Ken,
You might prefer to switch away from receiving digest emails. There
aren't too many emails on this list, so getting them one by one is
manageable. A benefit is that you can reply to individual emails more
precisely.

To modify your options enter your email address in the field at the
bottom of this page,
http://mailman.mn-linux.org/mailman/listinfo/tclug-list

You'll need to provide your password, or use the password reminder
thing, and walk through that whole jazz.

Good luck,

-Erik

On Sat, Jan 19, 2013 at 9:26 PM, Kenneth Lynes <kenlynes at usa.net> wrote:
>
> I have been unsuccessful in trying to state something here. I wonder what I
> am doing wrong. Being a bit inept at this sort of thing I assume that when
> it says in my subject line that I am replying to tclug-list Digest, Vol 97,
> Issue 35 that it is enough.
> I want to respond to Chuck's statements and will do so now
>
> Well, Chuck I agree with you. I think we in the USA have been getting
> screwed over by the various cell phone providers for years. I went to
> Germany in 2005 and had an eye-opening experience. My friend there told me
> that ALL incoming calls on a cell phone are paid for by the caller with no
> exceptions. It costs a lot to make those calls and consequently they get
> virtually NO spam calls or calls from charities or people trying to sell
> them windows for their houses. I thought that it was a great concept for the
> caller to pay for the call and too bad we dont do that as well.
> My experience with cell phones over-seas was that I knew my own phone from
> the USA would not work there at all and I was a bit confused by trying to
> use the phone system there as I was really unfamiliar with the system.
> Perhaps next time I am there, but I still wont bring my own phone. We are
> totally incompatible with their systems I think.
> You talk about the GSM phones and I think you are correct that most of the
> rest of the world uses that system. Why dont we also? So that our phone
> carriers can have their way with us and bend us over as much as they want.
> Competition is a myth really. I come from a time (1950's) when all local
> calls were free within my area code and I didnt even know anyone outside of
> it. We never had to figure out what a area code was unless we wanted to call
> out of state to some relative or were in the military and making a call home
> and then had to find out what our local area code was while sitting at a pay
> phone in NYC. LOL
>
> I also wanted to comment once about USI Wireless. I have used them as a way
> cheaper and better alternative to cable in Mpls and Quest or whatever they
> call themselves now. I am 73 and dropped my land line over 5 years ago. I
> had DSL which was not too bad when I first had it with USFamily Net but got
> worse when I moved over to Qwest at the same address and the same physical
> line used. I went to USI because it was cheaper and no contract required. If
> I would only save up a bit I could save by paying by the year and get my
> service for about $18.95/mo instead of $24.95. I will try to do it this
> year.
> I have had few issues since they installed an outside antenna for me as I am
> blessed with trees and high houses on all sides of me. It is rarely down now
> since they upgraded things about 10 months ago.
> It can be an issue if you have a lot of trees or obstacles, so keep that in
> mind if you are considering it.
>
> Ken
>
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> Received: Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:00:21 PM CST
> From: tclug-list-request at mn-linux.org
> To: tclug-list at mn-linux.org
> Subject: tclug-list Digest, Vol 97, Issue 35
>
>
> Send tclug-list mailing list submissions to
> tclug-list at mn-linux.org
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://mailman.mn-linux.org/mailman/listinfo/tclug-list
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> tclug-list-request at mn-linux.org
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> tclug-list-owner at mn-linux.org
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of tclug-list digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: ISP shopping- USI Wireless, CenturyLink? (Munir Nassar)
> 2. Re: Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone (Yaron)
> 3. Re: ISP shopping- USI Wireless, CenturyLink? (Munir Nassar)
> 4. Re: Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone (Chuck Cole)
> 5. Re: Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone (Yaron)
> 6. Re: Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone (Chuck Cole)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:02:50 -0600
> From: Munir Nassar <tclug at beitsahour.net>
> To: TCLUG Mailing List <tclug-list at mn-linux.org>
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] ISP shopping- USI Wireless, CenturyLink?
> Message-ID:
