How frustrating. I have an ATT prepaid flip phone. I pay $100/year and as long as I renew every year, the leftover minutes roll into the next year. You can pay in smaller increments, too.

Straight Talk is a good prepaid service.

Thank you both. I shall look into both programs. The program you have with AT&T, Fun, is the same type of program I had with Tracfone. I use a cell phone so little that when I retired my previous flip phone, I had 4,200 unused minutes still available. Of course...they wanted nothing to do with rolling those over with my G-3 flip phone. Sigh. Live and learn!

I bought a cheap Tracfone about 6 months ago, to have as a second mobile phone for a specific need I have (I'm a longtime very satisfied Verizon customer for my primary mobile phone and a family plan).

My Tracfone phone has worked fine for its intended purpose and I haven't had any problem dealing with the company to date but it's only been for a short time. I'll look forward to hearing any further comments about Tracfone.

I tend to discount online non-professional "reviews" because too often it's people who have had a bad experience who think that posting a negative comment provides some degree of revenge. Happy customers rarely bother. If the percentage rate of having disgruntled comments is similar from company to company, then more complaints will be found about larger companies than about smaller companies and yet the underlying service success rate may be the same.

I have had my tracfone for 5 years and have never had a problem with them. One time my minutes. Data and texts had disappeared and after calling them They were promptly restored.

That's nice to know, mary. I wish I could say I've had as much luck. Although, for the previous eleven years I never had a Tracfone problem either. That's what makes this current situation so frustrating. It seems to be a current problem and one that's arisen since Tracfone changed ownership. If my stepson can reverse all the annoyances when he undertakes to solve the situation...I'll be sure to post success...if it's there.

How can they sell you a New phone that is currently registered in another person's name? Did you know that is what you were paying for? I would report it to bbb. That is ridiculous.

If I knew the answers to your questions, Raven...I wouldn't feel so frustrated. I don't know. I have a feeling that the problem occurred when the service rep screwed up the activation process but I'm not sure of that either. I bought the phone new from Staples so I don't think it has anything to do with the physical phone itself. I think it's all tied into the Tracfone service people. I've tried numerous times...both over my landline phone and active chat on line...to seek help and correction of the problem Every time...without fail...I'm stonewalled and told the problem isn't "fixable". The complaints voiced on that website I linked are almost verbatim to what I've been experiencing. It was only after I managed to finally activate the phone myself [by calling into the activation telephone #] that I discovered the name/listing issue and no matter what I try...I can't change it.

My stepson lives way at the end of Long Island and will be making the trip up here Saturday for the sole purpose of going to war with Tracfone to get this issue fixed. As he says.."Hang
in there kiddo Calvary is on the way".

If he's successful in getting it fixed...I'll keep the phone for the duration of my contracted time but once that's up...that'll be the end of Tracfone as far as I'm concerned. I've never been so shabbily treated not to mention that the problem hasn't [so far] been corrected. BBB here I come. I, also, intend to inform Staples. It's not their problem and I have no beef with them but I think they should be informed about Tracfone's current service issues.

According to the website, Straight Talk is owned by Tracfone.

What does reporting an incident to the Better Business Bureau accomplish, especially for a large company? I'm not sure many people consult with this organization or rely on its "information" these days.

Very helpful post, Lindsey!

Wow! Thank you, Lindsey. Let me see if I can better clarify the problem. First..as I attempted to say in my initial posting...I am not...in any shape, size or form, a cell phone aficionado. Not even close! I enter a contact list of emergency #s and only use the phone calling feature if necessary. I don't use any smart phone features...don't game and don't socially converse...but elected to buy the ZTE Valet android [once I was told me G-3 phone wasn't acceptable] because the screen and fonts are larger than my older flip phone. Both of which make it much easier for me [with AMD] to read and use.

YES...it appears I was assigned John's old number. That's an excellent description of what I was trying to describe. You've nailed the major problem. Thank you!

I have all the telephone #s for Tracfone and over the last week or two have spent more time than I would like trying to resolve this issue with them. Unfortunately, to date, I have yet to speak to anyone who doesn't have a heavy foreign accent and I received very unprofessional attitudes from most of the people with whom I tried to speak. They either deny the problem, deny any resolution exists or just plain refuse to discuss it. In utter frustration, I finally gave up direct contact and resorted to internet chat through their website thinking I'd have no problem understanding the printed word. Foolish me! Yes! I had no trouble reading the replies I received...but they weren't any different...or any more helpful/informative...than my landline telephone conversations had been.

Thanks to your kind interest I now have a better description of the problem and I plan to pass it on to my stepson. I've run out of patience but perhaps he will pursue it to a satisfactory conclusion. If not...or if he meets with the same brick wall I've met with...scrapping the entire project and starting anew with another prepaid service [and phone] may be well worth the additional cost. Actually, if I didn't need the mode of communication...I'd scrap the entire project at this point. Sigh.

The saddest part of this entire situation...to date...is that it has, currently, discouraged all my interest in the use of wi-fi...and has dampened my curiosity regarding the other features of the phone. At my tender age of 77...maybe smoke signals aren't such a bad idea after all.

