Here is my conversation regarding the Sprint Premium Data add-on (i.e. Awesome phone, surcharge.):
James: Hi! I'm a live Sprint product specialist. Are there any questions I may help answer for you today?
You: yes
James: What questions can I answer for you?
You: I currently have the everything data family plan with 1500 minutes. If I upgrade to the EVO do I need to change my plan?
James: I would be happy to check if you will have to change your plan with the HTC EVO.
James: Let's move this chat and make it a window of its own. That way, you'll still see this web page while we chat. Please click 'Yes' to move it now.
James: Thank you for moving the chat.
James: The HTC Evo will not require you to change your plan but it will require the Premium Data add-on.
James: A $10 Premium Data add-on will apply allowing customers to take advantage of all that HTC EVO 4G can do.
You: like what for example?
James: This device provides a premium experience like no other and is truly second-to-none. Customers will enjoy unlimited 3G or 4G data with EVO!
You: is 4g service offered in NJ?
James: May I please have your zip code to verify that for you?
You: 08721 and 07724
James: May I please have your zip code so I can check what Mobile Broadband Plans are available in you area?.
James: I'm sorry, about that.
James: Thanks, would you mind holding while I check?
You: sure
James: I'm sorry, unfortunately we do not offer 4G in your area.
You: when do you plan to offer 4g in my area?
James: In 2010, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets; however, specific cities have not been announced.
You: so what is the $10 charge for then?
James: Think of this charge as the price for paying for a first-class seat on an airplane. The rich data experience that comes with EVO ownership puts users in a class by themselves.
James: With a 4.3” screen, Advanced Processor and an 8MP camcorder/camera; these features provide capabilities that were previously never available on a wireless device.
You: but that's what the phone does not the service. what does the service provide for that $10?
James: Because we've boosted your data experience with this phone's amazing services and features, you'll need the $10 Premium Data add-on.
This was like trying to nail jello to the wall. As much as I want this phone I don't know if I can justify an extra $10 on top of what I pay for the everything data family plan and an aircard.
logosolos said:
This was like trying to nail jello to the wall. As much as I want this phone I don't know if I can justify an extra $10 on top of what I pay for the everything data family plan and an aircard.
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Click to collapse
wifi tether and eliminate a bill, or simply just compare to at&t/verizon prices. still can't beat them.... we sprint customers are spoiled and fail to look at the rest of the cell companies out there
looneylu said:
wifi tether and eliminate a bill, or simply just compare to at&t/verizon prices. still can't beat them.... we sprint customers are spoiled and fail to look at the rest of the cell companies out there
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Click to collapse
I concur. We'll see what website activation does for my plan... or if it'll not let me because it's an Evo.
wifi tether and eliminate a bill, or simply just compare to at&t/verizon prices. still can't beat them.... we sprint customers are spoiled and fail to look at the rest of the cell companies out there
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Click to collapse
I would just tether except for the fact that I'm locked in a two-year contract with my aircard. I could compare it to at&t and verizon but that's a fallacious argument. I think where my frustration comes in is the fact that they're charging me for 4G service with only a vague promise that I'll get it. But I think what really bothers me is the fact that it just seems dishonest.
I would gladly pay for the 4G service separately if they offered it in my area but I don't see why I have to subsidize other peoples' service.
I feel like everyone who says "Yes" is in a 4G market and everyone who says "No" isn't.
wastingoctober said:
I feel like everyone who says "Yes" is in a 4G market and everyone who says "No" isn't.
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LOL Yeah I guess that kinda makes sense.
i work for sprint and im iffy about the situation im like 50/50 on it does it suck yea but if thats what i have to pay to get unlimited data and for sprint not to **** everyone like at&t then yea **** it why not
I'm not in a 4g market but 10$ is nothing compared to the useless things I spend ten bucks on every day
It really don't matter to me. Don't let 10$ stop you. From this phone
P.S. the sprint online reps is just bots that are program with tags to answer your question if I say the same thing ill get the same answers from them.
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Doesn't it also remove the soft cap on 3g service?
I wasnt thrilled about the extra $10 charge (especially being we have TWO Evo's) and not being in a 4G area but at the end of the month, my bill is still $30 less than with VZW and now my wife has internet on her phone also.
Plus both our phones are rooted and wifi tethered so thats $30 less per phone I have to pay.
logosolos said:
I would just tether except for the fact that I'm locked in a two-year contract with my aircard. I could compare it to at&t and verizon but that's a fallacious argument. I think where my frustration comes in is the fact that they're charging me for 4G service with only a vague promise that I'll get it. But I think what really bothers me is the fact that it just seems dishonest.
I would gladly pay for the 4G service separately if they offered it in my area but I don't see why I have to subsidize other peoples' service.
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Click to collapse
Ask Sprint to move the Aircard contract over to the $30 a month HotSpot tether. That way you can decrease you monthly expenditure by 1/2 and still get a good experience with it.
mrmomoman said:
Ask Sprint to move the Aircard contract over to the $30 a month HotSpot tether. That way you can decrease you monthly expenditure by 1/2 and still get a good experience with it.
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Click to collapse
Perhaps I'll look into doing that. Thanks for the tip.
From what I understand, the $10 extra that you are paying is for truly unlimited data for both 3G and 4G. Otherwise there is a 5GB limit (supposedly) for 3G. I know of a couple of people who have gotten this phone who are going to dump their home wired internet service and just WiFi tether from their rooted phone.
With 2GB caps announced at AT&T and rumors of Verizon following suit, be glad you can get truly unlimited Internet. Just wait until the Netflix app comes out and you will start streaming HD through your phone and outputting it over micro HDMI to your big screen TV.
The possibilities of this phone is staggering.
ChrisDos said:
With 2GB caps announced at AT&T and rumors of Verizon following suit, be glad you can get truly unlimited Internet.
