Words of advice for cell phone users

Been back and forth to Canada several times with my Verizon phone. Every time I get close, I get a text message something along the lines of; Welcome to Verizon Canada, Please dial... Basically a message telling me to dial a code number to enable international service on my phone... it has never switched automatically. I've never had to turn the phone off or had any unsuspected charges show up on the bill.

I couldn't watch the video, I truly enjoy many of Eric's videos, but not the ones where he goes on and on about some little thing, trying to make it seem extra dramatic.

Interestingly, on my Canadian visits, my AT&T GoPhone received no message from Bell Canada, (or whatever AT&T calls itself up North). It also continued to work normally, without any extra charges against my balance. It only has text and voice features, no data.

I didn't watch the video, but in Washington State, there are places where the closest tower is in British Columbia, and we get tagged for roaming charges. I use a cell phone for work, and while I was on Whidbey Island it connected to a Canadian tower and I had to explain to our cell phone coordinator why I was calling Canada.

We had a similar problem when we crossed back into the lower 48 after our Alaska trip. We turned on our phones and by the time the phone and hot spot warned us we were roaming, we had accumulated about $50 in charges (think less than a minute). A call to Verizon and a rude Verizon customer service rep and the charges were reversed. The service rep was really rude and spouse had to ask for his supervisor before the matter was settled. We were staying at a campground on the US side pretty close to the border and found we had to be at least 10 miles away not to incur roaming charges.

Yes, we had that happen just using our plain old "dumb" cell phone several years ago while camped in Michigan's U.P. Our call was routed through a Canadian cell tower across the lake. Verizon service as well. Fortunately we seldom use our cell phone and short on conversation when we do.

:h
Do you think that RoyB meant Alaska?

That and for the guy in the Video, it is a big issue near the Straight of Juan de Fuca and Victoria BC.

Verizon should refund his $150. He just needs to take it up the line in CS department. I have ran into the same issue in the San Juan Islands and they removed the charge.

Chris

I live within 5 miles of the border and have never had a problem; and have never ever heard of anyone else having a problem. Semms to me like some key piece of information is missing here.

Good point he made about change in the Jet pack. Sounds like he is out the $150. Every time I have had a problem with ATT they always backed out the fee. I posted before I have both Verizon and ATT. Verizon has better phone service in some areas BUT ATT has MUCH better customer relations dealing with problems.

I have traveled many areas of Arkansas on business for years with an AT&T phone and never incurred any other charges.

We learned a long time ago to shut down cell phones when close to both borders of the US and Arkansas... Years back Arkansas used to be filled up with local MOM and POP providers (No major carriers) and when you needed to make a call you would get asked for a credit card number before the call would go through - This is on a cell phone mind you with Nationwide minutes plan... Then later on you may find strange charges here and there on your card... I think some of them are still around... Walnut Hill comes to mind...

Roy Ken