This is not another rant about the $10 fee but an observation that I thought funny enough to share. Turns out that Sprint is paying a wholesale fee of around $4.46 per 4G capable phone to Clearwire for 4G access. Multiply that by the 810,000 or so EVO's and Epics on the network and it adds up pretty good. But get this...Sprint says that around 364,500 of those phones "are in areas with no 4G coverage so they don't think they should have to pay the $4.46 fee" as agreed to in the contract they willingly signed with Clearwire. Does this sound at all familiar? LMAO this is classic!!!
http://www.betanews.com/article/Spr...4Gcapable-devices-that-only-use-3G/1289586055
That's hilarious. So true though. Sprint don't want to pay the fees for those that aren't in 4G coverage yet they [Sprint] want to continue getting $10/month for those subscribers still.
Sprint wants to have their cake and eat it too.
well i mean i dont mind paying the extra 10 even though i dont live in a 4g market.Its still so much better than any other carrier. it still takes off the 5gb cap and with that aside, sprint needs the extra cash to expand their network. They gotta get it from somewhere.
kenfly said:
well i mean i dont mind paying the extra 10 even though i dont live in a 4g market.Its still so much better than any other carrier. it still takes off the 5gb cap and with that aside, sprint needs the extra cash to expand their network. They gotta get it from somewhere.
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Click to collapse
Off topic, but there was/is no 5gb data cap on phones, that's for data cards only.
Also, lmao at the 4g fees for Sprint, too much!
Hey... This thing makes phone calls too!
JTNiggle said:
Off topic, but there was/is no 5gb data cap on phones, that's for data cards only.
Also, lmao at the 4g fees for Sprint, too much!
Hey... This thing makes phone calls too!
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Click to collapse
I do not agree. When you sign up for unlimited 3G data on any other sprint phone, The data isnt really "unlimited" they cap it off at 5gb. if you go over, they have the right to say that you're abusing the data and will cut off your internet or service altogether. And with the extra $10 we are paying, we can use as much data with no cap on either 3g or wimax.
kenfly said:
I do not agree. When you sign up for unlimited 3G data on any other sprint phone, The data isnt really "unlimited" they cap it off at 5gb. if you go over, they have the right to say that you're abusing the data and will cut off your internet or service altogether. And with the extra $10 we are paying, we can use as much data with no cap on either 3g or wimax.
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Click to collapse
I don't really want to have the whole debate, but you should read the terms and conditions for the unlimited plan. It says that they can cancel or limit you if you use too much roaming data/minutes. If you stay in network, it is unlimited. However, they can limit/cancel you if you are abusing the network, like downloading torrents 24/7.
JTNiggle said:
Off topic, but there was/is no 5gb data cap on phones, that's for data cards only.
Also, lmao at the 4g fees for Sprint, too much!
Hey... This thing makes phone calls too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope there are caps on everyones unlimited data
Did you guys ever consider that the charge from Clearwire came first and is the cause of Sprint's fee? Perhaps if Clear hadn't demanded a fee for every phone sold, Sprint would be more considering in not charging those without 4G. They really have their hands tied if Clear is going to charge on a per phone basis.
I don't see it as Sprint getting "payback" served to them, as the fee they are fighting is the reason we get charged in the first place. Now, if Sprint wins the case, and continues to charge those without 4G, well then they just suck.
jblazea50 said:
That's hilarious. So true though. Sprint don't want to pay the fees for those that aren't in 4G coverage yet they [Sprint] want to continue getting $10/month for those subscribers still.
Sprint wants to have their cake and eat it too.
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Click to collapse
well maybe if they didn't have to pay the fee for all phones, they'd change their policy on the fees they charge us.
dooksuks said:
Did you guys ever consider that the charge from Clearwire came first and is the cause of Sprint's fee? Perhaps if Clear hadn't demanded a fee for every phone sold, Sprint would be more considering in not charging those without 4G. They really have their hands tied if Clear is going to charge on a per phone basis.
I don't see it as Sprint getting "payback" served to them, as the fee they are fighting is the reason we get charged in the first place. Now, if Sprint wins the case, and continues to charge those without 4G, well then they just suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearwire is running out of money as it is, I'd hate to think what our 4G coverage would look like if they hadn't been collecting that fee for every phone.