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exactly, but for how long? i'm content with paying $10/mo for unlimited data, but if sprint decides to start tiered pricing in a few months, i'll be upset.
I know... Sprint has always been good to me which is why I use them. Much better than AT&T or Verizon as far as their billing practices go and service. I had an AT&T rep at the mall tell me that they offer "unlimited data service up to 5GB." I then had to explain to him what unlimited meant.
Sprint also tried to downgrade my unlimited plan for my aircard when I upgraded to they're new WiMax device. They waved that carrot in front of my face for free and I took it, hook line and sinker. Then I called them up and went ballistic and they changed it back cause I've been with them a long time.
I was told and have posted this a couple times now, the $10 fee isnt for a service, thats right not a service, not $10 for 4g/3g/extra data we may, or may not use.... the $10 extra is, to put it simply, for the device(evo) and im not complaining(yet) I'd pay an extra 10 a month for it for a while without being to pissed off, but after this 1st year i may start complaining a little
$10 to lose the cap
I live in Atlanta in a 4g market. 4g does not quite make it in my house or anywhere at work unless I am standing next to the window.
I have downloaded 1.5GB over the past 3 days, over 3g only so I am happy to not have the 5gb cap.
My data averaged 6GB on my T-mo MyTouch3G, they allow up to 10GB so it was no problem there either.
gabemeyers said:
I was told and have posted this a couple times now, the $10 fee isnt for a service, thats right not a service, not $10 for 4g/3g/extra data we may, or may not use.... the $10 extra is, to put it simply, for the device(evo) and im not complaining(yet) I'd pay an extra 10 a month for it for a while without being to pissed off, but after this 1st year i may start complaining a little
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Click to collapse
So the $10 monthly fee isn't even for the service it's for the phone itself... nice. Has that ever happened before in the history of phones?
I'm not renting or leasing it. I bought it. I am paying Sprint for the service. And now I'm paying them a monthly charge to use a good phone? No thanks. It looks like a slippery slope to me.
I think I'll stick with my Hero.
ChrisDos said:
With 2GB caps announced at AT&T and rumors of Verizon following suit, be glad you can get truly unlimited Internet. Just wait until the Netflix app comes out and you will start streaming HD through your phone and outputting it over micro HDMI to your big screen TV.
The possibilities of this phone is staggering.
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Click to collapse
Your right. Most of the 4 major carriers are cracking down on they data. att and verizon will soon cut or charge more for data. att already took out unlimited data.
Be happy that sprint really stick to they word and give you "simply everything"
Yes Simply Everything but EVO unless you pay an extra 10 bucks.
Related
So, according to this: http://www.androidcentral.com/sprint-evo-4g-pricing-availability-announced -- Sprint's going to charge an extra $10/month for premium data and $30/month for mobile hotspot. Is it worth it? An extra $40/month on top of whatever "Simply" plan you have.
In all fairness, the hotspot fee can probably be avoided once the phone is rooted. . . but still. XDA, what do you think?
Sorry for the double post, but I just saw this: http://www.androidcentral.com/how-do-you-feel-about-evo-4g-pricing
Apparently the premium data, is 4G and is optional. However, if you do happen to live in a 4G area AND you want mobile hotspot, paying $40 more per month seems too much. IMO. For scale, a personal Simply Everything plan is $70/month.
For mobile hotspot just use wifi tether (once we have root). I don't believe that Sprint has the right to tell me how or where I can use the data I purchased from them (furthermore I believe it's a violation of net neutrality, which isn't law yet, but it will be).
As for the $10 premium data - I'm fine with it. My Sprint plan will still cost half as much as what an iPhone user pays. I don't mind Sprint charging extra if only it means less people will sign up for it and keep the network load down.
greymalken said:
Sorry for the double post, but I just saw this: http://www.androidcentral.com/how-do-you-feel-about-evo-4g-pricing
Apparently the premium data, is 4G and is optional. However, if you do happen to live in a 4G area AND you want mobile hotspot, paying $40 more per month seems too much. IMO. For scale, a personal Simply Everything plan is $70/month.
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Click to collapse
It's not optional. You WILL pay +$10 every month if you have an Evo activated.
http://jbtaylor.posterous.com/more-detail-on-the-sprint-evo-4g-10month-prem
keatre said:
It's not optional. You WILL pay +$10 every month if you have an Evo activated.
http://jbtaylor.posterous.com/more-detail-on-the-sprint-evo-4g-10month-prem
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Just called, it doesn't cost extra to use 4G
extra
It does cost extra, I currently have a 4g air card and pay the $10 extra fee (this covers 4g for every line) so when the phone come out I won't be paying any more than I am now. As for the $30 fee for the hotspot, I might as well ditch my air card for that, but we will see. There is always wifi teether.
mrono said:
Just called, it doesn't cost extra to use 4G
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That is incorrect. The reps are being flooded with calls at the moment, and no one really has a clue what's going on. Sprint has said it will cost extra, the head PR guy said it will cost extra, ALL blogs/tech sites are reporting it will cost extra. The evidence stacks up against a lonely rep.
This really pisses me off. I blame it on the god damned I-Phone sheep that didn't mind paying 100 a month to AT&T for something I've been getting included in my cell plans for years. Sprint is trying to pull an AT&T, and will probably get away with it.
No WONDER it's only 199- You're (and maybe me) going to be paying them an extra $240 for 4g access. Add in the mobile hotspot (Which I absolutely will not pay for), and that's an extra $960-
It's called back loading, and it's crap.
It's 1's and 0's.... OTA. Same 1's and 0's as I get now. I'm going to use probably the same amount of data as I do now- but have to pay more?
