Super Piston Slap: New Tricks For an Old Car Phone? (Part II)

Sajeev writes:

I wasn’t expecting a “Part II” for this story: converting an analog phone to digital sounds comically nonsensical these days. But did you know that people once spent big money, back in the day big dawg money, so a (car) phone they’ve trusted for years lived to see another day…in the digital age?

Such a story landed in my Inbox. You know you wanna click ‘dat link to learn more!

Steve writes:

Sajeev,

How this article brought back memories. I once worked for a wireless carrier, who shall remain nameless, during the turn of the digital wireless age. I was a “Wireless Device Technician” AKA the guy that fixed crap. As technicians we were responsible for many things, including but not limited to installing hands free kits into patron’s vehicles.

Now at this particular juncture in the wireless world, you had those who refused to convert and so the games begin.

We were first and foremost responsible with attempting to make those individuals change over to a new wireless plan, including a new device such as a Motorola Startac, which had an exceptional hands free kit we could install to your late-model vehicle.

Long story short, it was likely that if a person owned a vehicle that already had a phone in it, they weren’t going to buy another one.

The conversion wars began. Patrons would pay for new digital boxes and conversion kits, plus install labor just to use the old device. Several hundred dollars later, you had a satisfied wireless device user who probably was only on their phone for 20 mins a month. But, nonetheless, they had service.

At least it wasn’t as bad as the one day a guy brought in one of these bad boys, asking if it can be repaired and used still.

BAG Phone: the true wireless device.

Steve