If you are buying it from ANY Cingular store(or even online) there is a mail in rebate. Our store sells the phone for $200, you pay $300 and get the $100 mail in rebate. For the rebate to be accepted you have to have one of those plans on that line.

yup

I got my Blackjack and signed up for the mediamaxx 200 plan. I sent in the rebate form just to see what happened, and sure enough 3 months later I got my $100 card. I've never had overage charges, and I love my phone. I don't care what people say about it being wrong or right, it works for me and I'm happy!!!

Interesting, they don't issue $100 cards. Either you got two $50 cards or you're full of it.

full of it the black-jack hasnt been out that long

Few questions about the warrenty, first, how long do you need to do the data plan for. Also, the rebate only goes till the 20th... after that will there be a new rebate or just none at all.

by warrenty i mean rebate

The rebate is good up to(postmarked by) feb 20th if you bought the phone before jan 20th. If you knew how to read you would know that. When your father told you to read the fine print before signing anything I guess you weren't listening. My point is instead of whining about something first you should learn all of the facts. 4 services will work on the black jack. Message extreme $19.99(3000 text),Media max 3000 $29.99, Unlimited PDA connect $39.99, and PDA MAX $49.99(which i believe includes unlimited text and picture messaging) The only way to get unlim text thru cingular.

thickjake said:
The fact is cingular has classified the device as a PDA and not smartphone. That classification is available on CSP as stated in a previous post.

This seems quite arbitrary.. The phone offers no functionality over the other "smartphones" simply 3G- but that can't be the indicator as the LG doesn't require it.. Why then? Ah..to prey on the idiocy of the customer base?

Clearly Tex actually has a brain that is used for more than reading a script.. which is why he probably has a successful business and doesn't sit in a cube and answer calls like reps.. 40$ month on a "smartphone" for data is asinine and much more expensive than data offered by other carriers..

While I agree with Tex's classification, you are missing the point. It has nothing to do with 'reading a script', owning an agent location, or working for the OEM. the fact still remains that it is not our call to make. Cingular has set the data price for this device. That's it. Plain and simple.

this converstaion is alittle bit on the weird side
cause technically it is stated as a SMARTPHONE but its labeled as a PDA to Cingular
someone labeled it wrong so
i understand the conversation at hand

im gonna finish up by saying tex u are right
and LicorShot u are right ...( Pat on back )
depends on what side of the fence u are on that really considers u right since i work for Cingular Corporate.... LoL

If you use Mediamax on a PDA or smartphone you are subject to being charged. Mediamax is not for those devices, it is for basic handset browsers only. This has been discussed over and over. The literature you are given from Cingulsr states this in writing of you are an employee.

I own a chain of Cingular Premier agent stores in West Texas.

then them me educate u on the proper data plans for a QWERTY keyboard device ... u need to use the PDA unlmitied feature on a blackjack NOT a smartphone connect plan ....
above u mentioned smartphone connect ... maybe u were mistaken but wanted to clear up any confusion ....but as u were saying in someother posts about being flagged for wrong data plans
i myself have seen it
some people can get away with it for a brief amount of time but yet they will eventually get caught due to the fact that we now use UMTS and more data is being used on a consistence basis

According to Microsoft the Blackjack runs Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition.

While in the past the differentiator was a Qwerty keyboard the Blackjack is the first Qwerty using the Smartphone edition software rather than the Pocket PC edition.

Cingular still requires the PDA package on the Blackjack, per CSP the Blackjack is supposed to be put on the 39.99 package. Will it work on other plans, yes, it will even work on a 14.99 Media Works package until Revenue Assurance catches it in a sweep and shuts it out. Go to Cingular.com, if you shop devices and pick out a Blackjack, it will give you the option for picking a plan, then the option for picking extra services, the PDA Connect 39.99 plan is the only unlimited wix plan offered, it does not offer the 29.99 smartphone plan for the Blackjack.

that true but cingular still classes it as a pda so to use dat its supposed to be put on a pda connect plan. however you can get away atleast for a little while on a media or smartphone plan.

the rebate for this device requires 39.99 unlimited pda connect or messaging extreme.

I disagree with the classification. I brought this argument to our RAE that it is classified as a smartphone rather than a PDA for rate purposes. It runs Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition which was a prequalification for the correct feature. QWERTY keyboard was a simplified way to designate the difference but it was easier than discussing softrware type for those who may be software illiterate. This was the first phone to cross that boundary and is forcing Cingular to reevaluate. They may charge $39.99 on their website but according to the TOS the Smartphone Connect plan will work due to the software.

