UPDATE NOTE:

Before reading further, Click Here to see an update to the following information. 

Hello Everyone, 

One thing I have noticed on my new Samsung Epix SGH-i907 Smartphone (Blackjack 3) is, with the installation of Code Factory’s Mobile Speak software for the blind and low vision, the volume level of the first two or three seconds of the incoming call notification is very, very low.  I suppose this has something to do with the type of sound card used on the Epix. 

PROBLEM:

By the time the incoming call notification returned to its normal volume level so I could hear it, there was hardly enough time to pick up the phone and answer it before the call was sent to voicemail.  UGGGGGGGG!!!  Believe me, even with the phone sitting beside me on my desk, I started missing at least 40% of my incoming calls.

This was never a problem with my first love, the Samsung Blackjack II.  (One teardrop rolling down my left cheek, almost)  (Smile) 

Of course I could have decided to forever wear my Bluetooth headset but, for some reason, this thought did nothing but depress me.  I mean, there was no way I was going to wear a Bluetooth device in the shower.  (Smile)  Well, maybe I would have tried but, thank goodness, I found a better, no, a much, much better and, may I add, safer way. 

SOLUTION:

BEGIN NOTE: 
Unknown to me at the time, many Windows Mobile based devices, including the Samsung Epix, will allow you to modify the length of time before incoming calls are sent (forwarded) to voicemail. 

To adjust this setting directly from your Windows Mobile device, assuming it is available on your model:

1.
From the Start Menu, select Settings.

2.
Select Phone.  A Dialog Box will appear.

3.
Choose the Services Tab.

4.
Select Call Forwarding.  Your device will retrieve all call forwarding system settings from the wireless network.

5.
Now you will see all of the parameters for your device.  Make any adjustments you deem necessary. 
END NOTE

While thoughts of wrapping plastic bags around my Bluetooth-enabled left ear as I tentatively step into the shower, fearing shock, death, and worst of all, damaging the Bluetooth headset itself, I decided to call the AT&T Wireless call center by dialing 611 on my Smartphone (from my office, by the way).  From a landline I would have dialed (866)246-4852.

I requested that the amount of time before the network sends my incoming calls to voicemail be increased from 20 seconds, the standard amount of time to 30 seconds.  Voila!  Problem solved. 

Please note the following four points:

1.
There is no charge for modifying the amount of, what I like to call, ring-time on your account.

2.
Each ring-time setting is tied to a specific telephone number; thus, there is no need to worry if you have a family plan as each phone is adjusted separately..

3.
The adjustments must be in 5-second increments.  That is, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.

4.
While you can request that the amount of ring-time be increased to a number higher than 30 seconds, doing so will cause you to incur wireless usage charges as anything over 30 seconds counts as one minute.  As a result, assuming that you have your ring-time set to anything higher than 30 seconds, if you received 10 unanswered incoming calls in a day, you would have used up 10 of your wireless minutes. 

It is very unlikely that you will need to set your ring-time to anything higher than 30 seconds; frankly, I am amazed at how much difference 10 seconds has made when answering an incoming call.  My wireless life is sweet again.  (Smile) 

Non AT&T Wireless customers should check with their providers to see if similar adjustments can be made to their wireless accounts.

Enjoy,

Mark