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General discussion

Could you live without your cell phone? Why or why not?

Mar 6, 2007 5:30AM PST

-- Absolutely! I've done so in the past, so I can definitely do without it all over again. (What if there was an emergency?)

-- No way! This is my main point of contact and I feel naked without it. (What if you were in a dead zone?)

-- I don't own no stinkin' cell phone, never have and never will! (Why not?)

-- Maybe. It really depends.(Please explain.)

Discussion is locked

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Can live w/o it!!
Mar 7, 2007 7:02AM PST

Havent had a cell for three years since I retired.I do miss it driving for an emergency, or talking to family but other than that they can keep it.
Always making me extend because I changed plans or needed a new one that was BS.Once you are with them two years you are prob going to stay with them.So instead of adding to your service contract they should offer free ugrades every couple years.Its not like they'd really loose it would prob only maintain the status quo. they're offering new customers. Plus it would ADD to customer loyalty!!

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Two words... Wireless Broadband
Mar 6, 2007 8:47PM PST

If I lived in a location that had reliable wireless broadband, I'd throw away my cell phone and use Skype on my PDA.

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Maybe. It really depends...
Mar 6, 2007 8:49PM PST

Maybe. It really depends on the availability of pay phones in any give area. Being one of the ancient ones, I remember when pay phones were ubiquitous and having a pocket full of coins was more necessary. Today, in most parts of most cities I've traveled to in the US, pay phones are few and fare between and the once ever present phone booth are seldom found.

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I agree.
Mar 6, 2007 11:37PM PST

It would have been an "Absolutely...." choice, but where can you find a pay phone any more. Even in a large city.

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Where can you find a pay phone?
Mar 7, 2007 9:05PM PST

Pay phones are still common in the most economically depressed neighborhoods of American cities and in the poorest and most isolated towns and villages of rural America. There you will find pay phones wherever people shop for items like milk, bread, beer, cigarettes, gasoline and lottery tickets.

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Who you going to pay...
Mar 6, 2007 8:50PM PST

You need some form of communication. Pay for a land line, a cell phone, or both? I find that for the same rate of a land line, and generally cheaper, I can own a cell phone, and not have a land line. While not all are lucky enough to have good cell service in their home I can take my phone with me, make free long distance calls, and have only a single bill. I think you may find many people going to this venue.

I do agree however that ETFs should be scaled to the gimmies of the service. If you are just renewing, not getting any new hardware, then no ETF. Getting a new iphone or high end product, expect to pay.

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Love-Hate
Mar 6, 2007 9:01PM PST

I live on the road, so dead spots are a way life. But my customers are often not reaching me. I do not have a "home base" or "office", so they are a necessity. I've tried them all, but will not renew my present service and stay with my Tracfone which works in more places than any. Besides, Tracfone minutes are there for the life of your phone (and beyond) so there are no "extra" fees... like having roll-over minutes which my current service does not offer. I use Skype with my personal Satellite dish when nothing else works, but it involves parking and deploying my dish. But I have NEVER failed to MAKE a call, I just cannot receive unless the dish is deployed.

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Cell Phone
Mar 6, 2007 9:09PM PST

Pay as you go is the only way for me. NO ONE is so important, except to themselves, that they can't be out of communication for reasonable periods of time. I bought a years worth of minutes for under $100 and use the phone when NEEDED or for emergencies.

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I Agree...
Mar 6, 2007 9:37PM PST

I had a regular plan cell phone for years and was tired of having to sign a contract that locked me in. So I switched to "pay as you go". The main reason for a cell phone in my case is safety--being able to call someone for help in a jam etc. I rarely stay on for more then 5 minutes. No complaints!

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Life Saver
Mar 6, 2007 9:10PM PST

Lee,

While a cell phone could not save our friend James last year, it was a cell phone that became instrumental when I broke my leg skiing (poorly) off-trail in 1995. Backcountry skiing caries it's own combinations of risk/reward and I accept that fact. With 30 years on and off the slopes of Austria, Colorado and New England (at that point) and skied Tuckerbrook dozens of times without trouble and plenty of rewarding memories. When it became my turn for a spiral torsion break, we were fortunate enough to have someone with a cell phone to call for help.
So... anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking or skiing knows how a cell phone can be a lifesaver. Anyone responding with "I've never had one and never will" is probably a couch potato.
Stan

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not a couch potatoe
Mar 6, 2007 10:05PM PST

I just believe if you go back country get your own *** out of there no matter what your problem.
PS just for your info yes I have done it , came out of the BC interior 11 miles with my own stitches in my leg and a splinted leg.So instead of relying on someone else to rescue your butt take the stuff you need to get your own butt out.