This made my night. Funny to see Sprint complaining about their own fee.
I love my EVO and wouldn't trade it for anything, but for the love of god I live in the middle of a WiMax enabled city (Las Vegas, the first to get WiMax) and I don't even receive it at my house. Outside, inside, or around the block. There's a massive detention basin next to my house and it eats radio frequencies like none other.
/end rant
Guys, Guys...
The fee isn't for 4G. It's for the boost of our data experience with our phone's amazing services and features.
I bought my EVO on Craigslist and I'm nearly out of contract. If they don't let me drop my $10 premium data feature then, I'll be rockin' a G2 pretty quick.
illogic6 said:
Guys, Guys...
The fee isn't for 4G. It's for the boost of our data experience with our phone's amazing services and features.
I bought my EVO on Craigslist and I'm nearly out of contract. If they don't let me drop my $10 premium data feature then, I'll be rockin' a G2 pretty quick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy the G2, the $10 charge is not an option.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
illogic6 said:
Guys, Guys...
The fee isn't for 4G. It's for the boost of our data experience with our phone's amazing services and features.
I bought my EVO on Craigslist and I'm nearly out of contract. If they don't let me drop my $10 premium data feature then, I'll be rockin' a G2 pretty quick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's see here...
The price you're paying to Sprint with that $10 premium data feature: $79.99
The price you'd be paying to T-Mobile with your fancy new G2: $79.99
Yea I guess it's a good thing that T-Mobile doesn't have that required $10 premium data feature.
EDIT: I suppose the argument you could make here is that T-Mobile doesn't require you to have unlimited texting so you could drop that so you'd only be paying $69.99 a month.
darkkterror said:
Let's see here...
The price you're paying to Sprint with that $10 premium data feature: $79.99
The price you'd be paying to T-Mobile with your fancy new G2: $79.99
Yea I guess it's a good thing that T-Mobile doesn't have that required $10 premium data feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On T-Mobile I can opt to not have a data plan at all if I've bought the phone without a contract. Not the case with Sprint.
I have wifi at home and at work. I can go without everywhere else.
DirtyShroomz said:
Enjoy the G2, the $10 charge is not an option.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize this, but 24mos of $10 credit a month is an option.
illogic6 said:
On T-Mobile I can opt to not have a data plan at all if I've bought the phone without a contract. Not the case with Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong but no you can't, not on a "smart phone". What's the point in having a G2 without a data plan again?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
DirtyShroomz said:
I could be wrong but no you can't, not on a "smart phone". What's the point in having a G2 without a data plan again?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it with my G1 at least.
illogic6 said:
I did it with my G1 at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do require either $30 for unlimited or $10 for 200mb.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
DirtyShroomz said:
They do require either $30 for unlimited or $10 for 200mb.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget about their data caps.
Mastadivinity said:
Don't forget about their data caps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha ha
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Related
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 $10 on top of what I pay for the everything data family plan and an aircard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wifi tether and eliminate a bill, or simply just compare to at&t/verizon prices. still can't beat them.... we sprint customers are spoiled and fail to look at the rest of the cell companies out there
looneylu said:
wifi tether and eliminate a bill, or simply just compare to at&t/verizon prices. still can't beat them.... we sprint customers are spoiled and fail to look at the rest of the cell companies out there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I concur. We'll see what website activation does for my plan... or if it'll not let me because it's an Evo.
wifi tether and eliminate a bill, or simply just compare to at&t/verizon prices. still can't beat them.... we sprint customers are spoiled and fail to look at the rest of the cell companies out there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just tether except for the fact that I'm locked in a two-year contract with my aircard. I could compare it to at&t and verizon but that's a fallacious argument. I think where my frustration comes in is the fact that they're charging me for 4G service with only a vague promise that I'll get it. But I think what really bothers me is the fact that it just seems dishonest.
I would gladly pay for the 4G service separately if they offered it in my area but I don't see why I have to subsidize other peoples' service.
