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Alternatives to MSN+Verizon Wireless?

Posted by Cliff on from the why'd-they-have-to-go-messin'-with-a-good-thang? dept.

a.h.s. boy asks: "I took a little visit to my usually-neglected Verizon Wireless online account site today, and found myself greeted with the following message: 'Attention This site will not be available for use after October 2002. Please go to http://vzw.msn.com to set up a profile and start using our new VZW with MSN portal.' And now what does it take to login to my wireless phone site? That's right, .NET Passport account. I want one of those like I want a hole in my bedroom wall, however I really do want the convenience of getting my phone information online. I'm sure more and more sites are going to start requiring .NET passports for access, and even if I use bogus information for the Passport, it's still tied to my (quite non-bogus) cell phone records, isn't it? I already sent mail off to the Executive Office of Verizon Wireless to complain, but I can't imagine they're going to care what I think. What are others doing to work around the growing need for a Passport account?" For current customers of Verizon wireless, the question basically boils down to: "Should I stay or should I go?". For those opting for the latter, based on this latest twist, are there other cell-phone companies offering similar features to Verizon's service?

2 of 55 comments (clear)

  1. I found a very simple solution... by atgrim · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I left Verizon. It has been said before and I shall say it again. Use your dollars to express your opinion. It is the only thing that big corps like Verizon, et al... respect. It is the only thing that gets their attention. I have Nextel now and love the 2-way radio feature. On top of it all, Nextel service is so far and above that of Verizon, it's almost humerous. :-)

    --
    Your actions in life will determine your children's future.
  2. Re:I'm tried it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Hmmm...I rather like having "Anonymous Coward" as my nickname. :-)

    As a Verizon Mobile Web subscriber, I really liked the InfoSpace portal. I never had a problem with it once. But, alas, I also have AT&T's GSM service and T-Mobile. So, at least you won't lose this customer!

    The focus in this group has been on Passport and the dissemination of personal information. I didn't see a large focus on the fact that there have been a couple of security holes found in the service.

    Most interesting, though, is that several people have commented that they thought it was unlikely that the information would leave Microsoft's "capable" hands. It already has, folks. The EU and FTC have both dinged Microsoft for Passport. They don't do that for grins.

    I should note that the beginning of my note stated "As a Verizon Mobile Web subscriber..." Actually, I just called and terminated service. This change was just unacceptable.