, and try to sell you one of >theirs. Programming the phone needs no special tools; the service >handset is for testing only and you can't run tests w/o it. If you walk into a cellular phone store (with your phone in hand) and ask them to establish service, THEY SHOULD PAY YOU! Being more realistic, they should treat you like a king, since you're free money. The cellular reseller makes about $300 per new activation, and receives a residual on your usage for seven years. This is why phone prices are in the basement (everywhere but California) with a "minimum service commitment." The salesman is in on the commission on the activation too, so he has a vested interest in your satisfaction. Some side comments on phones, dealers and service: The cellular reseller is, as discussed above, heavily involved in your choice of carrier and in your continuing satisfaction with that carrier. Having had a look at this business from the inside, I think I wouldn't buy a R/S phone, nor would I buy a phone from a stereo shop, home electronics store, Sears, etc. I'd buy my phone from a reputable reseller whose primary business is cellular phones. I'd pick that dealer by referral from satisfied customers. A good dealer will visit you when you can't get into the shop and have a problem. He will have loaner phones available if yours needs service. He'll do minor adjustments on your completed installation for nothing. He'll go to bat with the cellular company if you have service or billing problems. He'll understand that you're a techie and will probably provide the programming instructions as a condition of sale. If you want to know why you get dropped in a certain place, he'll use inside contacts to contact an engineer. A dealer like this is hard to find for all the sleeze that surrounds him, but they do exist. Sometimes it's just one guy in the store who'se worthwhile. Chances are he's the guy with the best sales numbers -- why? Because he gives personal service and gets recommendations. edg