Now the PDA connect runs on a better server so you may get effectively faster data speeds but that is a side point.

i dont disagree with the fact that its a smartphone and smartphone connect WILL work on this device. BUT cingular is positioning this device for sale with a pda connect package.

It's definitely got the smartphone OS. It's exactly like the 3125, not the 8125 nor 8525. I sell what they say to sell for it though, especially with that $100 rebate involved.

same here.

The rebate is not effected.

but the rebate form says $39.99 or higher data plan or $19.99 Messaging Xtreme plan.

says who 🤨

the FORM!!!!!!!!!!!

but in the argument at hand i see your point tex and i didn't think about its label until u said something to me . i see your point

but cingular sees it a different way ....LoL

and yes the form says its needed for rebate
whether or not that is tru
beyond me
thats a different department than cingular
but u may take your chance if u would like
we all know how much of a pain in the ass mail in rebates are ....

I KNOW!!!!!!!!!
the device IS a smart phone but CINGULAR is requires the 39.99 PDA CONNECT PLAN or the 19.99 messaging extreme package.

OKAY!!!!!!!!!

hahahaha

I am a COR rep and I have become very frustrated in the lack of education that on call customer service reps recieve or the lack of accountability that they have. Not to bag on any of the call center reps here but I have some problems relating to this issue.

- over a dozen times I have sold BlackJacks to customers who called into customer service a month later with a billing issue and the call center rep lowered their PDA Connect to Media Max 200. These customers then come back into the store and get pissed at me for trying to rip them off on a higher feature. Then I try to explain to the customer that the call center rep was wrong but at that point I am already the asshole so nothing I say redeems me and cingular as a whole look stupi...
(continues)

6037 - I agree with you 100%! As a consumer it is more than a little confusing as to which device gets which unltd data plan. Customer care doesn't seem to have a clue & most of the sales reps are just as confused.
As I have said in a different thread, Cingular needs to put some controls in place so this confusion doesn't continue. ie: you should not be able to add a media max 200 plan onto an account that has a pda . . . The system should not allow you to do that. I know other major carriers (nameless) that do this and it works quite well to stop the confusion & overbilling for a wrong data plan.

I agree that if there was a control it would be easier for the consumer. I can also promise that they'd break the whole system if they tried to impliment that because whenever they add ANYTHING, they break something else.

If the reps were doing their job we wouldn't need a redundant system check.

There are certainly more complicated things that are programatically managed.. It might take a lil effort but I am sure they could have it work fairly easily....Why would you want to leave that much room for human error?

OK, but why? Because it has a QWERTY keyboard? That was not the original qualification for Smartphone Connect plan. The original qualification was Smartphone Edition software. Which phones had it, 3125, 2125, SMT-5600, all non-QWERTY. Someone in marketing said "Oh, QWERTY is simple for people to understand" but it was only to differentiate.

Now the Blackjack has it but ALSO has QWERTY, kinda screwed up that easy to use solution. It still doesn't do more than a 2125 or 3125, just has QWERTY (and CV I know but that doesn't require PDA connect either, see LG CU500). I already brought this to their attention and we can sell it that way without issue. A Smartphone is a smartphone, regardless of the keyboard layout.

cingularfreak12 said:
and I never will.

That is a false statement. While you are welcome to take the risk Media plans use a different server than PDA connect plan and Smartphone connect plans. If you are using an unusually high amount of data on the wrong plan your account could be flagged and examined. I have personally seen the bills.

You are welcome to take the risk, but never say never.

When I was given the plan I specifically asked if I could possibly be charged overage, and they said absolutely not.

I DARE Cingular to try to charge me overage after that conversation.

Do you have it recorded?

I do not recall if you are an employee or not.

The rate plan brochures and descriptions of that plan do not allow for usage with a Blackjack. I am not going to get into what someone may or may not have told you. I am just telling you now what is correct.

I did it over the phone with premier, so there should be a record of everything.

Right or wrong they agreed to a contract just like I did by signing me to that plan with the information they gave me.

I've asked our legal department what they think and they agree.

The Blackjack is for use with an unlimited data plan, Media Max is unlimited data. It does not need to be a smartphone or a PDA. This coming from a rep and you can call customer care to confirm.

You need to check with your R.A.E.

You are incorrect.

Data plans have intended use TOS.

MediaMax plans are intended to be used with basic web browsers on basic handsets. Using those plans other than intended violated the TOS the customers agrees to when they sign up.

