I just went over my wireless bill. You have to do this every few months to see what new plans are available and find any possible way to hammer that bill down. Naturally they're not going to notify you of any "improvements" they make to their offerings. even though I've been a customer since 1997.

So I went to Cingular's website.

My current plan had me set up with 5MB of mobile internet access for $20/mo. and 50 text messages for $5/mo. On their site I found a 200 message + 5MB package for $20/mo. Simple swap...drop the two old ones and add this one. Their web interface seems to allow me to do this. but of course it throws some weird error. So I hop on their "live chat" feature.

Dear god. The chat app is a java applet. Simply AWFUL. It looks like garbage in Firefox. the popup window it's running in is clearly set to poll because it refreshes every few seconds. Plus. once I send a message the textarea I put it in doesn't clear itself out. AND they were too lazy to pick up my keypress of "ENTER" to send the message text. WTF.

Come on Cingular...you're making PLENTY of cash...Adobe would (i'm sure) be happy to hook you up with Flash Media Server and about 1 hour of developer time to build a nice. socket-based Flash client to do this.

Better user experience. less frustration. and theoretically cost savings and happier customers. Get a clue!

Anyway. the rep was fast and friendly. Never had a problem with their people. Change was made and I continued looking around.

Last gripe of the day (I hope): I can't change rate plans without losing the 3000+ rollover minutes I've accumulated. You cheap bastards! Advertise that we can keep our minutes and then don't actually let me do so...even if my needs change.

For all of your stupidity. your network has been good for me so you'll keep me...for now...