Verizon Users – Update Your Roaming Capabilities

Ok, the official idiot move of the week goes to Will Run For Miles….. 

She went to a small island off the coast of Maine for the weekend.  When she arrived, she noticed that she had no phone service on her iPhone 4S.  Instead of “3G,” the phone said “searching” or “no service.”  Her wireless carrier is Verizon, and others with Verizon told her they had service (albeit weak) and that their phones said “extended” service.

She was confused, but eventually phoned Verizon Tech Support from a land line.  She was told that the reason she had no service was because she hadn’t updated her roaming capabilities – *228 – in a number of months.  Furthermore, since the closest tower was 20 miles away, she was told that there was no way to update her roaming capabilities from this small island.

Hmmmm, update roaming capabilities, she thought, isn’t that one of those things they tell you to do, but you never really do?  

She had few options at this point.  No phone and no 3G, but there was free wifi at the general store by the dock, and the cafe a mile up the road.  Surely, she could get by without 3G (but she didn’t want to).

The ferry cost $27.50 RT to go back to the mainland.  That sounded a little excessive just to update her phone.  She brainstormed and wondered whether the ferry guys might give her a break and let her take a ride round trip without getting off.  She figured she’d get a signal at the dock, and do the *228 thing while close to land.  They didn’t go for the “free ride” idea, but agreed to let her make the trip for $10.  She figured that, even if it didn’t work, it would be a pretty ride and well worth the 10 bucks.

So…. when she was on the boat and nearing land, sure enough the “Verizon 3G” appeared on her phone.  Delighted, she quickly dialed *228 and chose option 2.  The update began…. and then…. as the boat pulled away from the dock…. the call was dropped.

SH!T%$@!@#####

So, she did not have 3G all weekend, because she was an imbecile and never updated her roaming capabilities.    Don’t make the same mistake.  If your wireless carrier is Verizon, remember to update your roaming capabilities on a regular basis. 

Here are the instructions from the Verizon Website: 

Updating Preferred Roaming List(PRL)

Verizon Wireless is constantly advancing its roaming technology to provide you with superior roaming capabilities. By updating your PRL every few weeks, you can be sure you have access to our enhancements. As a result you may experience:

• Longer battery life
• Fewer dropped or blocked calls
• Clear, crisp connections in more areas across the United States
• Ability to connect to the digital network in more parts of the country

Instructions for updating your PRL:

1. Power on your phone within any Verizon Wireless digital service area.
2. Dial *228 and then press SEND (this call is airtime free).
3. When prompted, press option 2 to update your phone’s roaming capabilities
   (the update may take up to 2 minutes).
4. Once completed, a confirmation message will appear to inform you that your phone has been re-programmed with the new PRL.

Can you hear me now?

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