Phone switch from Flip to Smart

On February 23rd I decided to change from a flip phone to a smartphone. I went to the website for my provider (let’s call them “U” for unstated), logged in, and selected a phone for my prepaid account. I purchased it in the usual way one selects payment and such. Instead of a “Thank you” I got an error message telling me to call a number. The number got me to an automated helper that could not understand my problem in the several attempts I made to explain it.

After a good night’s sleep I began a chat with “U.” I was passed on to various folks for 2 hours ending with instructions to call the same number I had called the night before. I had a sinking feeling, and then an idea came. When the helper asked the first question, the answer was “yes”, but I said “no.” I did likewise on the next question. And that got me on the line with a live person. That person connected me to the angel I’d been looking for. She ran me through the process of ordering a better phone that was cheaper. Unfortunately the process failed both times.

But this goddess put me on hold assuring me that if the call got dropped she would call me back. She found a “U” store in my area that had the phone that I could buy there. She also recommended that I go instead to the much closer “W” store where all manner of things are sold including phones for the “U” prepaid service. She said if I’d let her know when I’d be at the “W” store, she would call me there on my cell phone to help me through the process of getting it. I didn’t accept that, but marveled at the offer. She explained briefly how to simply change the SIM card over to the new phone.

That may all sound so simple to most folks, but this is my second cell phone and first smartphone. I’m a newbie. Anyway, I got the phone from “W” and got the SIM card changed over and it worked!

Then came the next 7 days where I felt like I was swatting flies turning off notifications from apps which I then deleted. Making a call was much harder with this phone until I learned the new way of things. I love the ease of answering texts with a little keyboard. My battery is at 45% which is better than my flip phone was doing. So I’m happy I made the change. And so far no addictive behavior on my part. And now if the internet goes down again I’ll be able do email or check the internet provider online with my phone.