I feel like everyone who says "Yes" is in a 4G market and everyone who says "No" isn't.
wastingoctober said:
I feel like everyone who says "Yes" is in a 4G market and everyone who says "No" isn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL Yeah I guess that kinda makes sense.
i work for sprint and im iffy about the situation im like 50/50 on it does it suck yea but if thats what i have to pay to get unlimited data and for sprint not to **** everyone like at&t then yea **** it why not
I'm not in a 4g market but 10$ 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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
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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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
"Sprint will increase its postpaid rates by applying a $10 per month Premium Data add-on charge to activations of smartphones beginning Jan. 30. The charge will assist Sprint in offering simple and affordable unlimited plans for its customers while maintaining a wireless network able to meet the growing appetite for a richer mobile experience. Subscribers with smartphones will still receive the best value in wireless, with features such as Any Mobile, Anytime offered nationwide only by Sprint."
More at this XDA thread in 'General' as well as the press release.
Why doesn't that suprise me!
Sent From My Pedal-to-the-Metal Hero!
Well crap... they better release some bad A phones if they're gonna make me pay extra for everything.
I'm talking top o' the line stuff. And consistently too.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Coincide with they're Feb. magic show???
Sent From My Pedal-to-the-Metal Hero!
Wow so I guess I won't be going back to them. Maybe I'll go to virgin once they get the lg optimus
Asadullah said:
Wow so I guess I won't be going back to them. Maybe I'll go to virgin once they get the lg optimus
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I'm with you. Sprint's "Just Because" fee for fake 4G is crazy already but now for 3G?
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
the thing that upsets me is they aren't changing the prices of plans, so they can still advertise the 69.99 rate for "unlimited" data. they need to just call it a 4g fee or raise the overall price of plans. I don't like the idea of charging an additional fee for a feature that's supposed to be "unlimited" in their plan rate.
That's so messed up that's what turned me away from the evo and epic was the extra fee when I wouldn't have 4g in my area anyway thank God I'm locked in for two years now I'm really going to tether as much as possible just to piss them off lmao
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Sprint actually improved their company image over the past year thanks to Android, but I think this will destroy most of, if not everything, they worked for. What a shame. In the future I will definitely consider T-Mobile as they are almost the same price and I think their HSPA+ is a much better concept than 4G.
I look at this as another excuse to get that HTC Evo upgrade
glad i went to virgin mobile. lol JK.. even with the new fee its still cheaper.. I just wish sprint would have just came out and said.. hey listen we gotta raise X fee to help improve our network or this or that. etc.. with that said I would be mad if I was still on sprint.lol
but 25 bucks a month is too hard to pass up. sure i have a crappy phone ( intercept ) but im sure virgin will get something better down the road.. etc..
But this will impact sprint in a negative light again. unless they do something. lol oh well enjoy your 80 dollar plan without 4g. lol ( for those who dont get it that is )
Bierce22 said:
That's so messed up that's what turned me away from the evo and epic was the extra fee when I wouldn't have 4g in my area anyway thank God I'm locked in for two years now I'm really going to tether as much as possible just to piss them off lmao
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
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Are you serious? Your saying you would spend alot of money for a phone (Evo/Epic) but can't afford the extra $10?
All of y'all stop acting like cheap bastards.. Even with the extra $10 were still paying WAY less then Verizon.. For 2 lines I'm paying $132 unlimited everything... The homie who has a blackberry on Verizon is paying that exact same thing... by itself lol...
igtheactt1 said:
Are you serious? Your saying you would spend alot of money for a phone (Evo/Epic) but can't afford the extra $10?
Your not seeing the bigger picture those who have family plans will have to pay for each line so if u have 5ppl that's an extra 50$ a month for something u already had for free witch is pretty rediculous
All of y'all stop acting like cheap bastards.. Even with the extra $10 were still paying WAY less then Verizon.. For 2 lines I'm paying $132 unlimited everything... The homie who has a blackberry on Verizon is paying that exact same thing... by itself lol...
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Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
igtheactt1 said:
Are you serious? Your saying you would spend alot of money for a phone (Evo/Epic) but can't afford the extra $10?
All of y'all stop acting like cheap bastards.. Even with the extra $10 were still paying WAY less then Verizon.. For 2 lines I'm paying $132 unlimited everything... The homie who has a blackberry on Verizon is paying that exact same thing... by itself lol...