Thank you, also, for your good luck wishes.

I used the ID website you linked, Lindsey and someone else must be having...or had...the same problem I'm having. Before I could enter my cell phone # in the search box, the exact number I'm having all the problems with appeared in their search box without any input or assistance from me. I've never used this phone or the number on the internet so no one was reading over my shoulder. It appears this # has a life all its own.

In any case...the number is/was a Verizon mobile phone #.

We're one step closer to solving this issue thanks to you, Lindsey.

ETA: By the way, I have no Verizon services in my home. My landline is bundled with my broadband ISP [Optimum] and doesn't...to my knowledge...involve Verizon at any level.

Let them assign another phone number to you if they 'can't fix it.'

I was thinking the same Blubird...wouldn't a new # solve it?

Blubird [love that name]...just about the time I was done suggesting that solution...they hung up. When I suggested it via internet chat...they ignored the idea altogether. Maybe my stepson [and now my step grandson has joined the party] will have better luck. They make a lot more insistent noise than I do. :-) I don't want you to think that thought didn't dawn on me, too. But I appreciate your suggesting it. The deeper I get into this problem the more convinced I am that there's more going on here than I'll ever know.

First off, I've been using Tracfone for years. Works perfect for me, for my sister and my gf. We're not people who live on the phone. I bought phones for $19 ea with 800 minutes and a year of service. The one issue I had recently was my phone died. Totally. So I bought a new phone and transferred the service, minutes and days to the new phone. Did it online. I stay with Tracfone simply because there's no way I can find cell service for 3 lines/people for $5/mo total.

If you're having trouble, and I've had issues with them in the past but not too major, contact Executive Resolutions number. My understanding is they're located in Florida and people speak English as a first language.

I use Black Wireless' lowest-cost prepaid plan, paying $10 every 90 days. Phone use (on my Microsoft Lumia smart phone) costs 5¢ per minute, and texts are 5¢ each. This plan is great for someone like me who rarely uses her phone and hardly ever even thinks about it, but Black Wireless has a variety of different plans to suit different people.

https://blackwireless.com/

EGAD! English as a first language?!?! That's, indeed, encouraging.

Now let me reiterate. No one was more shocked than I when this entire event evolved. I had been a loyal Tracfone customer/user for 11+ years and was attempting to continue that loyalty. I bought newer phones over time as needed and renewed my yearly subscription without fail. Now that I've been faced with this dilemma...it remains to be seen whether I shall continue with them. My current attitude will depend on how willing they are to retrace their previous steps, correct the problem and give me a new phone #. Amongst their many transgressions, they lied...big time...to me. I don't respond lightly to that. Thanks to Lindsey's wonderfully informative post, I know what they've done...and I'm less inclined to put my rose colored glasses back on. But...we'll see.

To be continued..............

Anne_CT --

OK, it's good that you've identified Verizon. Your first step should be to contact them to see if they are willing to quickly resolve this by removing "John's" name from what is now your phone number. I tried to find a good number for you to call, but their corporate website is remarkably unhelpful (it is perhaps the single most frustrating website I've ever dealt with). So, your best bet would be to go into a Verizon store and deal with the manager on duty. Be aware, however, that just because a wireless storefront has the name Verizon on it doesn't mean that is truly Verizon. It could be an authorized reseller. You want to make sure you go into a corporate store.

Also, you could just go to the Verizon page on Facebook post a question asking where a corporate store is in your area (by your username I presume you're in Connecticut, but I have no idea where in CT, so I can't locate a corporate store for you). They may respond to you with something like, "I'd be happy to assist you. What is the issue?" You could say, "I recently received a new wireless phone number which apparently had previously been assigned to another user. The number must have originally been assigned to a landline, and when it was ported to a different carrier as a wireless number, the previous owner's name was never removed from the Caller ID on the line. However, whether or not the number was originally a landline is not the issue. The issue is that whenever I make a call with the phone, the prior owner's name shows up on the call recipient's phone. This, of course, can cause potentially life-threatening delay problems if I ever have to call 911 and the responders think they need to go to a different location associated with the prior owner. The number was assigned to me by a wireless carrier other than Verizon, but they say they cannot resolve the issue. It is my understanding that the number actually still belongs to Verizon and is leased to my wireless carrier. Can you please resolve this for me by getting the prior owner's name removed from the number?"

They may tell you that, gee, sorry, the number isn't owned by Verizon; but if they do, ask them for the name of the carrier that does own the number. Don't let them get away with telling you that they have no way of knowing that information because that is a flat-out lie. All phone line carriers can look up any number anywhere in the United States and find out which carrier owns it. They can also give you a valid phone number for a contact person at the carrier company.

Just do not let anyone intimidate you.

You will get a resolution to this issue!!

I've been using Virgin Mobile and a $20 flip phone for about 10 years or so. It's a $20 minimum per 3-month plan (new subscribers now pay a bit more), all that I really want though more minutes can be added for $0.10 each and texts for $0.15. It uses the Sprint network. Service has always been adequate for my needs, though I prefer my land line when at home.

