CingularThe new AT&T has shutdown the old AT&T’s TDMA network in Arizona, five weeks ahead of schedule. Reader Kevin sends us his complaint to the Better Business Bureau.

“I [contacted] Cingular Wireless on February 25, 2007 and was told that the old AT&T TDMA network was shutdown early in Arizona. I was given no notice that my phone would no longer work after February 23, 2007. Quite the contrary, the Cingular text message and website specifically state that service would be ending March 31, 2007. Now I am stuck with a worthless phone and a balance of $93.00 that I can’t use.”

Time Division Multiple Access is an anachronistic communications protocol that Cingular is phasing-out in favor of GSM. Most Cingular customers are unaffected by the shutdown. Subscribers with older phones and certain Free2Go customers may be screwed. Anyone stuck with a TDMA phone in an area without TDMA service can call Cingular (611 and 911 should still work) and request either a GSM phone, or a refund for unused minutes.

Kevin’s complaint, inside.

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I purchased a Nokia 2260 Free2Go package December, 2004. On May 17, 2006 I added a 1-year $100 prepaid phone card to my account. This added time to my account through May 16, 2007. In October 2006, I received a text message that my prepaid service would be ending on March 31, 2007 because Cingular was shutting down the old AT&T TDMA wireless network. On February 23, 2007 my phone no longer worked. I contacted Cingular for help, but was given no help and was disconnected. I recontacted Cingular Wireless on February 25, 2007 and was told that the old AT&T TDMA network was shutdown early in Arizona. I was given no notice that my phone would no longer work after February 23, 2007. Quite the contrary, the Cingular text message and website specifically state that service would be ending March 31, 2007. Now I am stuck with a worthless phone and a balance of $93.00 that I can’t use.

Farewell, TDMA. We hardly knew ye. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER

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