Well, you had a good run,
Ogo; you really did. Okay, that's not even remotely true -- you had a lackluster launch on AT&T Wireless before the Cingular takeover cut you down in your prime -- but we digress. For those that may not recall, the Ogo is a QWERTY-sporting device that lacks voice capability (at least in AT&T Wireless' configuration), relegating it largely to IM and email duty. Cingular's finally pulling the plug on its remaining customers of the odd little clamshell next month, offering a $75 service credit in its stead. Of course, with the Ogo recently making strides in
Uruguay and elsewhere, it's far from dead, but using one in the US of A just got a little harder. [Warning: PDF link]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sam K @ Sep 8th 2006 9:41AM
Ok Cingular...if you're discontinuing support for the device, why will you continue to offer a plan called "Ogo Messaging and Data"? That makes no sense. And this plan includes a whopping 5MB of data. That's really being generous.
Avi Greengart @ Sep 8th 2006 11:03AM
This is going to upset the deaf community, which I understand has embraced the OGO as perfectly suited to their needs.
-avi
Bruce K @ Sep 8th 2006 1:55PM
I don't think Cingular wanted the unit in the first place. I have used an older demo unit for weeks and it was great. The keyboard was big and easier to use than anything on the market. Now they are bringing out the new version with full email with attachments, browser, RSS (news), IM, Texting, and a big screen. I checked and found it is being used in Europe for $19 a month for unlimited data. I think Cingular couldn't squeeze enough out of its customers so they didn't want it. I for one love the product that is intended for the average guys like me that have to pay for the unit ourselves.
Donald @ Sep 8th 2006 10:45PM
Good night, sweet prince.
Lil @ Sep 9th 2006 8:17AM
I wouldn't have minded if they just raised the price for the data plan, especially if it included the option to upgrade to a CT-15 (the original one was a real bargain). My main objection is that there is no real replacement on Cingular for the unit. Doing a significant amount of IM's or e-mail on a cell phone keypad and small screen is not practical and the $75 rebate offered is not going to go very far to replacing the unit.
NJNGuy @ Oct 25th 2006 2:04PM
Cingular's discontinuance of the Ogo is unfortunate, especially for thousands of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Until the Ogo arrived, portable text communication had been available only through expensive equipment and plans, such as Blackberry two-way pagers through provider Wyndtell, or Sidekick devices through T-Mobile.
The Ogo, introduced by AT&T Wireless prior to its merger with Cingular, offered hearing-impaired users a nicely-featured sub-$100 communication device with an unlimited use service plan for under $20 a month. Having used the Ogo myself, I was amazed at how easy the unit was to use and what a wonderful service AT&T/Cingular had provided.
I do hope that Cingular continues to support those users who have adopted the Ogo, such as my deaf daughter. To her, it is a "cell phone for the deaf". She uses it to communicate with her family, friends, and co-workers via wireless e-mail, text messaging, and IP-Relay (text-to-voice-and-back via an operator). The Ogo also allows her to make emergency road service calls to AAA, obtain driving directions, and find local stores via Google SMS.
AT&T and MCI provide free relay services for the hearing-impaired. I think Cingular should step up to the plate and either keep the Ogo alive or provide a reasonable alternative.