There just aren't words enough to tell you how appreciative I am for your time and your help, Lindsey. You're amazing! And I am extremely grateful for your interest and kindness.

Now...the first thing I did once I'd digested your current advice is do a Verizon store location check. I'm, almost, literally surrounded by them. :-) Luckily...they appear to be so popular in the area that they have a Wireless/Wireless Zone store within 10 miles of me with a myriad of contact options.

I gave some thought to telephoning them but think I'll have much more luck visiting the store tomorrow with stepson in tow. I'm the visual epitome of the little white haired old lady...being 5' with a full head of snowy white hair. Stepson...on the other hand...is big and burly. A pussy cat by nature but coming to the defense of this little mite...he'll roar if they don't fix this problem...or assist in fixing it. Sadly...as capable as I am of roaring in my own defense...I live in an area of CT where...although some of us women do rule...it's at the behest of a very old and deeply ensconced old boy network. I've often found ways around it or ways to deal within it...but it's an emotionally draining procedure that I'm happy to turn over to my stepson...as long as he's willing.

I hope my next post is to report my success. You've given me the "tools". I hope success will follow after the use of them.

Thank you!

I'm not sure it's necessary to faff around with these peripheral issues. Wouldn't it be possible to call them, explain the issue briefly, and ask they assign the phone a new phone number? That would eliminate this problem. If your main use for incoming calls is a landline, changing this number shouldn't be an inconvenience for friends and family.

As a second issue, if the phone isn't working right or not to your satisfaction, it should have a 1 year warranty. Request a replacement if the warranty period hasn't passed.

"The corporate office is in Miami, FL" and

"My understanding is they're located in Florida and people speak English as a first language"

A quick look suggests that over 50% of the population of Miami-Dade county is foreign born. They're lovely people in that area, they're more than welcome to be in the US, but they haven't come from Devon and Cornwall. There may not be another part of the US that has a higher percentage of non-English mother tongue people.

Elmer, I am the one who wrote, "The corporate office is in Miami, FL." However, I never implied, nor did I intend for anyone to infer, that because of the location that the company employees would be mainly folks with English as a first language.

Blubird had suggested to Anne_CT, "Let them assign another phone number to you if they 'can't fix it.'" Anne then replied, "...just about the time I was done suggesting that solution...they hung up. When I suggested it via internet chat...they ignored the idea altogether."

You then wrote, "I'm not sure it's necessary to faff around with these peripheral issues. Wouldn't it be possible to call them, explain the issue briefly, and ask they assign the phone a new phone number? That would eliminate this problem." This shows that you clearly did not read what Anne had been saying or you wouldn't have suggested she try something that she had already tried without success.

I gave Anne my long-winded explanations so that she would better understand what was going on so that she would be better equipped to talk to the folks at the phone carrier companies. When you "know whereof you speak" when dealing with representatives for any company, you will get better results if you have the knowledge as to what is actually going on and what can be or needs to be done. You are a retired CPA without any real-world voice communications knowledge or experience other than as a consumer. I, on the other hand, do have real-world experience analyzing, recommending, and installing telephone systems for state and local government agencies in California.

With a possible solution to the problem apparent, I'd call again until the experts say the approach isn't feasible. Maybe getting a new SIM card would work too. Another question to ask.

As with a recent thread in which someone suggested I had limited knowledge about child development and no college level class work (both of which aren't the case), please don't assume what is or isn't in my work history. Besides managing a signficant expansion of and ongoing troubleshooting for telecommunications of all kinds for an office of hundreds of people (as a sideline, administrative responsibility), I also worked closely with many companies who produced telecommunications equipment. Understanding basics of client products was always necessary and most provided training at a basic level to help us help them.

With all due respect, lindsey, many wouldn't consider state government experience as "real world". My own experience in that regard (because my own firm was so involved across the US) is that most technical tasks, system development, trouble shooting, etc., work for state governments, including California, are done by expert outside contractors, not internal staff. Maybe your job function was different?

All of which is neither here nor there, because the question at hand is a consumer, dealing with a consumer-service provider, trying to get service at a level and of a nature that's been paid for. This isn't a technical telecommunications issue, it's a retail service problem. Unless you think that the differences between GSM and CDMA are at the root of the problem. .

No, differences between Global System for Mobile and Code Division Multiple Access is not the issue in this instance.

You wrote, "My own experience in that regard (because my own firm was so involved across the US) is that most technical tasks, system development, trouble shooting, etc., are done by expert outside contractors, not internal staff. Maybe your job function was different?"

Yeah, it was. I just pulled up an old résumé and am going to copy/paste in some paragraphs. Unlike some folks who "pad" or outright lie on their résumés, mine is 100% truthful. This covers the time period from April 1993 to February 2002. Oldest stuff is at the bottom, newest at the top. I'm not going to take the time to rearrange paragraphs now. I have, however, removed State agencies' names and replaced with [State Agency] or [Agency], etc.

