Hey Connie - below is the deal with *228, basically it is just updating your phone with the latest firmware and your location. Defintely will save on your battery life. I was a verizon customer, but switched to Cingular/ATT when my son was living in STT a few years ago. Still happy with our service here and there - no charge. When I was with Verizon and would go to the west coast I would have to use *228 so I would not be in Roam all the time. Do it when you get there and do it again when you get home. What the heck - do it today if you have not used it before.

Why do I need to perform this update on my wireless phone?
By performing this update your phone will stay on the Verizon Wireless network and/or digital service whenever possible. Also, for most price plans after 2/1/2002 the phone roam indicator will turn off/on in accordance to the price plan you have chosen.

What are the steps I need to take to complete this update?
The following are the steps you need to take to complete the update:

1. Power on your Verizon Wireless phone
2. Dial *228 from your home digital coverage area, followed by the SEND key
3. When prompted, press option #2, to update your phones roaming capabilities (This process may take up to 2 minutes)
4. Once completed, a confirmation message will be played, and a message will display on the phone screen.

What if the update fails to complete successfully?
If for some reason the update does not complete successfully, please try again at a later time. If the problem persists, your phone may not be capable of this update process.

What benefits will this update provide?
Benefits of this update may include:

Longer battery life
Fewer dropped or blocked calls
Clear, crisp connections in even more areas across the United States
Roaming indicator will reflect the price plan you have chosen (available on most price plans after 2/1/2002).

How often do I need to perform this update?
This update should be performed every three months, and/or after changing price plans.

How much will this *228 call cost me?
This call is offered FREE of airtime charges from Verizon Wireless.

When can I perform this update?
You may perform this update at your convenience. This FREE software update is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Hey Tom. I knew about the 228 and I do that when I go away, but not often around here.

You must have worked for Verizon 🙂

Still wondering about that calling card. It seems too good to be true.

maybe it is a download feature in the firmware

nope - not a verizon employee - cut and paste from FAQ

You might want to look at One Suite
4.5 cents per minute and 55 cents from a pay phone
no connection fee
http://www.onesuite.com

Connie, et al:

This may be dated information but........although we use our AT&T cell exclusively while on STT we have a calling card that we purchased at Costco some time ago (MCI card).......the card provides calls for 2.9 cents per minute and works on STT. The only "pain" is dialing 33 numbers before you get connected.

I just tried our MCI card, as it hasn't been used in over a year......it still works....we have over 200 minutes left. When the card is low you can recharge it with a credit card in $10 increments.

F.I.

Connie,
I have a calling card from AT&T that came from Sam's Club in the states which I use from my land line. You could use your villa phone this way if you would like. There are a lot of calling cards available here as well. After 7pm, I use my cell for free long distance.
See you SOON! 🙂

I called Verizon today and basically, the calling card is no good at all with my cell phone. It's land line only.

I'll still get a card and try not to use my cell only in emergencies.

Thanks all.

Hey Sherri!

Future islander -- program the 800 ATT # into memory then the calling card # as well -- just use them as if they were frequently called #'s - it takes the 'pain' down to 2 numbers.

exit zero,
Great idea! Thanks for the tip!