Virgin introducing self-activating phones

A few months ago, we got a crate full of prepaid cell phones and did activation guides for the ones that work in our area. We had nary a problem throughout — except with the Virgin Mobile activation, which gave us a few troubles when we tried to do it online. It worked fine over the phone, but it still meant that we had to go through multiple steps on the website (before hitting a dead end), and then had to deal with their insufferable voice-activated menu system. So it makes sense that they’re the first carrier to experiment with self-activating phones.

“At Virgin Mobile USA, we are continually working to enhance our award-winning customer service processes,” said James Gamm, vice president of Information Technology for Virgin Mobile USA. “With Telespree, we focused on the device programming process, eliminating manual entry and any associated errors, creating an even simpler and more convenient consumer experience. Virgin Mobile USA customers can purchase a cool, new phone and get it programmed quickly, allowing them to begin using service immediately after activation without any hassles.”

So instead of waiting for a sales rep to activate your phone, or having to deal with those — we’ll say it again — atrocious voice menus, you can just walk out of the store, and everything should be done for you. The only hitch we can think of: What about your calling plan? What if you buy one of those out-of-the-box Virgin phones — how would they know what plan you want? We’re sure this is something they’ve taken care of. In fact, the service wouldn’t work if they didn’t. Still, though, this may call for a Prepaid Reviews trip to Wal Mart to find out. [Mobile Tech News]]]>