Yesterday, I found out that my cell phone had been washed in the washer with a pair of pants and it obviously no longer worked. I have Verizon, so I called them up to see what the best kind of phone I could get for free was. Turns out, I was able to get a new Blackberry Pearl if I were to sign a new 2 year contract. This phone is a "smart phone" and verizon recently implemented a new "feature" that requires all data phones to have a $30/mo data plan to go with them.

I was on the phone arguing with this sales rep telling him that I just want the phone for the PDA (calendar, tasks, etc) aspect along with the phone and that I did NOT want to use it for internet access. He kept saying that this "feature" was required on all data phones. So, after I realized that it wasn't possible to get this phone without getting that stupid data plan, I started arguing with him about what the word "feature" meant. I don't know why the reps are made to call it a "feature" when it is required.  I'm so frustrated with companies like this making customers do things they don't want to do. I know Sprint does it and I know everyone will probably do the same soon, but it's still frustrating. Why do we have to pay $15 for a checked in bag at the airport now? That's always been free. 

At what point does a company choose profits over customers?

** UPDATE **

After I did a little more research, I found that there are some smart phones that do not require the data plan. Some of the reps say that all of them do and some say that only some do. It's confusing but it seems like I'm okay for now. No need to pay for an unneeded data plan!

On a somewhat different topic, I really hate when I call a credit card company and they tell me to enter my card number in the phone before I talk to a rep. The first thing the rep asks me when they pick up the phone is what my credit card number is. I JUST ENTERED IT INTO THE PHONE LIKE THREE SECONDS AGO!!! Why do they ask for data after I already gave it? GRRRRR....