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The rest of the story
Mar 6, 2007 11:03PM PST

I did feel the details of my exodus were important. I commend you on your successful extraction. 11 miles in the BC... that's impressive. However... if someone you were hiking or skiing with had a cell phone and called in for help any sane person would take it.
I was skiing with a bunch of engineers and rocket scientists. You can't stop these guys when they get focused on a rescue. So.. yes.. they built a makeshift splint, which I still have with everyone's names carved in it. It was a pretty rough trek for about 1/2 a mile. Then the patrol showed up and reset my leg on the mountain. That was fun.
You're obviously not a CP. You cannot ignore the countless lives cellular communications has saved over the years. I DO most vehemently despise those people who chat endlessly on their phones while they drive, but you can not compare the few lives lost and many fender-benders they have caused to the countless ones saves. Bottom line is.. if you are driving, then that is job number 1.

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Cell phones - DISAPPEAR - Please
Mar 6, 2007 9:10PM PST

If cell phone service were to completely disappear we might, just might have some peace and quiet in places like grocery stores, theaters, airports and even the sidewalks. The total rudeness of some (not all) cell users is unbelieveable. They have ruined dinners, movies and have caused many, many accidents. I'm not a Luddite, it's just that the incorrigibles seem to think the world will end if they aren't connected to someone - and I even own one of the @#$% things!!

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I could live with out my cell phone
Mar 6, 2007 9:19PM PST

I would easlly get along with out my moblie phone as i use to in the olden days i wouldnt miss it at all an as in relation to a emergancy i would just do what we use to do before the moblie phone cam along id use a public phone

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I'm actually thinking about getting rid of the landline...
Mar 6, 2007 9:19PM PST

I'm actually thinking about getting rid of the landline... One reason I haven't switched to all cell phones is because of a ETF on my landline. I think cell phones are the future (you can do a ton of stuff on them now) and land lines will be mainly for companies soon.

Just my $0.02 Happy

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Of course, if I had to...
Mar 6, 2007 9:19PM PST

Naturally I could do without my cell phone ? if I had to. Nothwithstanding, the cell phone is a great innovation and very convenient. It's the communicating model of the future. It makes everything so much more efficient. Think about how things worked in the past, when you could not reach somebody. Lots of misunderstandings, waiting for people etc.

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Need my cell phone service
Mar 6, 2007 9:23PM PST

I can't live w/o my cell phone because of my work schedule and the horrible way ATT (SBC) bills my home phone. I work 3rd shift and my girlfriend doesn't live with me so I can talk to her for the 60 minutes I commute to work (after 2100 calls are free). I also use my cellphone at home whenever I don't use Skype- ATT (SBC) has me listed as living in a city just far enough away where all my relatives are far zone calls (local long distance) versus local. I keep my land line because I need it for my DSL (the land line is a basic phone line). Why not get cable internet, drop the DSL & home phone and go 100% cell for my calls? Comcast is the WORSE cable TV/internet provider- $62/month and it goes out multiple times a day (all my neighbors and girlfriend complain to me about it all the time). The extra cost for upgrading to more minutes on my cell service would also not save me any money. Not everyone is in the situation but I am so I really use my cell service (I average 7000 minutes/month with 6200 of those minutes in-network and/or free calls).

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Love Comcast
Mar 8, 2007 4:48AM PST

I am sorry to hear you have had so many problems with Comcast I have had them for over 5 years and think it is wonderful. It has gone out 3 times and was fixed within 24 hours. I could easily live without that silly cell phone (have pay as you go since I cmmute a long distance,in case o an emergency) I would really hate to give up my cable though.
I don't work for Comcast, never have but I can say compared to my friends DSL there is no comparison Cable wins hands down. I have worked for Cell Phone providers in the past and believe me they are not concerned about customer care they have one concern $$$$$.

