Put your money where your ear is

In college, I signed up for long distance (telephone) service with a new company called Working Assets. Their big promotional campaign was sign up and get a free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. One percent of the bill goes to a good cause of your choice. Round up your payment and those pennies add up to a sizable donation, making it easy to make a difference.

When I got a cell phone, in 1999, I gave up my land line and never looked back. I've been with Sprint the entire time and while I've been happy with the reception, they charge too much and I don't care for their customer service. I never left them, however, because I didn't want to lose my phone number. Then when it became possible to take the phone number to another provider, I couldn't find any that were better.

One day, I got an email from Amnesty International (I've been meaning to write about their email communications because they're excellent) with a promotion for Working Assets...WIRELESS! This is the best deal on the planet. I get a free phone (and an update to Bluetooth, web and camera), they buy out my old contract with Sprint, they're on the Sprint network but offer cheaper plans AND 1% of my bill goes to a cause of my choice.

I called the customer service to get signed up and my sales representative was so nice. Kim explained everything, gave me all my options and was very patient while I made up my mind. I can't wait to get my cool new phone. If you want to give your provider the boot, get a free phone and make a difference, consider giving Working Assets a try.