Device specific charge? WTF is up with that? It's a &()@*( phone.
jesus, calm down. it's called sprint wanting to make some money since they've been financially in the ****ter for ages now and viciously undercutting competitors and offering discounts left and right hasn't done much to improve their situation. now that they have a phone people want and the first 4g network, it makes sense that they'd use it to their advantage. besides, even at $80/mo base if you get the 27% discount (which everyone can if they bother to check slickdeals) it's still around $60/month, cheaper than anyone else by a bit
billobob said:
jesus, calm down. it's called sprint wanting to make some money since they've been financially in the ****ter for ages now and viciously undercutting competitors and offering discounts left and right hasn't done much to improve their situation. now that they have a phone people want and the first 4g network, it makes sense that they'd use it to their advantage. besides, even at $80/mo base if you get the 27% discount (which everyone can if they bother to check slickdeals) it's still around $60/month, cheaper than anyone else by a bit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats slick deals?
jscurek said:
This really pisses me off. I blame it on the god damned I-Phone sheep that didn't mind paying 100 a month to AT&T for something I've been getting included in my cell plans for years. Sprint is trying to pull an AT&T, and will probably get away with it.
No WONDER it's only 199- You're (and maybe me) going to be paying them an extra $240 for 4g access. Add in the mobile hotspot (Which I absolutely will not pay for), and that's an extra $960-
It's called back loading, and it's crap.
It's 1's and 0's.... OTA. Same 1's and 0's as I get now. I'm going to use probably the same amount of data as I do now- but have to pay more?
Device specific charge? WTF is up with that? It's a &()@*( phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What bothers me is that i'd rather have it be a fee for using 4G, not the phone in general, considering most of us don't even have access to 4G yet. So they are charging us to use something we can't!
mrono said:
What bothers me is that i'd rather have it be a fee for using 4G, not the phone in general, considering most of us don't even have access to 4G yet. So they are charging us to use something we can't!
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Click to collapse
'nother way to look at it is paying $10 to remove the data cap..(btw, I dont agree with or like the fee, just sayin')
mrono said:
What bothers me is that i'd rather have it be a fee for using 4G, not the phone in general, considering most of us don't even have access to 4G yet. So they are charging us to use something we can't!
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Click to collapse
+1 on this one. Sucks for us that don't have 4G available.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/02/atandt-makes-sweeping-changes-to-data-plans-iphone-tethering-comi/
http://gizmodo.com/5553418/att-just-killed-unlimited-wireless-data-and-screwed-everybody-in-the-process
those are the giz and engadget links.
basically they are getting rid of unlimited data and are charging you buy the megabyte/gigabyte. it's 15 a month for 200mb and 25 a month for 2gb. if you go over the 200mb limit on that plan it's another 15$ for 200mb that month. so that means for 1gb of use on that plan your paying 65$ for 1 gb on that plan. and if your on the 2gb plan it's 10$ for another 1gb. only good thing is if you use more than 200 you can switch to the higher priced plan and save some money, and it seems you can do this on a month to month basis.
there is a lot more stuff in the articles you guys should read. but honestly we shouldn't complain about the 10 dollars extra for the evo. for that ten dollars we get unlimited txt, unlimited data, and unlimited mobile to mobile. no other carrier can provide this. on other carries txting alone costs like an extra 20 a month for unlimited.
you know what i'll be happy to pay the 10 a month on the evo even though i live in miami without 4g. that 120 a year will just help get 4g out to everyone faster. we're lucky it's just ten. look at what other carriers are doing, we are really lucky.
good now more people will be coming to sprint lol
Nice! iPhone users will suck it up. haha that's funny new iPhone will users will love this
Haha this is sad. Happy i switched to flexpay
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i was going over my plan with a sprint rep the other day just to make sure i was ready for the evo and she told me that the unlimited mobile-to-mobile is ANY mobile, across any carrier! i had just assumed it was in-network mobiles.
thats freakin' AWESOME. way to go sprint
SilverStone641 said:
i was going over my plan with a sprint rep the other day just to make sure i was ready for the evo and she told me that the unlimited mobile-to-mobile is ANY mobile, across any carrier! i had just assumed it was in-network mobiles.
thats freakin' AWESOME. way to go sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, "Any mobile, any time." It's saved me so many minutes, and you get it long as you have an everything data plan.
Thank God I'm switching from AT&T. The new data plan prices are asanine. The point of getting an iPhone is to promote more web use. In life I learned that if you have too little of something you tend to need/use/want more. AT&T will make a killing off overage buckets.
Netflix is supposedly coming to the iPhone. Are you telling me that 200mb a month will suffice when streaming a movie. You will easily use that just watching ONE movie. You have to be a fool to even consider those plans an option.
To be honest, if it was not for Sprint's price, I would be with Verizon. So the extra $10 is not a super deal breaker... it is just annoying, but still maybe a bit cheaper then Verizon. I just hope that those extra $10 help install a bunch of
4G towers everywhere because I want to get my money's worth.
What annoys me is that I am supposed to get unlimited, but it was always known to have a soft cap at 5gb. So now I bet they will enforce it. Does my $10 make it truly unlimited in 4G AND 3G? I get no clear answer here. Because I KNOW that I will be on 3G more than 4G...
Also... I used to get free tethering in Sprint with my plan (I have a shared plan with my wife, 1500 mins, unlimited) Do I no longer get that? Do I have to pay the stupid $30/month for that? That is what annoys me.
Also what will happen when/if they go to 2.2? Will they disable the hotspot in Froyo?
As far as ATT is concerned... I just feel sorry for them, and for those that have to use them. Verizon makes a good point that your phone is only as good as your network, and theirs sucks. My buddy has to walk outside to send a text on his iphone. Many of the people I work with have Iphones that don't work well at all where we are. They would rather deal with THAT then give them up. I feel sorry for them to be that blinded. Have a phone that does not work at your place of work just to have an iphone... that is retarded.