> <CAMg8xas3=1dz4qYDT9t5MexWFiU_cKOE8zBz8n_uabPeKp38yQ at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> On Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 1:39 PM, Andrew Dahl <droidjd at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> I recall my sister and her husband trying CenturyLink and it being
>> unbearable, although we live in Woodbury where the highest rate you
>> can get is 1.5Meg. Maybe their 7Meg offering would be better, if it's
>> available for you.
>>
>> Comcast recently hit me with that same increase (same promotion that
>> ended even) -- If you do end up being able to successfully haggle with
>> Comcast, you should let me know! :-) I attempted it the other day
>> with no success, unfortunately.
>
> that sounds legally questionable to me, even if such a fee was
> disclosed but IANAL. Call and give them the choice of downgrading the
> service or canceling the service altogether, of course that means that
> you have to actually cancel when it comes to it, but i have a feeling
> you will get a call from the service retention department very soon
> afterwards.
>
> Back in the Qworst days the trick to making them not suck was invoking
> the PUC, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, which does monitor
> and apparently fine the utilities for infractions. You can also call
> the State Attorney Generals' office to make a complaint. Mentioning
> either of these options should make them more cooperative.
>
> That said, i have been with USWest/Qwest/CenturyLink for close to ten
> years now, some ups and some downs... mostly depending on service
> area. i have the 7Meg service with Real-Time as my ISP and i have not
> had problems since moving to this house. unfortunately i cannot get
> the faster ADSL+ service without ditching Real-Time.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:10:05 -0600 (CST)
> From: Yaron <tclug at freakzilla.com>
> To: TCLUG <tclug-list at mn-linux.org>
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone
> Message-ID: <alpine.DEB.2.02.1301182103560.31413 at dragon>
> Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
> On Fri, 18 Jan 2013, Chuck Cole wrote:
>
>> No, it's the spec that must be compatible, not just the brand. There are
>> other brands of CDMA spec phones.
>
> Phones belonging to one network in the US are not, are 100% NOT compatible
> with other providers. You CANNOT switch a phone from Sprint to Verizon for
> love nor money. Now perhaps there are phones that work on multiple
> systems, but this is not the norm.
>
> However, if I unlock a GSM phone, I can switch it between AT&T and
> T-Mobile quite easily, and unlocked GSM phones are readily available,
> because...
>
>> The fact that 5 of 7 providers don't use GSM is a significant comparison,
>> IMHO.
>
> But go look at the rest of the world. Virtually everyone uses GSM. The US
> and Japan are rare exceptions.
>
> This is why unlocked GSM phones are standard and readily available. I can
> take my phone and use it in practically any other county using a local SIM
> card. This is how cellphones work just about everywhere in the world - you
> buy a phone and you can take it with you between providers because they
> all use the same (global) standard. In the US, carriers tend to subsidise
> the phones, and therefor lock them to their own serivce. Even if the
> systems are compatible it's a pain to transfer over. Though GSM makes this
> significantly easier.
>
>
>
> --
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:15:44 -0600
> From: Munir Nassar <tclug at beitsahour.net>
> To: TCLUG Mailing List <tclug-list at mn-linux.org>
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] ISP shopping- USI Wireless, CenturyLink?
> Message-ID:
> <CAMg8xat7NbOBsqA=Tu8Zz-kHjQBnK6=mWs6sj1zABO_OCyB8Qg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> On Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 4:01 PM, Thomas Lunde <tlunde at gmail.com> wrote:
>> I have CenturyLink & probably live near you, since I have all the tiers &
>> am in south Minneapolis & on the same side of 35W.
>>
>> The CO is at 24th Ave & 33rd st. I'm about 3 blocks from there & am very
>> happy with the speed.
>>
>> I do have to power cycle their modem (it was offered to buy or rent, so I
>> bought it) every few weeks. If I don't, the connection will degrade or drop.
>> I've been temped to use a UPS & cron to automate it but haven't bothered.
>> Otis reliable & fast.
>
> The problem is likely with the modem, not with the service. Offloading
> PPPoE to your firewall should perform much better.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:59:50 -0600
> From: "Chuck Cole" <cncole at earthlink.net>
> To: "'TCLUG Mailing List'" <tclug-list at mn-linux.org>
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone
> Message-ID: <7E930D947FFA4470BC20B95C712A54A8 at d830a>
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org
>> [mailto:tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org] On Behalf Of Yaron
>> Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 9:10 PM
>> To: TCLUG
>> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone
>>
>> On Fri, 18 Jan 2013, Chuck Cole wrote:
>>
>> However, if I unlock a GSM phone, I can switch it between
>> AT&T and T-Mobile quite easily, and unlocked GSM phones are
>> readily available, because...
>>
>> > The fact that 5 of 7 providers don't use GSM is a significant
>> > comparison, IMHO.
>>
>> But go look at the rest of the world. Virtually everyone uses
>> GSM. The US and Japan are rare exceptions.
>
> I live in the USA. Have little need to look at the rest of the world,
> especially now. I can get good used CDMA phones easily. Had only terribly
> bad experiences from carriers using GSM, so try to avoid them, and don't
> need the minority GSM from a really bad provider. My VOIP provider software
> works from a computer anywhere in the world when I have an internet
> connection, and is the same as my home phone. My CDMA works in many places
> and via WiFi in others. Don't need GSM headaches again.
>
> Your liking the "minority spec" doesn't make it a great choice for everybody
> else.
>
>
> Chuck
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:16:44 -0600 (CST)
> From: Yaron <tclug at freakzilla.com>
> To: TCLUG <tclug-list at mn-linux.org>
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone
> Message-ID: <alpine.DEB.2.02.1301182212110.31413 at dragon>
> Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
> On Fri, 18 Jan 2013, Chuck Cole wrote:
>
>> I live in the USA. Have little need to look at the rest of the world,
> ...
>> Your liking the "minority spec" doesn't make it a great choice for
>> everybody
>> else.
>
> Wow. Again, CDMA is by FAR the "minority" spec, worldwide. Most US
> carriers never bothered upgrading their infrastructure, although they ARE
> working on it. And when they switch, you'll be the one who has to change
> phones.
>
> Either way, though, most cell carriers in the US treat people fairly
> horribly. The aforementioned phone-locking, for one. Charging for
> incomming SMS/MMS and phonecalls is also something that doesn't happen
> other places.
>
> I'm glad you're happy with your phone and service, and I'm not at all
> trying to get you to switch or anything. Nowhere in the conversation was
> anything like that mentioned. But when you say GSM is the minority and
> that you can switch CDMA phones between providers, sorry but that's just
> not true.
>
>
> --
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2013 23:02:42 -0600
> From: "Chuck Cole" <cncole at earthlink.net>
> To: "'TCLUG Mailing List'" <tclug-list at mn-linux.org>
> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone
> Message-ID: <5D7F99E081B344CE8697A2A8244325F3 at d830a>
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org
>> [mailto:tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org] On Behalf Of Yaron
>> Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 10:17 PM
>> To: TCLUG
>> Subject: Re: [tclug-list] Subject: Re: Ubuntu Phone
>>
>> On Fri, 18 Jan 2013, Chuck Cole wrote:
>>
>> > I live in the USA. Have little need to look at the rest of
>> the world,
>> ...
>> > Your liking the "minority spec" doesn't make it a great choice for
>> > everybody else.
>>
>> Wow. Again, CDMA is by FAR the "minority" spec, worldwide.
>> Most US carriers never bothered upgrading their
>> infrastructure, although they ARE working on it. And when
>> they switch, you'll be the one who has to change phones.
>>
>> Either way, though, most cell carriers in the US treat people
>> fairly horribly. The aforementioned phone-locking, for one.
>> Charging for incomming SMS/MMS and phonecalls is also
>> something that doesn't happen other places.
>>
>> I'm glad you're happy with your phone and service, and I'm
>> not at all trying to get you to switch or anything. Nowhere
>> in the conversation was anything like that mentioned. But
>> when you say GSM is the minority and that you can switch CDMA
>> phones between providers, sorry but that's just not true.
>
> The fact that 5 of 7 US providers use CDMA is indeed true, and THAT defines
> a kind of majority, as I stated before... As I also stated, worldwide
> doesn't matter much for citizens and services here. That's all I stated
> about majority.
>
> Nuf sed. Enjoy your whatever.
>
>
> Chuck
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> TCLUG Mailing List - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
> tclug-list at mn-linux.org
> http://mailman.mn-linux.org/mailman/listinfo/tclug-list
>
> End of tclug-list Digest, Vol 97, Issue 35
> ******************************************
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TCLUG Mailing List - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
> tclug-list at mn-linux.org
> http://mailman.mn-linux.org/mailman/listinfo/tclug-list
>



-- 
Erik K. Mitchell
erik.mitchell at gmail.com