QLVR Version 0.7.0

Funny.. I posted a very quick howto on free WiFi in Starbucks and stumbled across this today on CNN: T-Mobile Sues Starbucks Over Wi-Fi Deal.  Apparently, Starbucks soon to be ex-wife, T-Mobile, doesn’t like the new girlfriend, AT&T.  If I were T-Mobile I’d just let it go.  When you signup for the 2 hour complimentary WiFi, it’s very clear that AT&T is providing this - not Starbucks.  Sure, it’s only words and the intent is what T-Mobile is fighting but get over it!  T-Mobile should concentrate on figuring out how to compete with AT&T on other fronts.  Perhaps, T-Mobile could use their $$$ to upgrade their wireless data networks or work out a deal like Sprint/Clearwire WiMax (and Comcast and Google and… ) deal.  

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I have been a Voce customer for about 6 months now. It was a dream come true for me - I could choose between AT&T’s or t-Mobile’s network. From experience, I generally stuck the phone on AT&T’s due to its far better reception around the NYC burbs (NJ side).

Well.. today, my SIM is not registering on my cell phone as of this afternoon.  I receive an ominous “SIM card registration failed”. OK.. so some hardware problem may have occurred. Simple enough, go and replace the SIM, right? Well, I am not having any luck reaching Voce. I have called their 866 number until my finger fell off from pressing the redial button. Oh.. and email? No answer from two separate emails. Once from their web page and the other to support@voce.com.

Next stop - visit one of their physical locations. I looked up the retail location listed on Voce’s page. How convenient, a location within 20 miles of me in Paramus, NJ. Before heading out, I thought I would give a quick call. Glad I did! Apparently, these stores do not sell or service Voce products anymore.

What?? So.. let me get this straight - I cannot call, email, nor visit a retailer to fix my phone. What am I supposed to do?

I called AT&T about getting a SIM. They’ll sell you one for $25 with a $10 credit. Of course I could sign a contract but that’s not as interesting to me.

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Update: I’m starting to wonder if Voce went out of business today.   After further investigation, the SIM registration error message could be related to failed authentication to the cell tower.   If AT&T and T-Mobile will not allow them to use their services then this would make sense.

Add the facts:

•  Voce will not answer the phone
•  Voce has STILL not replied to my emails
•  Voce has slashed their prices in half twice in the past two years

I wonder how this is the end of another MVNO…

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