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No, its that it is a charge for 4g service that is not in my area and therefore can't use it. But coming soon it'll be an extra $10 just for having a smartphone so might as well get 4g phone if you want it
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
wow major bummer as if my bill wasn't high enough already.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
igtheactt1 said:
Are you serious? Your saying you would spend alot of money for a phone (Evo/Epic) but can't afford the extra $10?
All of y'all stop acting like cheap bastards.. Even with the extra $10 were still paying WAY less then Verizon.. For 2 lines I'm paying $132 unlimited everything... The homie who has a blackberry on Verizon is paying that exact same thing... by itself lol...
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Extra $240, since it's a monthly fee over a 2 year contract. People never think of total cost of ownership when it comes to cell phones.
Yes, still cheaper than Verizon and AT&T.
This is the aftermath from the lawsuit in which the people filed against the fake 4g charge. Sprint said the $10 wasn't for the 4g, but for the more capable phones. Now to retaliate they are charging the fee across the board...
spiritcrusher33 said:
glad i went to virgin mobile. lol JK.. even with the new fee its still cheaper.. I just wish sprint would have just came out and said.. hey listen we gotta raise X fee to help improve our network or this or that. etc.. with that said I would be mad if I was still on sprint.lol
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This.
Basically, the way I look at it, their requiring an "Everything data" plan for a smartphone should have covered this, and they should have increased the base price of the plan (for new customers only) instead of instituting this bull**** addon fee.
Second, I have no desire to move to a 4G phone - my Hero does everything I need it to. If I lose or otherwise need to replace my phone, now my bill goes up $10, even though I will be using the EXACT same phone in the EXACT same config? Since I have a family plan with 5 lines, that's a potential for $50/month.
Lastly, doing away with the 1 year upgrades for Premium members is the final straw. In the last two days, without me gaining a single iota of value, I am looking at an additional $50/month for the next 17 months (contract is up in May 2012) in addition to missing out on the $150 upgrade credit for 5 phones. This is on top of the changes they made for corporate discounts in August (which is costing me $15 more a month).
I'll be shopping for a new carrier in short order, even if it does cost me more. I'm tired of Sprint changing the rules and making up bull**** explanations, just so Hesse can have a bigger yacht.
Man sprint is on a roll this week..lol
oh well come 2012 its not gonna matter, lol
is it just me or are people missing the point?
"Sprint will increase its postpaid rates by applying a $10 per month Premium Data add-on charge to activations of smartphones beginning Jan. 30....."
For example my Hero is already activated
Basically, all NEW smartphone activations and anyone upgrading to a smartphone will be netting the extra $10/mo charge for a true unlimited amount of data consumption. If you're currently on a regular smartphone and not a 4G one, you'll be getting this new $10 fee for true unlimited data on your next upgrade if you choose to go with any BB, WM, Android, Palm/WebOS, and Instinct phone.
All-in-all, this isn't surprising and completely justified. Even WITH the $10 extra, your plan will still be cheaper than other carriers AND you'll have uncapped data. Provided you don't get a very good discount on another carrier but you'd still wind up with some kind of data cap. Now naysayers can't complain about paying for 4G when they don't have it. It is what Sprint has always been saying it is - a fee for truly unlimited data not a 4G tax.
http://newsroom.sprint.com/press_kits.cfm?presskit_id=21
wonder how long until this affects current customers?
Is imagine it wouldn't affect you until you renew your contact through an upgrade.
So this really doesn't affect Evo owners as they are already paying the $10/month charge?
jblazea50 said:
So this really doesn't affect Evo owners as they are already paying the $10/month charge?
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no it won't affect us. we've been paying that charge since the release of the evo.
cosine83 said:
Basically, all NEW smartphone activations and anyone upgrading to a smartphone will be netting the extra $10/mo charge for a true unlimited amount of data consumption. If you're currently on a regular smartphone and not a 4G one, you'll be getting this new $10 fee for true unlimited data on your next upgrade if you choose to go with any BB, WM, Android, Palm/WebOS, and Instinct phone.
All-in-all, this isn't surprising and completely justified. Even WITH the $10 extra, your plan will still be cheaper than other carriers AND you'll have uncapped data. Provided you don't get a very good discount on another carrier but you'd still wind up with some kind of data cap. Now naysayers can't complain about paying for 4G when they don't have it. It is what Sprint has always been saying it is - a fee for truly unlimited data not a 4G tax.
http://newsroom.sprint.com/press_kits.cfm?presskit_id=21
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Call us Nay Sayers or whatever you want. The 10$ was originally ONLY on 4g phones, so yea I complained. I don't have 4g here.
