AT&T is getting set to launch a piece of software called Mobile Backup, which will provide its customers the ability to back up their phone’s contact information in the case that they wish to switch to a new or different phone.
Not a different phone on a different network, mind you. That would be too useful to all the cellphone users the world over. The service will cost $1.99 per month, which is exactly $1.99 per month more than it should cost, and will be available on only six Motorola handsets at first.
Sorry to editorialize but this service should be available on all phones and all networks and it should be cross-network compatible. Open letter to the cellphone industry: Quit gouging us with features that should come standard on all cellphone plans. Signed, Everybody.
AT&T’s Got Your Back with Mobile Backup [Press Release]
Verizon has had this same service for quite awhile.. however it’s free if you use their online account management tool
This is a very rare example of Verizon not screwing its customers as much. The offer the backup “service” for free if you select online statements rather than making them mail you every month. At least that was the option I got when I went to the website one night.
Like you, though, I’m tired of these greedy companies trying to charge for every little thing. It’s like going into Target and having to pay 50 cents to have the lights on in the area you’re shopping in.
You could just use iSync which works wonderfully. If you want OTA updates, you can use SyncML. Many phones support it and it works really well. It’s an open protocol and there are many free providers of service. Even my T68i supports it. Mobical.net is the one I used.