$250/mo with AT&T or Less than $100/mo with Sprint. I could care less about the $10 premium for 4G considering how much I used to pay. I believe that these new plans will drive many people away.
cpnichols said:
To be honest, if it was not for Sprint's price, I would be with Verizon. So the extra $10 is not a super deal breaker... it is just annoying, but still maybe a bit cheaper then Verizon. I just hope that those extra $10 help install a bunch of
4G towers everywhere because I want to get my money's worth.
What annoys me is that I am supposed to get unlimited, but it was always known to have a soft cap at 5gb. So now I bet they will enforce it. Does my $10 make it truly unlimited in 4G AND 3G? I get no clear answer here. Because I KNOW that I will be on 3G more than 4G...
Also... I used to get free tethering in Sprint with my plan (I have a shared plan with my wife, 1500 mins, unlimited) Do I no longer get that? Do I have to pay the stupid $30/month for that? That is what annoys me.
Also what will happen when/if they go to 2.2? Will they disable the hotspot in Froyo?
As far as ATT is concerned... I just feel sorry for them, and for those that have to use them. Verizon makes a good point that your phone is only as good as your network, and theirs sucks. My buddy has to walk outside to send a text on his iphone. Many of the people I work with have Iphones that don't work well at all where we are. They would rather deal with THAT then give them up. I feel sorry for them to be that blinded. Have a phone that does not work at your place of work just to have an iphone... that is retarded.
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Click to collapse
never heard of a cap on sprint so don't know about that. and there are at least 5 different ways to tether on an android phone through either root or applications like pda-net. i think it's like 10 dollars and once you buy it you can tether all you want with the program. the 30.00 a month thing is for people who don't know about those type of things.
cpnichols said:
Also... I used to get free tethering in Sprint with my plan (I have a shared plan with my wife, 1500 mins, unlimited) Do I no longer get that? Do I have to pay the stupid $30/month for that? That is what annoys me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you tethered with Sprint for "free" you were stealing data.
cpnichols said:
... that is retarded.
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Click to collapse
that's offensive.
pididente said:
If you tethered with Sprint for "free" you were stealing data.
that's offensive.
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Click to collapse
i always wondered why it was ok to talk about tethering hacks but not about warez / hacked apps... both should be considered stealing.
and i am so over this "anti-retarded" movement. i think it is retarded...
gqstatus0685 said:
Thank God I'm switching from AT&T. The new data plan prices are asanine. The point of getting an iPhone is to promote more web use. In life I learned that if you have too little of something you tend to need/use/want more. AT&T will make a killing off overage buckets.
Netflix is supposedly coming to the iPhone. Are you telling me that 200mb a month will suffice when streaming a movie. You will easily use that just watching ONE movie. You have to be a fool to even consider those plans an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind netflix on the ipad too, that runs on 3g as well and is restricted to the caps
cpnichols said:
To be honest, if it was not for Sprint's price, I would be with Verizon. So the extra $10 is not a super deal breaker... it is just annoying, but still maybe a bit cheaper then Verizon. I just hope that those extra $10 help install a bunch of
4G towers everywhere because I want to get my money's worth.
What annoys me is that I am supposed to get unlimited, but it was always known to have a soft cap at 5gb. So now I bet they will enforce it. Does my $10 make it truly unlimited in 4G AND 3G? I get no clear answer here. Because I KNOW that I will be on 3G more than 4G...
Also... I used to get free tethering in Sprint with my plan (I have a shared plan with my wife, 1500 mins, unlimited) Do I no longer get that? Do I have to pay the stupid $30/month for that? That is what annoys me.
Also what will happen when/if they go to 2.2? Will they disable the hotspot in Froyo?
As far as ATT is concerned... I just feel sorry for them, and for those that have to use them. Verizon makes a good point that your phone is only as good as your network, and theirs sucks. My buddy has to walk outside to send a text on his iphone. Many of the people I work with have Iphones that don't work well at all where we are. They would rather deal with THAT then give them up. I feel sorry for them to be that blinded. Have a phone that does not work at your place of work just to have an iphone... that is retarded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the limits are:
3g = 5GB/month
4g = real unlimited
and yes sprint will disable tethering in froyo, they disabled gps in the sprint touch so only they could use it with their navigation app(which they charged for)
Yeah i seen the ATT price changes yesterday also. WTF are they thinking? Maybe the iPhone and it generated traffic is actually killing thier network after all. I would blow through 200mb in a day. I am a little over 5gb so far this month with VZW.
srtpusher said:
i always wondered why it was ok to talk about tethering hacks but not about warez / hacked apps... both should be considered stealing.
and i am so over this "anti-retarded" movement. i think it is retarded...
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Click to collapse
yeah but with tethering it's not like you don't have the ability built in and data is data regardless of device so you shouldn't have to pay so much for the option. 15 or 20 is "reasonable" 30 is a little much in my opinion. and with the new 10 dollars extra we get "truly unlimited data" 3g and 4g. i don't consider it stealing, i consider it circumventing an idiot tax but thats just me.
thorpe24 said:
...the 30.00 a month thing is for people who don't know about those type of things.
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Click to collapse
+1
People who don't know any better will get the $30 tethering package. However, being on XDA probably means that 98% of us know better. I am willing to bet that the following will work:
ROOT + Wi-Fi Tether app = Free Wi-Fi tethering.
actually some one has tried it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=694047
this thread has stuff about wifi-tether etc.
Just because you can afford the extra $10 for whatever reason they give, does not negate the fact that its bogus. Changes are always incremental, so if you delay or prevent increases in fees, the less you pay in the long run. By letting any company do this without complaining, it makes it alright in their eyes and they will do it more often. Wouldn't you from a business standpoint?
Besides, Sprint has been bleeding postpaid customers for years, they should continue to bring in new people with the low plans and not tax the higher end users (cuz they know they will pay)
Just a thought I had today, but since the $10 fee did seem to come out of no where, but sometime after they said the 4G would be free at CITA, and since they haven't expressly said it was for the 4G data...
