So I'm thinking...

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***Dear WIND: Please ADMIT that ...

***Dear WIND: Please ADMIT that you're blocking ports, and work quickly to end it!*** (PORT BLOCKING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: DAY ONE of hopefully not many) I will be urging WIND to address and resolve the major issue of port blocking by posting this entire message daily. I encourage all to do the same, as we need to be reminded to be honest and accountable for our decisions at all times. Feel free to copy this message in its entirety and to suggest any changes. As of right now, WIND is failing to acknowledge the fact that they have blocked all data ports except for a few which must be “whitelisted”. What does port blocking mean? I’m no techie, but I can tell you that it means you cannot properly tether your phone (using its data as a modem for your computer), stream media (such as online radio or YouTube), or use common apps such as MSN, Google Talk, or GPS – something with which we are all familiar. It also means that real techies/IT professionals cannot utilize more advanced systems such as FTP, SSH, etc – you may not understand it, but just like checking Facebook your phone could be integral to you, fully accessing ports for web servers is equally important to them. (Note to BlackBerry users: Your Google Apps, MSN, Facebook, and email work because they use RIM’s own servers, not WIND’s. Try an app NOT developed and supported by RIM, and unfortunately, it won’t work.) Now the question is, why would WIND do it in the first place? After all, it’s a simple matter of click-click configuration rather than physically changing towers and equipment. Some might argue that it’s necessary to prevent abuse – if that’s the case why not block only certain ports (such as for P2P) rather than allowing only certain ports? Others might suggest that the network isn’t stable enough to handle it – but since only technies are going to take full advantage of opened ports, they would be able to assist WIND even more by reporting complex issues and providing expert advice on resolving them; plus, if that’s the reason then why not admit it’s being done? Yet, some insist that no other carrier opens ports so it’s not a big deal – well, since when has WIND ever aspired to be Rogers, Bell, or Telus? And if I’m not mistaken, Fido does not block ports. Personally, my biggest concern about WIND’s decision to block ports doesn’t have to do with that specific action as it has to do with the fact they’re being too quiet about it. Talking to the friendly sales reps and customer care reps, they have absolutely no clue what I’m complaining about – “sir, which carrier did you port your number from?” It’s a disappointment (and possibly offensive) that a customer has to inform an employee of their own company’s actions. I find it slightly disconcerting that WIND is, in a way, taking a page out of the Rogellus guidebook (despite priding themselves on being better) by proclaiming the feature of “Unlimited data” while forgetting to mention that users can only check their emails and browse the internet right now. Those of us on the $35 “Unlimited” Data plan are paying for usage we will never experience with blocked ports; as such, our data rate is far more than what Rogellus charge, that’s not fair! It doesn’t take a fancy press conference to make an announcement about blocking ports: we, the loyal supporters, politely yet firmly ask of WIND is to merely acknowledge that ports are currently blocked – by Chris on the blog; in a WIND Community response; a Facebook status update; a Tweet; an email to a subscriber – it doesn’t matter in what method or how lengthy as long as it’s done! But I have an even better solution to suggest, WIND – simply eliminate your “whitelist” and open all of the ports. You’ll cut down on support calls from people who can’t get this and that to work. You’ll give true value to the plans you’re offering customers. You’ll avoid undermining your employees’ professionalism (as well as your own). You’ll receive endorsements from techies – by far the smartest and most stringent critics of any carrier. Most of all, you’ll exceptionally prove that you remain committed to the principles you adopted since the days of Wireless Soapbox: listening to your customers and providing reasonable, top-notch service. I remain a staunch supporter and promoter of WIND; of its network, its plans/handsets, and its company philosophy. I am proud to say that I have been with WIND since Day One, and I see great potential for WIND to expand and mature in the years, if not decades, to come. Let this port-blocking business of WIND be a minor jolt of cold air and not a stench in the room.