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Cellular Phones/can't receive international text

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Expert: - 2/1/2010


Question
Hi Debi,
I just switched phone service to Metro PCS and have problem receiving international text from Taiwan. I signed up for Metro PCS unlimited int'l text plan and my friend in Taiwan can receive my text (the carrier she uses is fareastone) I have no idea why. Before when she sent to my Tmobile old number there has never been a problem. I'm flummoxed. Could you help me? Thank you.

Answer
It is very possible that Farestone and MetroPCS do not have an agreement such that you cannot receive your friend's texts. MetroPCS is a very small company just because your friend can receive your texts, doesn't mean you will be able to receive hers. However, before you both give up, please ask her to delete your information from her address book and then send her a message. Have her re-add you after that and then see if you can receive her text. It is very likely that your address is still associated with T-Mobile to her carrier (especially if you recently changed carriers). Changing carriers doesn't have an immediate effect outside the US in many cases. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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