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Actually, I Feel Better Having One
Mar 6, 2007 9:42PM PST

The main reason I carry around a cell phone is for safety. My calls are generally less then 5 minutes. The reality is that cell phones can be life savers if one finds oneself in a dangerous situation. I have a "Pay as you go" as for me it's cost effective.

But the sight of people walking around everywhere jabbering to thin area is becoming annoying. And even though my state has a law banning their use during driving, I have had a number of close calls caused by people talking into their phones can not watching the road.

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a must for rural areas
Mar 7, 2007 4:30AM PST

Since i live in a rural area, a cellphone is a must since i travel to and from school and then work by car. 45 minutes to school and depending where i am when i have to work, about 10 minutes to 1 hour. I only pay about 20$ a month, ( Pre-Paid) so for me its worth it. I feel much saffer in a car with the doors locked waiting for somebody to help me with my car troubles than on the side of the road asking for help.

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Don't need an electronic leash
Mar 6, 2007 9:58PM PST

Neither do I need people to be able to get hold of me 24 hrs. a day.My company gave me one so they could get a hold of me during the day,I leave it turned off unless I need to make a call,other than that I see no use for them,I believe peoples way of thinking they look important and also cause everyone to believe that they can get instant gratification.

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Never Had One
Mar 6, 2007 10:00PM PST

Aren't the reason I do not own a cell phone obvious? No probably not, considering so many people in the world today, including very young children own them. Cell phones are nothing but an easier way for other's to track you down and annoy you non stop! When I am out to dinner with my partner or family I certainly do not want anyone calling and bugging me. They can call or text and interrupt all sorts of thing's from dinner to shopping to a funeral.
Sure we could shut the phone off or leave the phone at home but then what is really the point in having one? I just do not want to be bothered when I am out enjoying myself. The only thing a cell phone is good for is in the event of emergency. I have to admit a cell would have come in handy the few times I have had a car break down or when it was dire that I contact a family member during an emergency.
I agree cell phones are a good thing for anyone in the business world that may have to travel a lot for work. And the one reason I have actually considered buying a cell phone is for the tracking services they offer so I can track my young child should anything, (God forbid) ever happen to him. If I have the phone with the tracking system then the police and myself would know exactly where my child is. This is a wonderful bit of technology that can and has saved a child's life and even that of an adult that has been kidnapped.
We had a close call last school year. My child and two of his little friends were in the 2nd and 3rd grade and were outside for gym class. A stranger went up to one of the boys and was pretending to have lost his little doggy. Yes there was a teacher outside that was supposed to be supervising our kids during gym class. The boy then proceeded to go get my son and another friend to help find the lost doggy for the stranger.
The man then sent the boys three blocks from the school to a house to tell his friend the doggy was lost, he told them just to go on into the house and get the dog's leash off the kitchen tables so when they found the dog they could put him on the leash. The only thing that saved my son and his friends was the fact that they couldn't follow the strangers directions correctly and did not go to the right house! Otherwise God only knows what would have happened to my son and his friends.
So this incident is why I have considered buying a cell phone. I have talked to my children about strangers from the moment they were old enough to understand, actually I started before they could understand because it has always terrified me that some sick BA***** might steal my child and hurt or kill them, God forbid! I have constantly stressed all the rules of not going anywhere near a stranger for any reason in an effort to keep my children safe but apparently as I found out it can still happen no matter how well you teach your child about strangers. Please all parents out there be aware your child is still at risk! I had specifically warned my kids repeatedly about strangers using pets an other excuses to lure them and he still fell for the trick and my son is an extremely intelligent child so do not tell yourself that your child is to smart to do the same thing.
My son should have been safe at school with his teacher but he wasn't and was lured right from the school property right out from under that teachers nose as were th other boys. They simply walked off right down the street. So for this reason I am thinking of buying a cell phone and that is honestly the only good reason I can think of besides, like I said an emergency.
But when you look around today, every where you look there is someone with a phone stuck to their ear. And it is especially dangerous while driving and even though it's against the law in my state to talk on your cell while driving you still see people doing it all the time. Not to mention I cannot even count how many times I have been having a conversation with a friend or family member just to be interrupted by the dreaded cell phone either by ringing or by text messaging.
So there you have it and I hope all parents out there will head my warning about strangers and learn from my story. Thanks for taking your time to read this post. Sincerely, Cell Free in Indiana

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Cell Phones
Mar 6, 2007 10:08PM PST

Since I travel a lot the convenience is very important. My carrier is ALLTEL they cover all the area I travel.