Oh, I did receive two Sustained Superior Accomplishment Awards for my work.

I'm guessing you think this is all too long ago for me to have any knowledge of what goes on "in the real world" now. (You'd be wrong.)

~*~*~*~*~*

June 13, 2001 to February 28, 2002

As the project lead for voice
telecommunications for the consolidation and relocation of the [State Agency], I developed the plan for
and coordinated the installation of the service and equipment for more than
1,200 employees, with personal responsibility for configuring the more than
1,600 new telephone lines. Prepared individual line configuration worksheets
and unit cut sheets for the Pacific Bell technical group. Provided oversight
responsibility during the move-in phases, coordinating the installation of
telephone equipment and testing/verification of new service and features,
ensuring that all vendor errors were resolved to the satisfaction of the end
users. Created and updated training materials and provided one-on-one end user
instruction as necessary. Handled customer
moves, adds, and changes after move-in, including terminating wiring at the
Main Distribution Frame. Performed as an
advocate and facilitator to other agencies, statewide, as necessary during the
course of the project.

June 1, 1999 to June 12, 2001

Performed as an advocate and facilitator to agencies,
statewide, in the management of telecommunications services and issues.
Performed communications studies; assisted in the design and implementation of
telecommunications systems; interpreted telecommunications policies and
procedures to state and local government agencies; acted as agency liaison to
facilitate activities on their behalf to telephone companies, vendors (contract
and noncontract), and other [State Agency]
offices; formulated and implemented operations and training procedures of
telecommunications systems. Projects included the Intelligent Call Router for the
[State Agency], which created one
virtual call center out of six separate call centers located statewide. Participated in planning meetings and testing
of the new system, and assisted in the various “give and take” concessions
between the vendors and the agency.
Another project was the restructuring of the telecommunications system
serving the employees and residents of the [State
Agency and town]. Conducted a Needs
Assessment Study, and prepared an Analysis and Recommendation for the [Agency].
Following the adoption of my recommendation, I assisted with the
preparation of the Budget Change Proposal for project funding. I was also responsible for establishing voice
telecommunications for the Governor’s Energy Conservation Campaign offices
throughout the state; and I also established voice communications for the
Governor’s Power Authority Office.

April 19, 1993 to May 31, 1999

Independently analyzed and processed voice
telecommunications service requests. Was
responsible for maintaining more than 2,800 lines at [location], including
terminating wiring at the Main Distribution Frame, and completing cross
connects at the Intermediate Distribution Frames. Maintained and made appropriate changes to
floor blueprints and line/cabling books; made service and feature changes for
Centrex users online using a personal computer and security access to the
Pacific Bell switching database; reviewed and resolved discrepancies, problems,
and inconsistencies between database files and user telephone lines and
features. Analyzed the various wireless
technologies and made a recommendation which was adopted as the wireless
standard for the Agency. Maintained
voice mail for headquarters employees.
Provided training for employees in the use of voice mail, electronic
business sets, and Centrex features. Met
with department representatives to analyze service needs and recommend
appropriate solution; used knowledge of public utilities and system features to
accomplish user requests. Designed call
routers and automated attendants, including writing the scripts and overseeing
the recordings in English and Spanish.
Was responsible for the control, update, development, and verification
of telecommunications costs of systems, peripheral equipment, relocation costs,
and expansion costs. Performed research
to develop and recommend policies and procedures. Monitored monthly billings, coordinating with
Pacific Bell, General Telephone, CALNET, and MCI to correct errors.

Congrats for having a very successful career.

None of which, of course, has anything at all to do with an everyday customer, like you or me or anne ct, trying to get to an acceptable resolution of a cell phone service problem. And as we've all experienced, it can be a struggle to deal with ill-trained call center people who may not understand the problem nor what solutions they're allowed to offer.

(I try to avoid being sarcastic but that's what the GSM/CDMA comment was. Sorry, I'll leave that out next time)

I've had Tracfones for several years. I gave up my OLD flip phone about 18 months ago when a "smart" phone from them was only $9.99. I'm NOT glued to my phone... it's a phone first. Did have the need to text more often... NEED not want... and very tedious on old phone. Not about to spend hundreds for a fancy schmancy phone or spend a ton opf money on a "plan"... NOT in my budget to start with. Was told I could keep old number. Had a mess-o minutes just sitting on the old flip phone. Was assured the minutes would roll over. When they didn't, I went to customer service... htey were doubled! In past year and a half have maybe spent $50 for more data. Have to add some time every 3 months to keep service current. Recently added 90 days of time for about $20. It's gonna take me a LONG time to use up the minutes that were rolled over. Only negative was that I had to reenter contacts... but not like hundreds, so no big deal. I rarely do email on phone... screen too small and rarely so urgent that it can't wait till I can get on a computer.

A new twist on your carrier and that legit website just FYI. I also use tracfone which, in my geographic location uses Verizon towers and I came up as a Verizon customer. I also checked two other tracfone users and they also came up as Verizon. ( Before buying a tracfone they ask for your zip code to be sure the phone will work in your main location. Phones ending in C use Verizon, G phones use, I think, ATT or T-Mobile.