Perhaps, they knew the first batch of phones were going to have the screen problem, as well as other problems, but they found out after they had several thousand/hundred thousand made, thus knowing they were going to have to replace a hell of a lot of phones within a month or two and with this so-called "Prem Data Fee" they could regain some of the money for replacing all the early adopters phones.
I don't have the screen problem...yet, but I'm going to be exchanging mine because the speaker is half blown or something in the earpiece.
Any takers on the idea?
Doubt it, but it's definitely an excuse to pad their pockets a bit more, since Sprint has the lowest margins across all post-paid providers.
I was thinking more along the lines of the stupid amount of data we are going to be using on these phones with 4g. on 3g alone i've used 350mb in 3 1/2 days (i love it) Honestly this 3g is really fast, faster than verizon and t-mobile thus far (speed test prove it). I get better signal is area that my verizon phone does, but that might because its a storm 2 ()
Interesting theory, but I think it's a bit far fetched. I truly think the $10 is for unrestricted data usage, which I am thoroughly enjoying.
I for one hope they plan to use the extra money to strengthen and expand the 4G coverage.
It is a little bit far-fetched, but you never know. Last minuet stuff always happens and companies might make drastic measures to compensate themselves.
It was just a thought, especially since they've never actually said the fee was for the data, it's for the phone experience, which directly links it to the phone, if you go by what they say the fee is for.
why is everybody obsessed with this fee
the reason the fee exists is because the market will bear it.
whether that makes you happy or sad is on you
strung said:
the reason the fee exists is because the market will bear it.
whether that makes you happy or sad is on you
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Strung you are boosting the IQ of the forum with answers like these
Lord knows we need all the help we can get since I'm on here bringing us down
Probably the same ideology as to why AT&T ditched the unlimited data plan right before or when the iPhone 4 was announced.
Sprint needs customers and since the EVO is going to be one major source of income and/or data usage...they probably decided to implement a fee for unlimited 3G/4G data usage while keeping the unlimited plan available. When you think of Sprint, you immediately think "SIMPLY UNLIMITED EVERYTHING!"
What I say or think really doesn't matter...the $10 fee is mandatory so there is no use in trying to fight it or be sneaky about trying to get out of paying it.
I am glad I have this fee and no soft cap. I have used 1GB+ in the last 6 days. I get to laugh at ATTs new customers about their 2GB cap hahahaha.
engagedtosmile said:
I am glad I have this fee and no soft cap. I have used 1GB+ in the last 6 days. I get to laugh at ATTs new customers about their 2GB cap hahahaha.
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But why? According to AT&T, a majority of its customers wouldn't even come close to the 2GB cap and do not need unlimited data
I was always under the assumption for the charge that you can hook the evo up to any computer via usb and use it for internet access.
eck0728 said:
I was thinking more along the lines of the stupid amount of data we are going to be using on these phones with 4g. on 3g alone i've used 350mb in 3 1/2 days (i love it)...QUOTE]
That's exactly what Dan Hesse said the fee was for.
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Well, just an update...
The Sprint store said that my speaker was wacko for sure, and when I checked the other two phones we have tonight, both of their screens are raising up. What find strange is, mine got 10x the usage over the last week than the other two did and mine doesn't have the screen problem...yet.
Anyhow, I guess Sprint will be sending us 3 new phones.
i am rooted using wifi tether and i dont feel the least bit bad for it.. they are going to screw me for an extra 10 bucs a month im going to get my monies worth..... take that sprint.
I plan on returning my Evo tomorrow. I don't care how much data you use, they shouldn't offer a unlimited data plan if they don't like you using unlimited data. I have filed a complaint through the FCC and encourage everyone here to do so as well. This is deceptive advertising, and an unlawful fee. The name of the fee is "premium data plan" but other than the 6 people that live in a 4g network, it is a "right to own the Evo fee". You DON'T have to pay it, you SHOULDN'T be paying it. I am never passionate about anything ever, but this one really puts me over the edge. http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
Thank goodness I don't pay it... well not really. 10$ off from the IO conference.
bigough13 said:
I plan on returning my Evo tomorrow. I don't care how much data you use, they shouldn't offer a unlimited data plan if they don't like you using unlimited data. I have filed a complaint through the FCC and encourage everyone here to do so as well. This is deceptive advertising, and an unlawful fee. The name of the fee is "premium data plan" but other than the 6 people that live in a 4g network, it is a "right to own the Evo fee". You DON'T have to pay it, you SHOULDN'T be paying it. I am never passionate about anything ever, but this one really puts me over the edge. http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
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Why did you buy a 4g phone if you don't live in a 4g area?
rutter9 said:
Why did you buy a 4g phone if you don't live in a 4g area?
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I got the phone for the hardware, and android. I want to go to T-Mobile for the HD2, but it lacks the 8mp camera, no WiFi tether, and WinMo, yuck. I understand the fee in 4g areas, but they can't justify the fee for any other area. Call/email them, they sound like idiots trying to explain why we're being charged $10. "Rich data experience" (3g network?), "1ghz processor", "YouTube hd", "android operating system" are all the reasons I have gotten. I can provide email proof. The fee is a scam, not premium data.
I've never been one to complain about our $10/mo "Premium Data" add on, but apparently there is a class action lawsuit starting regarding it. The below is the text of an email that was sent out regarding it (and the page at http://www.bursor.com/press/101203sprint4g.html)
If You Purchased a Sprint EVO 4G or EPIC 4G Cellphone, You May Be Interested in a Class Action Lawsuit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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A class action lawsuit was filed alleging that Sprint customers that purchased the EVO 4G or EPIC 4G cellphones are being charged a $10 monthly “Premium Data Add-On” fee, despite the fact that these customers had already paid for unlimited data usage under their existing Sprint calling plans.
Law Offices of Scott A. Bursor, www.bursor.com, is investigating claims that these charges may be improper.
