Comments for The other half of the conversation

Comment from TjL on 2004-05-01

2004-05-02T06:33:57Z

Some friends of mine on Verizon were the first to use line portability when it became available. They had the routine worked out between them:

One (mimicing cell phone): "Can you hear me know?"

Both (together, yelling): "NO!"

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Comment from Ashutosh on 2004-05-02

2004-05-03T06:51:19Z

I think Verizon has great service. Atleast where I live (SoCal), it's been much better for me then ATT WS and Cingular.]]>

Comment from Brad Choate on 2004-05-03

2004-05-03T07:28:06Z

I use Verizon myself. Much better than Sprint in our area. But I still find cold zones.]]>

Comment from Mark J on 2004-05-03

2004-05-03T14:13:52Z

TechTV actually did a little story on the REAL "Can you hear me now?" guys. The one guy showed how he did it. He had an SUV with about 8 phones plugged into diagnostic equipment and computers. He said that he would drive around in areas on the fringe of the signal, and the computer would measure signal strength, signal quality, and log the GPS coordinates constantly. The data collected is translated into maps of trouble zones, and from there they do a geographical analysis as to the best solution (if a solution is worth it, financially).

Verizon is unmatched in coverage, so they like to tout this. Also, I suspect that marketing wants their signal quality assurance guys to have a more human face... walking around and using a phone just like a regular joe.

I've always liked to think that he's just talking to a delayed loopback. Signal goes to a computer on a landline that echoes back a few seconds later.

Tech: "Can you hear me now?"
Phone: ".........Can you hear me now?"
Tech: "Good."
Phone: ".........Good."

And when he goes home at night, he talks to himself, gets into a solo argument, and then cries himself to sleep.

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Comment from on 2005-02-21

2005-02-22T06:15:39Z

Hi, I absolutely hate that "Can you hear me now" asshole. He's freaking annoying!]]>