Cincinnati Bell Wireless launches Wi-Fi/cell service

Cincinnati Bell Wireless has launched a new service that allows people to use one handset that switches between a Wi-Fi and cellular network.

The service, called CB Home Run, works using a dual-mode Wi-Fi and cellular phone that lets users switch between the two networks depending on which one offers the best signal. Cincinnati Bell is using the Nokia 6086 handset, which contains radios for both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. The operator is offering the phone for about $65 with a $15 rebate. It works with Wi-Fi networks in homes and offices as well as with Cincinnati Bell's more than 300 Wi-Fi hotspots around Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.

The phone company claims that calls made using the Wi-Fi network provide better reception in problematic areas, such as basements and elevators. And for $10 extra a month, subscribers can make unlimited calls when those calls originate on the Wi-Fi network.

The service uses technology referred to as UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access), which allows a single mobile-phone number to work over both the GSM cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

T-Mobile USA has been testing a similar service in Seattle for several months. And it's expected to take the service nationwide later this summer.

[TechSect]

Cincinnati Bell Wireless (CBW) passes off reconditioned phones as new. I purchased a Blackberry Curve 8300. The day I purchased the device I purchased an SD card at a local store - not CBW. When I removed the back cover to install the SD card, I found dust, dirt, and other "crud". Additionally, the new Blackberries do not come with "The Washington Post" pre-loaded, but the one CBW sold me had the "one-click" icon already downloaded on it. The last straw was when the rubber sides began to come apart. I took the Blackberry back to the CBW store where I purchased it, and after some firm back and forth, they gave me a new one. Their warranty says that they will replace the device with a reconditioned phone or they will send to RIM to have it reconditioned. Buyer beware.

[ohiocelluser]

I'm not surprised that TechSect got a reconditioned phone from Cincinnati Bell Wireless. They are a VERY shady and deceptive company in many ways. Not only when it comes to buying new phones, but also their billing is shady too. They constantly try to find ways to screw the customer over. There are always extra "surcharges" on my bill. Cincinnati Bell Wireless' Wi-Fi service is a joke as well. Half the time, it is down and you can't even connect to it. Try to make voice calls on your phone and you will get a ton of dropped calls, terrible voice quality with echoing and voice cut outs, missed text messages and lost voice mails. On top of all this, their coverage is spotty throughout Cincinnati, There are a lot of places where there are dead zones and poor coverage areas. Go with Verizon, you will be a lot happier.