If you purchased a Sprint EVO 4G or EPIC 4G cellphone, we would like to hear from you so we can investigate whether you incurred this charge, how many customers have been affected, and whether there may be valid legal claims for a refund. Please contact us by responding to this email or by calling us directly at (646) 504-7781.
About Law Offices of Scott A. Bursor
Scott A. Bursor, has represented plaintiffs in class action lawsuits against Sprint and other wireless carriers since 2002. Many of these cases are discussed in detail at www.bursor.com.
Contact:
Scott A. Bursor
Email: [email protected]
www.bursor.com
IMO, The only thing this will do is raise our rates as Sprint has additional costs arguing with this guy.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
Old news, but sprint data is cheaper than everyone else anyway.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
thx for the info. calling tomorrow
You are assuming the 10 dollars is for 4G. I've always thought it was for more or less having a next generational phone. Both the evo/epic encourage people to use data in ways none of the other devices do. Because of the specs, everything is faster, web browsing, multtasking, gaming - even if you are on 3G.
Sprint realized that giving an unlimited buffet to a blackberry user is much different than giving an unlimited buffet to someone using these phones.
It would be interesting if sprint ends up having to release some of this data to explain the fee. Those 1tb montly users may come in handy at that time.
Even with the fee, sprint has one of the cheapest and best data plans around.
Trahloc said:
True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
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Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Trahloc said:
True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
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That boils down to how much data you use..if they go Tiered data like Verizon they could charge you $10 a month per GB per phone...so if you don't use much data thats fine..
In the end each person will get like 5$ settlement and the lawyer will get millions in his own pocket..If only they had a limitation on how much these lawyers can get in 1 law suite >.>
Cause these law suites are a lawyers "All you can eat"...not to mention they will end up fighting it for like 10 years..
Trahloc said:
True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
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I live in New Orleans and I think the closest 4G city is 350 miles away (Houston). I too wanted an Android phone with a keyboard that wasn't abandoned by the manufacturer for support.
I think it's the principal of paying for something Sprint isn't giving me an opportunity to utilize that irritates me the most. However, I didn't want to drop Sprint (due to plan costs) and I really wanted the Epic. So I gave in.
diego1985 said:
Old news, but sprint data is cheaper than everyone else anyway.
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That is the kicker, they are the cheapest--even with the 4G charge.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
They now have the samsung transform.
I still see justification for the fee even without the 4G. they are effectively lumping us into a high data tier. In reality, maybe they should just make it actually tiered.
nikon120 said:
I live in New Orleans and I think the closest 4G city is 350 miles away (Houston). I too wanted an Android phone with a keyboard that wasn't abandoned by the manufacturer for support.
I think it's the principal of paying for something Sprint isn't giving me an opportunity to utilize that irritates me the most. However, I didn't want to drop Sprint (due to plan costs) and I really wanted the Epic. So I gave in.
That is the kicker, they are the cheapest--even with the 4G charge.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Tiered would be annoying but livable. Make $40/mo something reasonable with X charge per GB and then past some other reasonable point make it unlimited. But a mandatory charge of $10 for a feature I neither want or use just pisses me off. At least metro pcs had the decency to say "that phone isn't allowed on that plan" when we tried snagging their android phone for the folks using that network. Sprint should do that same, you don't want folks using high end phones on the cheap plans don't allow them on, don't create a fake tax.
Trahloc said:
Tiered would be annoying but livable. Make $40/mo something reasonable with X charge per GB and then past some other reasonable point make it unlimited. But a mandatory charge of $10 for a feature I neither want or use just pisses me off. At least metro pcs had the decency to say "that phone isn't allowed on that plan" when we tried snagging their android phone for the folks using that network. Sprint should do that same, you don't want folks using high end phones on the cheap plans don't allow them on, don't create a fake tax.
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You shouldn't have bought the phone then. Every single person who bought this phone or the evo KNEW that there as a $10/month fee but still bought it because they just HAD to have the newest phones. If the fee is really that big of an issue then you wouldn't have bought the phone. When I bought the phone.I too the cost into consideration and decided that the$10 fee was justifiable and even with it I would still be paying less than ANY OTHER CARRIER for the same plan. People need to stop *****ing just to *****
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Sh0wNuF said:
You shouldn't have bought the phone then. Every single person who bought this phone or the evo KNEW that there as a $10/month fee but still bought it because they just HAD to have the newest phones. If the fee is really that big of an issue then you wouldn't have bought the phone. When I bought the phone.I too the cost into consideration and decided that the$10 fee was justifiable and even with it I would still be paying less than ANY OTHER CARRIER for the same plan. People need to stop *****ing just to *****
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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I agree with you right there. Before any ever bought the phone the fees were right there.
I say good luck with the lawsuit. 99% sure you will not get what you want out of it regardless if you win or lose.
Let me clarify one thing... I'm not assuming jack. I read the agreement and I know it's not just a 4g charge. My post was purely informative. Hence "4g tax" in quotations.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
This just end cost all of us more. Some of these lawyers need to be reigned in.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
iil said:
They now have the samsung transform.
I still see justification for the fee even without the 4G. they are effectively lumping us into a high data tier. In reality, maybe they should just make it actually tiered.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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There is no justification without 4G. The reason is you've purchased the phone.... You own it and it's capabilities. It's connection to the internet is a separate issue.
Would you pay more for wired internet service because you have a better graphics card and faster CPU in your home PC?
Tiered pricing?? I don't think Sprint wants that because people will then jump to Verizon or T-Mobile. Both of those carriers still offer unlimited data. TMO might slow down your data speed, if you go over 5GB, but it's still all you can eat.