I've had some really bizarre issues with tracfone. But the price is right for all I do with it.

Snidely said, ".... None of which, of course, has anything at all to do with an everyday customer, like you or me or anne ct, trying to get to an acceptable resolution of a cell phone service problem. And as we've all experienced, it can be a struggle to deal with ill-trained call center people who may not understand the problem nor what solutions they're allowed to offer."

Once again you missed the point. I don't want Anne to have to deal with a clueless call center employee who only knows how to give the customer some BS answer/excuse, write a work order ticket, and then be on their way to taking the next call. If she calls or goes into a brick and mortar location and knows what she's talking about -- knows the likely causes for the issues she is experiencing, she will be better off. It's also more likely that the first person Anne deals with will then get a supervisor or manager (someone who does know the back end of the business operation and knows what to do to resolve the issue) to assist her.

You said that my experience with voice communications in state service wasn't "real world" experience. You said, when talking about how experienced and knowledgeable you are, "Besides managing a signficant expansion of and ongoing troubleshooting for telecommunications of all kinds for an office of hundreds of people ..." Tell me, Elmer, how much time have you spent doing punchdowns at the MDF? How much troubleshooting did you do at the MPOE? What techniques did you use when troubleshooting? While you "worked closely with many companies who produced telecommunications equipment" did you mean you were talking to companies that manufacture telephone sets, or spudgers? How about switching equipment in the CO? Did the local telcos allow you secure access to their internal database to make real-time changes to telephone lines (the kind of changes that an "everyday customer" calls the phone company for and the customer service rep writes an order for one of the technicians to do)? Yeah? Well, that's the kind of stuff that I did every day for thousands of employees, not just hundreds. And I also put in new telephone systems for two city governments. That's every city employee in every city office of those cities. You also must have missed the part where I created one virtual call center from six physical call centers that were located statewide.

Oh, one other question. Where were you between the hours of 7:00 pm on December 31, 1999, and 8:00 am on January 1, 2000? While the doomsday predictions for Y2K turned out to be as exciting as Geraldo Rivera's opening of Al Capone's vault, no one knew in advance that it would turn out to be nothing. I spent those hours locked in Pacific Bell's (now AT&T) underground Emergency Operations Center. That is not something that a person "without real world experience" is asked to do.

Breenthumb -- just because you have a Tracfone and Tracfones in your area have calls routed through Verizon's cell towers does not mean that your wireless number isn't actually owned by Verizon. It is, in fact, owned by Verizon.

Tracfone does not own any of its phone numbers -- they are leased from other carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile (T-Mobile does own phone lines/numbers), depending on where in the country you're located. In New York, Tracfone gets its numbers from AT&T and Verizon. As you stated, if you have a phone with a model number ending in C, it's a CDMA phone and your wireless number is owned by Verizon and leased to Tracfone as a reseller. Phone models ending with G are GSM phones and the lines are part of the AT&T network.

In an hour or two I'll be off to see the wizard. Thanks to you, Lindsey, I feel informed and prepared. I'm amazed at my good fortune to have you there. Your knowledge...and kind willingness to share and assist me...is more than I ever could have wished for. The problem may not, yet, be "fixed" but my attitude has improved immeasurably. I'm ready to do "battle" and will report the results later today. No matter what today's immediate results may be, I feel confident with the info you've given me. I know, eventually, this issue will get corrected to my satisfaction most assuredly because you have headed me in the right direction.

And...the sun is shining this morning for the first time in over a week. :-) Who can ask for more?!

BBL

I use Total Wireless ($35/month, 5 GB of data, unlimited talk and text and on Verizon towers), also owned by TracFone.

I have read that if you can't understand the person that you are talking to, you have the right to ask them to transfer you to someone whose first language is English.

If I have problems with TF, the first thing I usually try is sending them a message through Facebook. Usually fast and not as frustrating as calling.

Good luck. Hope to read that you got it all resolved soon!

I didn't read all the comments on Trac phone. Some time back, they just stopped my service for no reason with a lot of prepaid minutes and time left on it. I fought with them for weeks, with no resolution at all. So we now have Verizon.Tracphone s**ks !

Anne, I see that you posted 3 hours ago that "in an hour or two" you'd be heading out. I hope that by the time you return everything will have been resolved to your satisfaction. I'm happy if any of the information I provided was able to help you. :-)

"If she calls or goes into a brick and mortar location and knows what she's talking about -- knows the likely causes for the issues she is experiencing, she will be better off. It's also more likely that the first person Anne deals with will then get a supervisor or manager (someone who does know the back end of the business operation and knows what to do to resolve the issue) to assist her."

In my area, and I believe elsewhere, Tracfone doesn't have any brick and mortar locations. Its phones are sold online and in places like CVS, Walgreens, K-Mart, etc. In these places, you'll find a sales clerk who can tell you about different phones and process your payment for the purchase, nothing else. So what's your Plan B?

