Posted by Elaine Sedlock on 2/22/08 7:25am
Msg #236528

Yikes! Help please!! Just found out yesterday my phone

isn't working right! I knew my cell phone had taken a dive and I've been waiting on a replacement (was told they "usually get there the next day," hah! That was days ago and I just got it yesterday. Now it'll be 24-72 hours before they get my old number ported in! Meanwhile, I had upgraded my home phone plan to include higher dsl speed and unlimited long distance some time ago (at least a week) and I think Embarq screwed up my settings or something. Whatever the reason, I thought it a bit strange that I wasn't receiving many calls and that whenever I went out there were never any messages when I returned! I hope I haven't had SSs calling and writing me off their list! I'm calling Embarq today to get my home phone fixed, but in the meantime, should I change my cell number in my profile to my current one now and then switch back to the old one as soon as they port it over? Can't afford to be missing business! Advice please!!! TIA

Reply by Lee/AR on 2/22/08 7:39am
Msg #236530

Yes, definitely. I'd even mention this is a temporary change in 'comments'. On the other hand, it's been DEAD here this week.

Reply by Elaine Sedlock on 2/22/08 7:42am
Msg #236531

Thanks Lee, I'll do that :) Have a great day! n/m

Reply by Dennis_IN on 2/22/08 9:57am
Msg #236550

I still have my "old" phone. If something happens to my current one I will just transfer the simm chip and I'm good to go.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 2/22/08 10:28am
Msg #236559

How to purchase a cheap back-up cell phone

Hi, Elaine

I'm sorry you are having phone troubles - especially at end of month. So this doesn't happen again, I suggest you buy a cheap back up cell phone to have on hand.

Note: this tip only works if you can remove and replace the SIM card in your phone.

*Buy your phone on eBay. (I heard this tip on Clark Howard's radio program.) I watched auctions for about a month before I found the phone I wanted at a good price. The phone is used and a bit scratched, but I saved over $120. Scratches never looked so good!

*The phone should not be linked to any service provider. This means you should not have to buy a "plan" to get the phone.

*Check your cell phone service provider's website to see what phones are supported by them. Buy a model listed on their website.

*Get the same phone if you can so all your current chargers and headsets will work on your new phone. If you can't get the same model, go to the stores to see which models in the same brand will accept your current headset, etc.

*The phone should be UNLOCKED. This is urgent.

*Check the seller's reputation very carefully.

*Pay for the phone with a credit card (not an atm card) so you can have the charge reversed if the sale goes sour.


Happy talking!
LauraV

Reply by Philip Johnson on 2/22/08 10:44am
Msg #236564

Another way is to buy

your companies pay as you go plan phone for $25.00 or $30.00 and just trade sim cards. I use T Mobile and this has worked very nicely for me.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/22/08 10:50am
Msg #236572

Try Freecycle.org and ask for phone to replace yours. Many upgrade and toss their old ones into a drawer. I have received several this way...just ask for phone that will take a simm card or whatever kind you may need.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 2/22/08 10:57am
Msg #236576

The advantage to living in a small town is that I can go up to our local Radio Shack and they will just give me a phone to use till I get straightend out. Between myself, hubby and son, we've all had to do this at one time or another.

Reply by SReis on 2/22/08 11:21am
Msg #236584

I've used ebay 2x - cheap replacements & worked great!!! n/m