LG Scoop Mobile Phone - Part 2
I have come to the end of my quest for an accurate explanation of the reason for blocking user freedom when it comes to using mp3 files on my new LG SCOOP (AX260GRY).
After conversations with customer support with both ALLTEL and LG I am told by both parties that ALLTEL has a new policy that states -quote-
You will not be able to set audio files downloaded through Bluetooth, MMS, SD card, or voice memo as a ringtone on the LG Scoop. Ringtones can be purchased through Axcess Shop, Axcess Web, and Alltel.com to ensure that your equipment will work properly. This functionality has been limited to protect your device from corrupt or harmful content.
-endquote-
Harmful content?!
In addition, today I went to my local ALLTEL Shop and asked the sales people there why the new policy and was told “ringtone functionality has been limited because of copyright violations”. I guess my children are the newest victim of RIAA! ( I wanted my kids singing to be one of my ringers)
So ALLTEL knuckles under from pressure from the RIAA so they can get a cut of the ringtones ALLTEL sells to its customers, sounds plausible, but I have no proof, so it’s just a guess.
Should I blame the RIAA? I’m not sure, it’s fun to blame the RIAA, I mean who doesn’t hate the RIAA?
OK, BESIDES Lawyers!
I am almost convinced it is simply greed. In the guise of protecting my device from “corrupt or harmful content” I am being forced to purchase all my ringers through ALLTEL’s online store.
When I visited my ALLTEL store today to buy a cable for the SCOOP, (Yes, they have a proprietary cable) they were out. If you want to buy a cable simply to hook your SCOOP to your computer, you have to special order it!
They had several in stock that were bundled with their $70.00 EVDO Internet Access software, but none for simply looking into the SCOOP. - Sounds like an attempt to limit hacking into the SCOOP!
Why am I so ticked? It’s only ringtones!
- This NEW policy was NOWHERE in ANY Literature given to me at time of purchase by ALLTEL.
- I have either PAID for the mp3 files or they are my own creation, and should be able to use them as I wish.
- I have an old fashioned idea of customer relations, something about dealing with the customer honestly.
Mostly, I feel like I have been lied to, by not explaining to me before the purchase of my expensive new phone that this functionality was removed, I have lost my brand loyalty to ALLTEL.
And that I suppose is the bottom line. While I like my new SCOOP, (It is very cool, my only complaint was the cable is not a standard size and it forces me to buy even more cables) this is my last ALLTEL phone.
Sure, the next company may have the very same policy, but at least they did NOT LIE TO ME. If ALLTEL is willing to LIE TO ME about something as minor as ringtones, why should I trust them about anything else?
AMEN!!!!! i was told several different things by alltel as well. bottom line i got was greed. they said they were not making any money off their tones. I also told the guy it was unconstitutional to tell use what we can and cannot do with something we paid for. Especially when its not pyrated or stolen content. If we get enough people to petiton and make enough stink maybe we can get something done. Contact whom ever we can to get our opinions heard. I was told ‘other” carriers were doing it. i had to pay my last bill after my termination with t mo and i told them about it. The rep laughed so hard it wasnt even funny. his response was too bad we cant service you anymore because that is crap . The area i moved to is alltel only. its one big monopoly so i have no choice but to take it from them without any KY.
I came across your website via my beloved in Afghanistan! I can’t believe you have been here this whole time and I have been oblivious to it. Dear God, It’ is yet another case of superior communication among your children…. please forgive us and help us with it!
I love you Daniel! Hope your are recovering well!
your sister from another mister,
Jenny
the sprint rumors, which is the same phone are you are talking about, are the same way, so it isnt only alltel
You can also go to Wal-Mart and purchase the cable for the Scoop (I believe it’s marketed for the Chocolate, but it works, I’m using it now). They bundle it either by itself ($14.88 locally as of last night), or with earphones ($19.88 I think as of last night).
I like how Alltel originally told me that it was LG (and Motorola for that matter….my Razr is blocked too), and denied all culpability.
The info listed for HowardForums DOES work, took me about half an hour to load ringtones into my Scoop and my daughter’s Wave using BitPim.
At least Alltel’s been bought out by Verizon, maybe things will improve. One can hope!