"Once again you missed the point. I don't want Anne to have to deal with a clueless call center employee who only knows how to give the customer some BS answer/excuse, write a work order ticket, and then be on their way to taking the next call. "

Call center employees are clueless if that's the result of the company's hiring, training, and operating practices. Tracfone is a tertiary, low cost provider and you get what you get. No criticism intended, I think they do a great job providing customers in the market a lower cost alternative. But in contrast, I've never had other than very positive experiences with the Verizon's telephone customer support. It's a provider in the market aimed at a different customer segment and with much higher prices.

"Tell me, Elmer, how much time have you spent doing punchdowns..... "

None. I set (with consultants) specs for systems and equipment and then co-managed the consultants, supervisors and tradesmen who did the work. I was a manager, not a worker-bee. I know of and about the tasks you thought you'd snow me with. There's nothing wrong with being a worker-bee but that isn't what I did.

Ever hear of ROLM? They designed and sold the first digitial PBX (which they called CBX) that became ubiquitous. Its products initiated the change from analog to digital telephone desktop instruments, wiring, and feature-rich computerized switching systems in large site installation, like offices and other workplaces. That was my first work in the field, along from working with many semiconductor companies whose products enabled the digitization of the telecom industry.

I'm not sure why this conversation has turned into my feeling like I've been running the gauntlet but fine. Good luck to anne ct.

"In my area, and I believe elsewhere, Tracfone doesn't have any brick and mortar locations."

Well, duh. That's why I told Anne to start with Verizon. It is Verizon that actually owns the phone number that was assigned to Anne's Tracfone. Tracfone doesn't own any phone numbers. It leases them from the carriers in the areas where Tracfone "provides service." Calls made from/to Tracfones use cell towers that are owned and maintained by the carriers whose lines Tracfone leases.

"I know of and about the tasks you thought you'd snow me with." I wasn't attempting to snow you with or about anything. I was only attempting to find out how much you actually know about the way voice communications work. You say that you (with consultants) set the specifications for systems and equipment that was needed for your office. Big whoop. All that means is that you sat there and said things like, "Well, we need a system that can handle 142 calls per hour with 15 agents taking the calls at any given time. We need a system that can route callers to the agent(s) who are most capable of answering their questions. We need telephone sets on the employees' desks that will let them know who is calling and from what number." You helped establish the minimum specifications for a system needed by the company for which you work. I, on the other hand, determined the needs of the agencies/cities, worked with those agencies/cities to set their specs, and then designed the system that would meet/exceed those specifications.

"I was a manager, not a worker-bee. I know of and about the tasks you thought you'd snow me with. There's nothing wrong with being a worker-bee but that isn't what I did."

You are so condescending.

If you were a worker bee, you would have known that the Caller ID information (which appears to be the root of Anne_CT's issue) is assigned to the line at the Central Office. Being a manager, you know only that Caller ID exists and that it means a person's name and phone number will show up on the recipient's phone.

Yes, of course I have heard of ROLM, and I know what a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is. Did you know that a PBX is actually a computer? Do you know what a trunk line is? Do you know the difference between Automatic Call Distribution and Uniform Call Distribution? Do you know what an IVR is and how it works? How about PRI and ISDN? Yeah, you may have heard of these things, but without doing a Google search you don't really know what they are, how they work, or how to program them because you were a manager and not a worker bee.

When someone calls 911 from their home phone, the address shows up on the 911 operator's screen. Even if the caller says nothing, the dispatcher knows where to send the first responders. That's because the address information is keyed into the OE at the CO by a phone company employee.

But what happens when a 911 call is originated from a business? If it's Spiffy Dry Cleaners, it's not much of an issue because the address (including Suite number as appropriate) is keyed in. But what happens when it is a business that has multiple telephones throughout multiple floors in an office building? Ever think about that? Absent specific 911 location information for each telephone number in the business, all calls originating from that business will show up with just the business address on the screen of a 911 operator.

If that business uses a PBX, the PBX administrator needs to key the information into the system. Since trunk lines are shared lines, this can be a pain in the patoot. Each employee is assigned an extension number, and that extension has to be programmed into the 911 information for that trunk line. And if the employee changes physical offices within the business but keeps the same extension, the PBX administrator has to update the 911 ID information for that extension.

If the business with multiple telephones throughout multiple floors in an office building uses, for example, Centrex lines for each phone, and those phone lines are assigned to a specific floor and cubicle or office number, that info would need to be keyed in by the local Telco. Sounds easy enough so far, right? But when someone on the 11th floor of a building in cubicle 136 has a heart attack while working late one night but manages to call 911 from their phone before passing out, how will the first responders know where on the 11th floor cubicle 136 is located? Different states, cities within those states, and even fire districts within the cities, may have their own standards as to how they want the location to be designated. But in my area, the main entrance to the building was the starting point, From there, the building is divided into quadrants, with Q1 being to the immediate left of the main entrance, then proceeding in a clockwise direction so that Q4 is to the right of the main entrance. Think of it this way -- If cubicle 136 on the 11th floor is in the northeast area of the building, "northeast" means nothing to a firefighter if the floor is filled with smoke and no one can tell up from down or right from left. So, for 911 purposes, cubicle 136's location would be designated as --- What? Ah, this all depends on which direction the main entrance to the building faces. If it faces west, then cubicle 136 is in Q2, but if the main entrance faces east, cubicle 136 is in Q4. (And if the building is very large those quadrants may need to be further divided into sub-quads.)