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Could you live without cell phones?
Mar 6, 2007 10:11PM PST

As a farmer in remote Eastern Montana my cell phone is one of the most helpful tools I have. It makes it possible to do things conveniently and timely. Technology, especially cell phones are an essential in keeping cost of production down and being able to better utilize time.

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dead zones?? what are they? i have verizon
Mar 6, 2007 10:12PM PST

I dont worry about dead zones because i have verizon. the only place my phone doesnt work is in the mountains, and thats about it. thats why i have verizon, they may not have the selection of phones as other carriers, and they may not have the flashiest advertising, but i'll tell you one thing - there is a reason why they have the least amount of churn every month, and there is a reason why they are rapidly closing the customer gap with cingular.. Good riddence anyone who has Cingular (Oops.. It's ATT.. Although next month it might be back to Cingular.. You never can tell what they'll do next...)

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For Me Verizon = Dead zones
Mar 7, 2007 2:59AM PST

I couldn't talk right in my own home! I couldn't wait for the contract to expire. I checked out the coverage maps on line and Cingular had it all over Verizon, T-Mobile, and Nextell. I haven't had a dropped call call since I went to Cingular. The gentleman in the store explained their dual frequency approach.

If Verizon moved the money from their advertising budget to service quality maybe they can measure up.

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Re: For Me Verizon = Dead Zones
Mar 7, 2007 12:14PM PST

I guess it matters where you live work or use your cell phone. In my city Cingular (back when it was Cell One was terrible. Even going outdoors only gave you a 50% or 60% chance of getting a connection. People would roam up and down the sidewalk, or get in their cars an go a block or two to find two bars.
People changesd to Verizon in order to have their cell phones which were usefull.

I would imagine that that is no longer the case now that more than one person in four has a cell phone.

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Could but won't.
Mar 6, 2007 10:18PM PST

I don't think its necesary to have a cell phone... neither do I think its necesary to have indoor plumbing, electricity, a computer, a car, etc. I don't buy the argument that because we survived without them for so many years, therefore, we don't need them. People also survived for a long time without the above listed things and more. The fact is, society is changing and many people rely on cell phones.

Some people might not need one. I don't criticize them for that. But ask yourself how you would feel if you had to go outside and dig a hole in the ground to take a crap in the middle of winter. Ask yourself how you would feel if you had to light candles to see at night, or had to do everything without electricity.

I personally do not NEED a cell phone but I they definitely are worth my investment because of the type of lifestyle I live and my family situation. I have a large family and I can keep in touch with them when we are separated no matter where we are in the country. It is very useful for me.

And just because some people use the cell phone irresponsibly doesn't mean we should limit its use of responsible people. I use a hands free headset when I drive and talk and have no problem doing it. We talk to people that are sitting next to us in the vehicle the same way and nobody is out trying outlaw talking in the vehicle are they?

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I couldn't live with out my cell
Mar 6, 2007 10:20PM PST

I am a single full time working mom. As a parent I want to be able to be reached at all times no matter what. What if something happened to my kid while I was at lunch and not in the office to take a call or if while I was driving to or from work my kid got hurt or sick and had to be taken to the emergency room. As a parent I feel that I have to have a way to be contacted in event of an emergency.

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Only for Emergencies.
Mar 6, 2007 10:23PM PST

At first I thought I couldn't, but after giving it thought yes, I discovered not only possible but beautiful. Now I only carry a cell with a pay-as-you-go card, have disciplined myself into keeping my thougts and looking for 1 on 1 conversation. Time management wise it is excellent, and this helps motivate me towards social communication. So far in the last year I have spent less than 30 minutes on cell phone calls. And life is much nicer.