Got a new x427 online as a family add a line.  Came with phone number for
another town, ie I'd have to call long distance from land line to call it.

1st call to customer service said so sorry.  Have to get another sim card.
The number is burned in.  Take to any cingular store and they would do it.
Problem is is that nearest one for me is a 100 mile round trip.  Well, then
for shipping and handling they would send another.  Free phone is not free
anymore.

Local cingular franchise store tells me the same thing.

Made second call to customer service in order to complain long and loud.
Before I could, a knowledgeable voice said no problem.  Turn off for five
minutes and they'd give me a new number.  I did, they did and everything
seems to work.

I must admit, with my little knowledge, I didn't question the first guy.  Is
this something new?  Can the cards always be flashed remotely by Cingular?