Obviously, with the way folks move around within businesses while still keeping the same phone number, most of the time the 911 designation information never gets changed. Gotta hope no one suffers an emergency when no one else is around to direct the first responders where to go....

And it appeared to me that in Anne's case, her phone number was originally a landline assigned to "John Smith" and it carried his name and address as the 911 information, with his name showing up on the Caller ID as the person making the call. Then John ported the landline number to a wireless number and no one changed the 911 information because the number was still assigned to the same guy. Then, when John gave up the number (whether it was by his death and the account being closed, or by any other reason), the number remained a wireless number and no one even thought about changing the 911 information because it isn't usually put into wireless accounts -- because wireless calls to 911 ping off the closest cell tower for routing to a 911 dispatch office. By the very nature of wireless phones, your billing address doesn't matter one iota when it comes to sending first responders.

I'm done. I can only hope that Anne comes home happy from her outing with her son to get her issue resolved.

Dueling Banjos, eh?

No Google searches needed on garden variety stuff. Sure, we moved, had fiber connections providing I forget what bandwidth, it was many many hundreds and maybe thousands of Mbs, serving data and VOIP. I also had a microwave relay set up between buildings as a quick expedient to link networks, when unanticipated build out delays arose.

ISDN? That's ancient history.

Again, I didn't need to know installer, designer, systems engineer, or tech support/operations level details. They also didn't interest me. That's what people with those job descriptions do, these weren't what I did.

I think you're the one being condescending, you're disappointed and uncomfortable that you can't bulldoze me in citing these basic tidbits. It wasn't my occupational focus but I know a fair amount about it at a high level, as with many other areas that my tech industry career took me. None of which gives ann any assistance.

Well, it's been quite a day! Aptly armed with all the wonderful info you shared with me, Lindsey...we began tackling the problem around 9:30 AM EDT today.

Tracfone I started with a chat line conversation with Tracfone only because it was such a convenient way to begin while drowning my frustration in my third cup of black coffee. Because they claimed they could not fix the current problem, I succeeded in finally getting a new #. But no caller ID. If I call another cell phone and that cell phone user has me listed as a contact on their cell phone...that cell phone screen will display my name when I call them. Otherwise...the phone display will only show my geographic location and my cell phone #. No name. No matter how I approached the subject with anyone at Tracfone...there was no satisfaction as far as getting caller ID added to my current Tracfone. I gave up!

Verizon I was told both over the phone and at their brick and mortar store...speaking to the managers...that Verizon could not add caller ID to the # even though the # is a Verizon #. They could do so if I had a Verizon phone but not with a Tracfone. I utilized all the wonderful knowledge you gave me, Lindsey...and still got a "no can do" reply. They directed me back to Tracfone. It seems the entire problem traces back to Tracfone no matter who I talk to.

Tracfone again. The Florida Executive Resolution department is only open five business days a week from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. I plan to place another call to them on the upcoming Monday or Tuesday but I don't hold much hope at this point.

Staples I needed some printer ink so I decide to discuss this whole sad tale of woe with the store manager while we were out and about. I told them how difficult Tracfone had been to deal with. Apparently, according to their manager...that's the norm these days. I, also wanted to check out the advice Tracfone had given me about the use of a 4-G phone rather than a 3-G phone. Both Staples and Verizon agreed that Tracfone had given me a line of bull. LOL Both 3-G and 4-G work equally well here. They just wanted me to buy a new phone. I erased "sucker" from my forehead and we headed home.

The conclusion to today's adventure. I am satisfied that, at least, I have a new #. I would prefer having total caller ID but I can live with the current situation. To duplicate my Tracfone program/features with a Verizon phone system would cost me five times as much as I'm paying now and I just can't afford that kind of expense. My primary need for the phone is to have it for emergency purposes. AAA...Drs...etc while I'm away from home. For any personal calls...my name will appear on their cellphone screen because they will have me on their contact list. In reality, I'm more apt to make contact with them either through my computer em or my landline.

I will keep the current program I have until it expires 5/12/17. At that time, I will ditch the smart phone features and only load telephone calling minutes. I'll add one year of paid minutes...as I used to do...and leave it at that.

In the mean time...I'll search around for whatever other prepaid cellphones are available to the public and check their expenses. The call feature works just fine with the Tracfone and at the moment...that's all I need now that they've given me the new #. If I suddenly came into wealth...I'd go buy an iPhone and have a grand time with it. I'd also buy an iPad and do the same. But...sudden wealth is not likely to come my way so I'll content myself with an operative Tracfone.

