Planet Fone Outdated equipment outdated batteries Internet

Prior to my one month backpacking trip to Western Scotland I responded to an ad from the AAA regarding renting a cellular phone for use in the UK.  I arranged for the phone to be delivered to me just prior to my early May 2011 departure.  The phone arrived by Fedex and after unwrapping it I was appalled to discover that the phone was an old Kyocera model, and that one battery had an "09" date written on it in magic marker.  I attempted to charge both batteries that came with the phone and it seemed that both accepted charges. 

I then put the phone, batteries, charger, and UK power adapter in my pack and left for Glasgow.

I must explain that I am 71 years old, and have solo backpacked all over the world, but nowadays for safety and health concerns I have begun taking a cell phone with me in my pack.

Well, anyway I successfully made a few phone calls within Scotland and back to the US and quickly learned that the date marked battery wouldn't take a charge, and the other battery would hold its charge for only about four hours.   As is true in most places of the world, power outlets don't exist in the wild in Scotland nor are they attached to trees.  The phone turned out to be useless unless actually connected to AC power through the charger.  Totally inoperable while on the trail.

I was so frustrated with the phone that I shipped it back to Planetfone in the provided prepaid shipping envelope on 5/16/2011 rather than the 6/3/2011 agreed upon return date.  I did this to try and cut my losses.

My total cost for this farce was $124.64

I called the AAA where I have had a membership since 1991 had they didn't seem to know anything about their sponsorship of Planetfone.  But said that they will check.