Smartphone Connect plans are designed to be used with phones running windows mobile smartphone edition.

PDA Connect plans are designed to be used with phones running Palm OS, Symbian and Windows Mobile Pocket PC edition.

Blackberry plans are designed to be used with phones running Blackberry software.

Laptop Connect plans are designed for people using laptop cards with their PC or MAC.

We have mac compatible laptop cards? 🤣

Yes, I actually got the script from Will.

The Sierra 775 is/was and I believe the new Sierra's could be as well. It is actually a script from Sierra. I have only sold one but he is happy as a clam.

I think I remember Sierra offering compatible software, it's the hardware that's the issue now.

Dang Express Cards.

The hardware works just fine. You just have to have the software scripts which is what Will passed onto me.

PM me and I will forward you the email.

And that rep is the reason Cingular customer service gets a bad name, because he is 100% wrong. 👿 👿 👿 👿

your a moron ...... that is how CINGULAR taught us ..... and if u didn't know different u would listen too

tex makes a vaild point but according to OUR policy
u WILL Leave with a PDA CONNECT Package
and thats the Bottom line case THE NEW AT&T SAID SO ..........

Our legal department?

So are you or are you not a Cingular employee?

I usually agree with you and enjoy your knowledge and sarcasm. However, it is time to own up to the mistake on this one.

regardless of what software the device runs or what you or the manufacture classify it as, the bottom line is, it requires a PDA plan.

'Smartphone connect: Not available on PDA/Pocket PC's/RIM devices and Loptop Connect cards. May only be used with Cingular certified Smartphones (Motorola MPX220, Cingular 2125/3125) OR OTHER SMARTPHONES THAT CINGULAR MAY CERTIFY FOR WITH THESE PLANS. -according to data brochure BUS BR T 1106 1918

The fact is cingular has classified the device as a PDA and not smartphone. That classification is available on CSP as stated in a previous post.

And as previously stated by someone (not sure who, sorry 🙂 ) if you purchase the blackjack online, cingular.com gives you the pda connect plan as a data option, not the smartphone connect plan.

That was written before the Blackjack was released.

Everyone can do as they choose here. The Blackjack is an enigma. It fits the description of a smartphone connect type device but they want it to be higher revenue. In my opinion this is a case where Cingular slipped up and may need to redefine their feature offerings. I won the argument with my RAE in the real world but we still offer both plans, and offer PDA connect first (and mention the speed issues). Most people choose the PDA connect, mainly because we mention that it is what is required for the rebate. But I would be remiss if I did not offer the alternate option. By definition (btw which Cingular wrote themselves) Smartphone Connect is for phones running Windows Mobile Sma...
(continues)

Tex.... I don't know if you have access to CSP, but it clearly states that the only devices we have that use the smartphone connect are the 3125 and the mpx 220.... and that was updated on 1/8/07, well after the blackjack came out. You're right, it will work with the smartphone connect, it will even work with a media works bundle package, but that doesnt mean Cingular wants you to see it with such. Just b/c it doesnt fit the classic criteria of a PDA doesnt mean we should put it on whatever plan makes more sense.... Cingular's corporate policy has been and continues to be that the blackjack goes on PDA connect plan. You stated that "everyone can do as they please here..." do you honestly, as a person who has worked with Cingular, think they ...
(continues)

Everyone can do as they please here. There is nothing to stop a consumer from using media works with a pda. If Cingular doesn't want it that way then there should be some type of control in place to prevent that.

As a consumer, I can tell you that Cingular & most Cingular Reps are confused as to what data plan a customer should/can be on with their particular device. If Cingular is so concerned about the correct data plans they should give more training as to which plan each device should be on.

Rebates should not be viewed as 'the way to go' with a data plan. If Media Works works fine there is no reason why a PDA should not be using that data plan (many people do).

OK, look. As I have said countless time, I argued this point to my RAE and won the argument. The Blackjack fits the definition of the plan description for Smartphone connect, period. As I have also stated they need to update their definitions of their plans if that is the way they want it.

You folks can do as you choose. I have Cingular's written plan description that states the software of the handset allowed. I have my RAE who agrees to that point. I am not worried about any bill issues. I appreciate everyone's concerns but Cingular is ambiguous at best on this issue and I will offer consumers both options. As I said, most choose PDA connect anyways, but it should be their choice.

