Nirvana for wireless network providers has to be when subscribers start using their network for all their communication needs.
I have many friends who exist, sans a land line, with only a cell phone. And I think that’s just fine until you have to troubleshoot a problem with said cell phone–particulary a smartphone.
Let’s use AT&T Wireless for an example (currently, my favorite whipping company)…
They MUST do snoopy dances every time a subscriber picks them over a landline. It probably goes something like this…
AT&T Wireless: CUT THE CORD! CUT THE CORD! CUT THE CORD!
New Subscriber: ”Hi. I want to sign-up with you, AT&T Wireless, for all my communication needs.
ATT: Snoopy Dance! Snoopy Dance! Snoopy Dance!
NS: I want to get the new iPhone 3GS, too!
ATT: Snoopy Dance! Snoopy Dance! Snoopy Dance!
NS: Great! Now, instead of a land line and telephone, I have a new iPhone 3GS and AT&T Wireless for all my communication needs. Thank you Apple! Thank you AT&T!
ATT (and Apple): Snoopy Dance! Snoopy Dance! Snoopy Dance!
Later…
NS: Hi, I’m having a problem with my new iPhone 3GS. Visual Voicemail is not working and I have a lot of dropped calls.
ATT: No problem, we’ll help you out. Can you call us from another line?
NS: (silence… then) Um, I don’t have another line. I use AT&T for all my communication needs.
ATT: (silent laughter) I’m sorry, sir/maam, but we can’t help until you call us back from another line.
NS: But I only have my new iPhone 3GS and AT&T for all my communication needs. I don’t have anything else. You told me I wouldn’t need anything else.
ATT: Can you call from a family member’s phone, or a friend’s?
NS: I don’t have any friends, and all my famly is dead.
ATT: Neighbor?
NS: None.
ATT: I’m sorry, but we can’t help until you call us back from another line.
NS: Um.
ATT: Is there anything else we can help you with, today? Have I addressed all your questions?
NS: Um.
ATT: Have a nice day.
No Comments on "A Conundrum of Cutting the Cord…"