Don't give me the "unlimited" thing, how is my HTC Evo any more "unlimited" than my HTC Hero? Because it's a little faster? No.
This fee is fine, it actually is only fair.
This may be the last straw for me. Im already pay a extra $10 for 4G i dont even use...sprint can call it whatever they want(unlimited data). But now your going to add this fee to my wives old Blackberry Curve. Unacceptable!
david279 said:
This may be the last straw for me. Im already pay a extra $10 for 4G i dont even use...sprint can call it whatever they want(unlimited data). But now your going to add this fee to my wives old Blackberry Curve. Unacceptable!
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i agree. it's only for new customers though. if it ever affects current customers, then i'm sure you'll be able to break you contract with no fees.
i'd be okay with this charge if they had 3g everywhere. my area still only has 1x, so there isn't anything premium about 1x that's for sure.
W t h this will add another 30$ to my bill now he'll I pay 197.00 a month atm
from my phone duh
wonder if this will have anything to do with sprints "big announcement" on the 7th
free mobile hotspot maybe?
jkinnison90 said:
wonder how long until this affects current customers?
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When you upgrade your phone with your yearly upgrade and renew your contract it will affect you. Regardless if it's a 4G phone or not. So long as it has one of the smartphone OSes on it, it will get that $10 addition for uncapped data. But, if you're on a non-4G phone now and don't plan to upgrade then you won't get this charge even when you renew your contract, judging by the language.
Now only if my Evo could operate at 3g speeds that would be freaking awesome.
FYI: 70Kbps is not acceptable for 3g speeds, wtf.
Yea, it would have been more consumer friendly just to raise rates 10$ and do away with the premium data fee altogether. People get pissy about extra fees.
If they did that then it would be a way out of your contract for sure. They don't want that.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I think they do it as a fee because then it's not affected by any plan discouts, i.e. it remains $10 flat.
If that's what it takes to avoid some insane tiered data plan than I'm on board with that. Actually sorta surprised by this.
SWYPED from my SUPASONIC
Why are u current users freaking. It specifically says NEW or upgrading. Just sounds like their getting ready for some more phones on the EVO level. Not to mention balancing all the free tethering going on.
Sent via HTC Supersonic: EVO 4G
will this allow evo owners to break the 2 year contract?
noxipoo said:
will this allow evo owners to break the 2 year contract?
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This won't affect anyone with an Evo.
http://androidspin.com/2011/03/01/verizon-tiered-data-plans-this-summer/
Poor people
Sent from my spaceship!
people can't really be surprised about this
sigh, I was actually considering switching to verizon, sprint seems to hate detroit.i guess that solidifies sticking with sprint.i don't think I could get by with a 2gb allotment per month considering I average 3gb now. Hopefully sprint realizes their unlimited data is a major aspect they have going for them and don't follow suit.
lmao just another reason to stay with sprint
i use a ton of data on my phone, but only about 50mb on 4g, as im always on wifi. 2gb would be plenty for 99% of users.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
It wont be long before Sprint announces the same thing. Book it. Every advantage they had over the larger carriers is being taken away. From S|P changes, to 10 dollar premium data to all smartphones. They will most certainly follow suit.
Yeah, no big surprise there. Just a matter of time til Sprint does the same, honestly. You guys don't really think Sprint's gonna keep their plans unlimited forever, do you? Too bad we don't have a reasonably priced carrier with good phones that doesn't pull the rug out on ya here in the U.S. As soon as you're happy with a carrier, they change something on you, in order to make more money. Sorry, but they're all businesses, and I have the same level of loyalty to Sprint that they have to me (aka none whatsoever). I've just been kinda pissed since the Sprint bait and switch over their Premier status thing. *End rant. Back to happy old me.
The reason Sprint added the $10 charge is to keep plans unlimited. They are not switching anytime soon.
Sent from my spaceship!
I hope tiered plans come to Sprint SOON! I rather pay for what I plan on using instead of paying for bandwidth I don't use.
