Super Bowl Recap

What a game last night!   Technology was a big part of the game — as there were 4K viewing options — and furthermore “tech” was featured prominently in the ads.   Verizon and T-Mobile were jockeying for position regarding their 5G networks.   Should you be concerned about 5G?  It’s just getting off the ground and available for consistent use in a limited number of places. When Apple starts selling phones with 5G features — then you can take it seriously.   If you need a phone right now, there is no need to feel bad about not having 5G.  Get the best phone for yourself.   Speaking of other ads, Google had a very touching ad where an older man used Google to take notes to help him remember his favorite memories with his wife.  You too can use Google like this and use the Google Photos app.  Google does invade our privacy a bit, but I don’t think they are doing it to be a malicious company.  Plus — they do let you see all the data they have saved on you and you can download or erase it at any time.  Google is an advertising company and I don’t like how they have “blacklisted” people in certain industries, like the health field  Ultimately, one of their mottoes used to be “Don’t Be Evil” and I think for the most part — they are not.     Were any of you up out of your seat during the halftime show?  I was dancing a bit and my wife was laughing at me.   Don’t worry, I will not ask you to dance at our next appointment.   I know some of you are getting older and have a lot of aches and pains.  After all, Shakira would say — the “Hips Don’t Lie”. 

A Bit of Guidance on Xfinity Mobile

I just wanted to brief you on some developments with Xfinity Mobile.   Some of my clients use this newcomer in the cellular field.  They are a “virtual network operator” and run their calls through the Verizon network.  There have been some changes to the offerings that started last year and fully took effect February 1st.   XM offers a very simple pricing model — $12 for 1 GB — a low use plan  or $45 for “Unlimited” — a great plan for very active users.   There was a loophole that some customers who signed up prior to “fall 2019” were able to latch on to.  If you used VERY LITTLE data,  less than 100 MB (or 1/10 of 1 GB) your bill for services was $0 and you would only pay $3 or so for taxes.   Obviously, how long could that go on for?  Some customers abused the system.  So now it is a minimum of $12 per month their low use “by the gig” plan.   The next tier up from the $12 plan is  $30 for 3 GB of use.   The $45 “unlimited” plan is still in effect.  I will also give a word of warning about buying phones from them.  As is the case with many carrier sold phones, these devices are LOCKED to the network.  You cannot get them unlocked unless the phone payment plan is paid off in full.  Again, this is often standard practice out there for financed devices — with some exceptions.   The other thing I want to make you aware of is that Xfinity Mobile has poor options for international travel.   By poor options I mean — they are expensive.  You can just resolve to use your phone on WiFi only overseas or use it lightly.  Those are options.  However, they don’t have a $10 / day  Day Pass type option like Verizon or ATT where you can just take your plan with you when you go.    With all this said, I just want to be totally up front with you about XM.  I still have a line in my name that a family member uses.