Sprint's justification for the $10 premium fee is to make a few extra bucks and to cover the cost of what they pay to Clearwire. Clearwire charges $5 per WiMax capable phone Sprint has on it's network. So Sprint had a choice.. Pass the charge along or eat it as part of doing business. Personally, being that Sprint advertises unlimited data, and they're not subsidizing their 4G phones like the other carriers are doing with their top end phones (Have you seen what the other Galaxy S variants sell for on TMO, ATT, VzW, etc?), I think they should have just eaten the $5 (What Clearwires charges them) and also renegotiate their contract with Clearwire to only pay them the fee where Clearwire has service.
Here's another thing. Unlike ATT, Sprint has excess capacity on it's existing EVDO network, so it's not really costing Sprint anything to offer unlimited data on it's 3G network. It just doesn't make sense for Sprint to offer tiered data.
crabjoe said:
There is no justification without 4G. The reason is you've purchased the phone.... You own it and it's capabilities. It's connection to the internet is a separate issue.
Would you pay more for wired internet service because you have a better graphics card and faster CPU in your home PC?
Tiered pricing?? I don't think Sprint wants that because people will then jump to Verizon or T-Mobile. Both of those carriers still offer unlimited data. TMO might slow down your data speed, if you go over 5GB, but it's still all you can eat.
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Verizon plans to go tiered Data as well..as for T-mobile not sure yet..but it might end up all of them going Tiered data...such dumb lawsuit is only going to push them towards tiered data... mostly if Verizon and ATT go that route...
In the end the lawyer will be the only winner...these lawsuits last YEARS...
Sprint's justification for the $10 premium fee is to make a few extra bucks and to cover the cost of what they pay to Clearwire. Clearwire charges $5 per WiMax capable phone Sprint has on it's network. So Sprint had a choice.. Pass the charge along or eat it as part of doing business. Personally, being that Sprint advertises unlimited data, and they're not subsidizing their 4G phones like the other carriers are doing with their top end phones (Have you seen what the other Galaxy S variants sell for on TMO, ATT, VzW, etc?), I think they should have just eaten the $5 (What Clearwires charges them) and also renegotiate their contract with Clearwire to only pay them the fee where Clearwire has service.
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Actually if clearwire doesn't have service sprint doesn't pay them and takes money for themselves..thats what clearwire has been complaining about to sprint...
Here's another thing. Unlike ATT, Sprint has excess capacity on it's existing EVDO network, so it's not really costing Sprint anything to offer unlimited data on it's 3G network. It just doesn't make sense for Sprint to offer tiered data.
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The CEO of Sprint said for now he doesn't see a reason to go Tiered data but if the need arises they will..so take that as you will..
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Overall though the TP2 went for 350$ on sprint...now phones are 200$-250$ top tiered..I say that about covers most of the $10 fee
but what you fail to understand is it is called "premium data":
this includes:
free sprint tv
sprint navigation
unlimited roaming
unlimited data (3g or 4g)
sprint is aware that by owning a 4g capable device (ie epic, evo, shift 4g) that this higher end devices have better capabilities and can actually use 3g faster and better than any other device.
they are also aware that through android (did you think about the fact that all 4g capable devices are android only) there are programs that will allow you to have connection to 3g/4g on your computer via wireless tether or wired tether for free. and instead of filtering out these units, placing caps, or throttling data after it hits a certian point...they give a 10$ fee. instead of going like the other wireless giants and tremendously increasing their rates or placing outrageous caps (seriously a 2 gig cap on the iphone plan att?). and it gives you the ability to connect to 4g whenever you go to a place that has 4g.
so is the charge unfair? i think not.
but then again, this is america, where we can ***** and moan about a hot cup of coffee and make a billion in a law suit.
i honestly believe if you dont like the premium data is "unfair" go to att or verison. seriously, ***** and moan about not getting froyo or something that really matters.
diego1985 said:
Old news, but sprint data is cheaper than everyone else anyway.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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+1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=868877&highlight=lawsuit
Sprint played this dumb from the get go, it's their fault. Dan Hesse said there wouldn't be a 4G fee of any kind. Since they did indeed have to charge a 4G fee, they tried to play customers dumb by saying it's a premium data fee because it consumes more data. True, but then why don't phones like Transform, Hero, Pre and other smartphones get the fee, because I don't see them consuming any less data just because they don't have 4G.
But quite frankly, I think anyone who participates in this lawsuit is dumb and should be banned from signing contracts.
iil said:
You are assuming the 10 dollars is for 4G. I've always thought it was for more or less having a next generational phone. Both the evo/epic encourage people to use data in ways none of the other devices do. Because of the specs, everything is faster, web browsing, multtasking, gaming - even if you are on 3G.
Sprint realized that giving an unlimited buffet to a blackberry user is much different than giving an unlimited buffet to someone using these phones.
It would be interesting if sprint ends up having to release some of this data to explain the fee. Those 1tb montly users may come in handy at that time.
Even with the fee, sprint has one of the cheapest and best data plans around.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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I swear something is wrong with you,what specs?Should a gas station charge you more for regular gas if yo driving bmw instead of honda?Should Audi charge you $100 for "awesomness" of the car that you already paid in full for?
Phones get faster every two months,its only right that they get better specs.Yo dont see Vibrant/Fascinate/Captivate charge 10 dollars for their Cpu being able to process data faster?Epic is the same phone as Vibrant.
When I bought my Epic reps said that extra 10 was for a 4G service that was coming in october,but now when I ask them they say "its for Epics awesomoness and fast CPU",so which one is it sprint?
Charging me for fast CPU that I own,lol,sht is beyond ridiculous.
Remember one thing that Pentium 1,2,3,4(with same eathernet card" and beyond all download data at same speed speed and same thing applies for cell phoned.Do Time Warner charge you extra 10 dollars because you have the latest $10000 computer?No.Just to expain this to all you people that dont know no better or falling for sprints bs.
WTF is this all about ?
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/sprint-increasing-new-3g-data-plan-contract-pricing-by-10-call/
The nation's third-largest carrier just announced that it's tacking on an extra monthly $10 "premium data" charge to its 3G Everything data plans.