PS. My name is HondaCop and I approve this message.
It boggles my mind that people (none in this thread) can complain about the $10 premium data charge. Sprint never charged for data before and now they charge only $10. Would people rather pay $30 a month for 5gb or $10 a month for unlimited? Seems like a no brainer to me.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I can't say one way or the other what Sprint will do or won't do b/c I don't work on the top level of Sprint... but what I can say is that I will be really pissed if they follow suit here with these capitalistic companies... I hate AT&T...never been with any one else except Sprint.... not since... PRIMECo ::head bangs:: but yeah - I have no problem with Sprint so far as they don't change to this crap... I am trying to get my wife to switch to sprint...(she is with AT&T) and they would really be stupid if they make my fight harder...
I mean look at SONY. If I wasnt sort of a non official spokes person for the PS3 - they wouldnt have made 13 sales... I sold 13 friends on the PS3 b/c they couldnt sell me on a XOBX...(I wrote it like that on purpose)... Imagine what sprint will be able to do if they continue to keep unlimited - truely UNLIMITED...
With Sprints data woes as of lately do you honestly think unlimited data is going to last forever? lol...
if we go with LTE... we will lose too...
wimax is what we need to keep on sprint.
brownhornet said:
With Sprints data woes as of lately do you honestly think unlimited data is going to last forever? lol...
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LOL True dat! At 100-300 kb/s on average for 3G speeds around my area, it sure will take me more than 1 month to max out a theoretical cap of 2GB per month if it comes to that. The most ****ed up part of it is that even on my current speeds and no 4G in my area, I still had to pay that $10 fee since last summer.
PS. My name is HondaCop and I approve this message.
Sportsplayer612 said:
It boggles my mind that people (none in this thread) can complain about the $10 premium data charge. Sprint never charged for data before and now they charge only $10. Would people rather pay $30 a month for 5gb or $10 a month for unlimited? Seems like a no brainer to me.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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Actually, a lot of people are pissed because of the fact that Sprint refuses to be straight forward about the fee. At first (unofficially), it was a 4G fee. Then when that started getting bad publicity, they tried convincing people that it wasn't for 4g. It was a premium data fee. Nobody even knew what the hell that meant (including Sprint, I think). But the cat was out of the bag. Kind of hard to change your story then. I have no problem with paying the extra $10, personally, especially since I actually get 4g (even though I've used it about 3 times in almost a year). But I do think it sucks how Sprint went about the whole situation. I'd put money on Sprint following suit and getting rid of unlimited data within a year.
right now i'd rather have 4gb of constant 1-2 Mbps instead of the unlimited 500 kbps i get from sprint.
detusueno said:
right now i'd rather have 4gb of constant 1-2 Mbps instead of the unlimited 500 kbps i get from sprint.
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True dat. Sprint's current 3G speeds blow. And 4G sucks down battery. Choose the lesser of the two evils.
live2ride96 said:
Actually, a lot of people are pissed because of the fact that Sprint refuses to be straight forward about the fee. At first (unofficially), it was a 4G fee. Then when that started getting bad publicity, they tried convincing people that it wasn't for 4g. It was a premium data fee. Nobody even knew what the hell that meant (including Sprint, I think). But the cat was out of the bag. Kind of hard to change your story then. I have no problem with paying the extra $10, personally, especially since I actually get 4g (even though I've used it about 3 times in almost a year). But I do think it sucks how Sprint went about the whole situation. I'd put money on Sprint following suit and getting rid of unlimited data within a year.
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They never once said it was a 4G fee, it has and always will be a "premium data fee", however people continue to say that it's a 4G fee because only "4G" phones had it at first.
DirtyShroomz said:
They never once said it was a 4G fee, it has and always will be a "premium data fee", however people continue to say that it's a 4G fee because only "4G" phones had it at first.
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If only 4G phones had it at first, then it's a 4G fee no matter how much you and Sprint try to sugarcoat it.
PS. My name is HondaCop and I approve this message.
detusueno said:
right now i'd rather have 4gb of constant 1-2 Mbps instead of the unlimited 500 kbps i get from sprint.
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AMEN!
I'll take a 4GB of consistantly fast data speed over a crappy unlimited 200 kbps (what i'm currently getting from sprint) any day of the week.