This entire procedure has been an experience..albeit frustrating..that I shall never forget. I found that most people in the industry at the level I talked to today know only the barest minimum about the equipment/products they sell and very little computer terminology. Nobody understood the "port" terminology even after I explained it. LOL How they manage to succeed in business is beyond me but the demand for the cellphones/service is so high that I doubt their ignorance matters.

You've been a wonderful cyber friend, Lindsey. I really don't know what I would have done without your knowledge and hand holding encouragement. Thank you...thank you...thank you. I am very appreciative for all that you've done.

Anne, I am so glad that you were able to get a partial resolution to your issue! It's unfortunate that the idiots at Tracfone weren't able to add your Caller ID info to the new number when it was assigned to you, but at least now you won't be showing up as "John Smith" any longer!

I'm happy that I was able to provide some information to assist you, and very proud of you that you were able to take control of the situation! You rock!

Thanks, Lindsey. But as far as I'm concerned...you're the one who's earned the gold star award. I never would have known what to do to get a resolution to this issue if you hadn't taken me by the hand. I'm very computer savvy but that talent didn't spill over to the world of cell phones. Maybe because I've never really had a use for one. But...I have a feeling...if I could afford the iPhone or a similar product...that I'd get over my hesitancy quickly.

Today has been an eye opening experience. I still can't get over how uncooperative [and deceptive] Tracfone was and has been. In my searching over the last several days I've found all sorts of unsavory Tracfone business issues that have involved the FCC...with huge fines. The FCC told Tracfone they had to unlock their phones...and fined them heavily for not having done so. The article I read intimated that Tracfone finally did so...after paying the fine. In my travels today, I learned that they haven't done so. Their phones remain locked. That's a pretty heinous issue as far as I'm concerned. For the life of me I can't imagine why they won't acquiesce to the FCC edict. But I'm learning...sadly...that there's a lot I'll never fathom about this business.

I have a few weeks left on this Tracfone contract. That'll give me some thinking time. I know Verizon is an excellent system but they're not the only good one. I'd like to figure out a way to afford the Verizon system but the lowest package they would offer me was $35/mo. Believe me when I say that it might as well be $350/mo as far as the affordability is concerned for me. But I'm not done with this cellphone subject. I'm deeply disappointed in Tracfone. They made a serious mistake when they decided to give me poor service. I'm like the proverbial elephant. I never forget.

And I'll never forget your kindness nor the knowledge that you've given me.

Thank you, Lindsey. You're one in a million!!!!

< blush >

I really think you should switch to AT&T and get one of their GoPhones. They have one that's $17.99, and 16 others to choose from at varying prices (and with varying screen sizes!). They even have the iPhone 6 and the iPhone SE (which is what I currently have [in rose gold]).

This link will get you a page that shows the current prepaid plans/prices. I do not know what you're paying now, or what is included in the Tracfone plan that you have, but I know you don't want to pay $35 a month like Verizon offered. AT&T has a plan that is $30 per month, but if you sign up for autopay and paperless billing, it's discounted to $25 per month, and it gives you unlimited talk and text to anywhere in the US (free nationwide long distance!). You can send pictures and videos in the text messages, too. You can even send an unlimited number of texts to Canada, Mexico, and over 100 other countries. AT&T wireless is available nationwide, so if you travel at all, your phone will still work. :-)

Anyway, you've got a couple of weeks to do some research on what will best meet your needs and budget. The "good news" (if you want to call it that), is that you can port your new Tracfone number to any other wireless carrier you choose. :-) This document from the FCC has some good information, including the fact that if you port a wireless number to another wireless carrier, it has to be completed within one business day (so Tracfone can't tell you that it will take them 3 days to release the number!).

Unfortunately, I can't find (on the AT&T website) any information as to plans for just talk and text (without data) that aren't the prepaid plans. But if you go into an AT&T store the folks there should be able to help you. Or you could call them, or just start a chat from the AT&T website.

At any rate, I wish you the best and hope that you'll let me know what you end up doing.

Take care.

Thank you, Lindsey. I shall.

AT+T is a very active ISP in this area. Not as popular as my ISP...but not far behind. They overtook Verizon several years ago in this area. I shall, definitely, research them. Many eons ago...before bundling all my communication services with my ISP...AT+T was my long distance carrier. If they have a financially appealing cellphone program/product...it would be like old home week. :-)

Anne, have you considered consumer cellular through AARP?

Yes, Moonie. I have...and I am. :-) I have their website bookmarked and while I was on my jaunt yesterday, I asked for some feedback about them. I didn't get much but that could be because they're not as popular here with Verizon being such a prevalent source in this corner of CT. The manager at Staples said they weren't as reliable as some other prepaid cell phones...but that, too, may be because he doesn't have much experience with them. But they're on my list and I intend to investigate them further. Thanks for mentioning them.

I just wanted to add I called Consumer Cellular yesterday. They were very nice, helpful and have a really good warranty. They did say they use primarily ATT lines. I know nothing about cell phones & service, most of our Town doesn't have service. So far I think I might go with them.