Now only if my Evo could operate at 3g speeds that would be freaking awesome.
FYI: 70Kbps is not acceptable for 3g speeds, wtf.
Learn to read. It's only for new customers and new smartphone activations via upgrades. If you don't upgrade then you don't get the charge.
cosine83 said:
Learn to read. It's only for new customers and new smartphone activations via upgrades. If you don't upgrade then you don't get the charge.
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But won't I get whacked for this new $10 charge when I upgrade to the EVO 2 this June ? So will EVO 2 charge me $10 for 4G + 10$ for 3G too ?
cosine83 said:
Learn to read. It's only for new customers and new smartphone activations via upgrades. If you don't upgrade then you don't get the charge.
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Still a slap in the face. That means when your contract is up and you buy that new phone, you are also paying 10$ more (can anyone confirm if this is added onto the 10$ we pay for 4g?).
I'm pretty sure if you have a 4G phone that comes with a $10 charge anyway, you'll just keep paying the same additional $10. I think this extra $10 is only for people on 3G phones. So basically, everyone's paying that additional $10 now.
The "4g" fee now applies to all smartphones, that's all.
Sent from my HTC EVO
js2393 said:
I'm pretty sure if you have a 4G phone that comes with a $10 charge anyway, you'll just keep paying the same additional $10. I think this extra $10 is only for people on 3G phones. So basically, everyone's paying that additional $10 now.
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it can't get much clearer then this people, so no if you have a 4g phone you won't be paying $20, you only be paying the $10 that we already are, this additional fee is just for regular 3g phones.
Yeah. The are starting to see $ signs and possibly getting greedy. I'm going to follow this thread so I can see the same people claim that it's all lies.
The funny thing is I was talking to a rep yesterday about the new upgrade policy and brought up the $10 premium data. I asked her how come an HTC Hero doesn't have the charge and it accesses the same internet and it considered close to the Evo aside from 4G. I even told her that I would expect Sprint to make that charge mandatory on all phones being that they are seeing they can get away with it with current Evo owners.
That's the price you pay for a smartphone nowadays.
Wouldn't a better marketing strategy be to just incrrease the cost of the Everyting data plan to $79.99 and $139.99? Even with the increase Sprint's plans are the best out there. Extra charges piss me off though.
Ddt928 said:
Wouldn't a better marketing strategy be to just incrrease the cost of the Everyting data plan to $79.99 and $139.99? Even with the increase Sprint's plans are the best out there. Extra charges piss me off though.
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that would make more since honestly, but then what about the 4g phones then, lol, since a single line for the evo is already 79.99, that would be like tacking on another $10 on that so they could say it's a whatever fee, then someone ends up paying 89.99, cause they didn't realize they are getting screwed more then normal, though i would hope and think sprint would say the evo would only be 79.99 as any other smartphone would be.
So I guess its clear now that the David Blaine thing on the 7th is for making more of your money disappear along with premium status.
brownhornet said:
So I guess its clear now that the David Blaine thing on the 7th is for making more of your money disappear along with premium status.
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Same thing I was thinking.
Well all you "4g premium fee" complainers. Not so unfair you have to pay an extra 10 bucks anymore? LOL. Part of me is wondering if this is their way to make the 4g phone lineup more appealing..."you're gonna pay a premium anyways, why not have the ability to use 4g just in case we decide to roll it out in your city...as long as we don't go broke before then."
Welcome to the (give us money) NOW network!
my guess is that their announcement has to do with adding new cool phones that are 3G.
iphone could be a possibility, but maybe they'll say they allow any CDMA phone on their network.
illwafer said:
my guess is that their announcement has to do with adding new cool phones that are 3G.
iphone could be a possibility, but maybe they'll say they allow any CDMA phone on their network.
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http://m.engadget.com/default/artic...-unlocking-phones/&category=mobile&postPage=1
Sprint already had a lawsuit over this. You "should" be able to put iPhone from Verizon on sprint. Quoting a Rep.
Sent from Evo powered by CM7
aray92 said:
http://m.engadget.com/default/artic...-unlocking-phones/&category=mobile&postPage=1
Sprint already had a lawsuit over this. You "should" be able to put iPhone from Verizon on sprint. Quoting a Rep.
Sent from Evo powered by CM7
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Funny, when I was on the phone with a Sprint rep last month getting my unlocked EVO activated the lady said they can activate phone 'as long as its labeled with the Sprint logo'. I figured she was wrong or lying but I just wanted to get off the phone.
It's about to get worse. There are rumors that Sprint is going to drop the Premier Upgrade every 12 months program. That they will NOT give Sprint Premiere customers the rebates until their two year contract is up. IF this is the case I will be leaving Sprint as soon as they announce this. They just can't get out of their own way. One of the main reasons I stay with Sprint is because of their annual upgrades. It would not shock me to see Sprint file bankruptcy if they start to implement all these idiotic plans.
http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216413
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/58531?start=0&tstart=0&reqsorting=dec
The thing that sucks about this and might be the reason why they just didn't add $10 to plans is that corporate or work discounts do not apply to these fees and only towards the base plan. I was mad when they took the discounts off the $19.99 additional lines.
I won't leave Sprint over this because they are still cheaper, especially with our work discount but I guess I have no reason not to get my wife a 4G phone. I was hoping to save some money since we get 4G at work but not at home and she wouldn't use 4G anyway.
However, if this happens in addition to the Sprint Premier changes, I am going to get really mad for getting screwed in two places.
As long as my data is still unlimited i'll be happy. I don't come anywhere near 2gb or 5gb but if they start screwing around i'll say screw it and buy a damn contract free phone. I like my mobile internet but what they're all doing now is getting a little silly.
They have to raise prices as needed but they should've just upped the whole plan without a $10 tack on. The whole point of Sprint's pricing scheme is to keep it simple for people. That was one of the biggest reasons I came to sprint this year. That and the EVO of course