My Conversation with ICE (The Phone Monopoly in Costa Rica), this morning:

Me: Hi, I am calling to get the configuration for GPRS Internet for my phone. I have already submited the request and documentation. I just need the configuration.

ICE: What is the Software Version number for your phone?

Me: 1.04-ROW

ICE: We dont support that version.

Me: Sir, the version of software you have on your website, 1.00/4099-RC, is old. It is not even an official version, it is a Release Candidate.... Beta Software!

ICE: I understand Sir, but if we authorize the activation of Internet on a phone that is not on the list, it could bring down the WHOLE system!

This is where I almost spit my coffee into my keyboard!

Me: That is impossible. In fact I was already using the phone during the beta period of Internet access, with NO problems. I just want to get the official connection now.

ICE: (He now knows that I am not going for the bullshit.) Eh, Our superiors will not allow us to configure a phone that does not have the version of software on our list!

Me: Look, all I need is for you to turn on Internet for my number. I dont need you to configure anything....

ICE: (Frustrated now) I can not do it.

It went on like that for 30 minutes, with me begging the guy to just activate the phone. No such luck. In the meantime almost anywhere else in the world, (Where there is competition), I could activate the service via internet...

Oh and one more thing on ICE.... I saw in the newspaper today that we will NOT be having the rolling blackouts that they announced at the end of last week.

UPDATE: Newsflash: I used some of my connections to get my Treo 680 authorized in the ICE System, then I configured it myself. I am NOW ONLINE with Chattermail and Blazer. It's nice to be back in my position as the most connected man in Costa Rica.

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