Tex.... I've seen at least a dozen acct's whose internet service was disabled by revenue assurance b/c they were using the smartphone connect on a Blackjack, so no... they cannot use it as they wish. Are there people who don't get caught, yes. Probably more that don't get caught than do, but as a person with intricate knowledge of sales, i would imagine you wouldnt want customers coming back saying you told them they could do one thing and now Customer service is telling them another. There is nothing ambiguous about this. CSP (Cingular's internal policy system) states the blackjack needs the PDA connect. Cingulars website says the same thing. What is ambiguous about that? The fact that you can get around it and use different packages d...
(continues)

Sorry, then those people are not reading their TOS very well. This is not a matter of getting around anything.

Cingular's website only sells two year agreements, does that mean you can only buy a 2 year agreement?

You do what you gotta do my friend. Good luck to you.

"You do what you gotta do my friend" Thats a great attitude... and people wonder why Cingular has more BBB complaints per million than anyone else.

I think they get them due to CS reps "doing what they gotta do" following scripts and not fixing issues because..well, they don't pay them to think or sometimes even be polite so consumers are forced to file these complaints..

I agree.... its the whole mindset... CS reps feel like they get screwed b/c sales/agents "do what they gotta do" to sign up customers and they are stuck with them calling in upset. Sales/agents feel like they get screwed b/c CS "does what they gotta do" and read their script and refuse to think outside the box. CS must change their mindset if they wish to improve, it must be them "pro-actively" solving issues instead of "reacting" to issues when they arise.

Look dude, I have gone through the proper channels in my market and made the argument about this phone. I have it in writing for MY market and MY stores. If they ever change the description, or better yet, the name of smartphone connect then I will re-address the issue in my market.

I, son, don't get complaints because I handle my stuff. I was trying to be courteous and you folks just can't leave it alone.

And it is a hell of a lot better attitude than me telling you to go stuff yourself. Pull out the rag and stop acting like a child. Agree to disagree.

Acting like a child.... hmmmm... like refusing to admit you're wrong, or instead of refuting someones valid points, just continuing to say " I went through my RAE ", and finally resorting to personal attacks when you can no longer take the fact you're wrong.... who sounds childish? Tx i usually agree with you 100% on your information as you sound like a very intelligent guy who is up to date on Cingulars products/offerings, but this time you are wrong, yet you refuse to admit it. That in my eyes is childish. "Pull the rag out and stop acting like a child...." So basically, if I disagree with you I'm wrong and I'm a child... that in itself sounds pretty childish to me. And just FYI, there have been 21 OOP/BBB complaints in "Your" market conc...
(continues)

Have a nice day.

and with that said ill stop posting here since im sure it only should take about 29 posts about the $39.99 data plan is the correct one and NOT the lower data plans

Yeah, I didn't mention which plan on purpose... but the Media Max plans will definitely not work.

well i was asking how long do i need to keep that 39.99 plan for to get my rebate...

Until you get your rebate in the mail, which is 10-12 weeks.

If you're talking about the BJ and not the BB you'll still get the rebate if you sign up on the Messaging Extreme package.

The BJ is either $39.99 data or $19.99 MX. Both also require a $39.99 voice plan or higher.

check the website for it
www.cingular.com/rebate
and once it hits step 3 ..... your golden and can take it off and still get the rebate
anything be4 will not qualify u

hope that helps

Is Step 3 when they've physically put it in the mail to you? 🤣

Last thing... and thanks for the help guys, it says the rebate is only until the 20th. On the 20th will there be different one,the same one, or how does that work.

Maybe the same one, may change. We don't know yet. That's just the end of this promotional period. We'll have new rebate forms on the 21st. I'd get it before, because you can always return it if the price goes down.

Yea but if I have to get a TM X plan and voice connect plan thats $60 a month which is $120 for the two months I need to keep it, which is more than the rebate itself.

and what is a voice plan, i assume it is just how many minutes and that stuff you have. If I am already on the family plan then am I set for that?

Yeah, your familyplan is the voice plan.

They have that $39.99 voice plan thing on there because the people who are still on the $14.99 plans from five years ago aren't elligible for the rebates.

oh, thanks so much for the help everyone... i really appreciate it all.

ok first step 3 is when they are finished reviewing it
4 is when they process
5 is when its mailed

so usually about 30 - 40 days cause remember u can cancel service within 30 days and they wanna make sure u stay a customer be4 they send u money


and if the rebate ends the 20th then u MUST send be4 then otherwise u forfeit the ability to receive it

cause your reciept is printed for a certain date