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
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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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 *****
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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.
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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
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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.
"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.
Just wanted to let you guys know that, according to the Sprint rep that I spoke to today that all smart phones that that aren't already on the $10 premium data plan will then be charged when changing to ANY smart phone, regardless of 4g. So lets say you have a Samsung Intercept and dont pay the $10 fee,then when you upgrade to the Samsung Transform, you will then be paying the $10 fee for unlimited DATA. I invite you to confirm this with your provider.
I think its pretty sorry, though I pay the fee already for both my Epic and Evo in the amount of $10 on my line, if I were to let my family member use one then they would be charged the $10 premium, and then when they switched back, they would be paying it anyway with the Intercept because of the switching. Seems pretty sorry to me. Sorry if this isn't NEW new's but, thought I would share.
Sorry if this is OLD NEWS.. AGAIN.. I didn't know.. No need to flame me.
Its better then 15 or30 on at&t and 30 on verizon. I use to be on verizon and had to pay 30. So its not that bad. Everyone neds to stop complaining about this. I could understand complaining about it if only sprint did that but every other cell provider charges more. Plus we knew this was coming. Its old news.
Sent from my viperROM rooted ext4 epic 4g
I work for Sprint, and just a heads up:
If you upgrade a phone and thus add the $10 monthly charge then return the phone, you'll still be paying 10 extra a month.
Jussayin'.
That's what happens when people bring a class action suit against sprint because they don't want to pay the extra $10 that they knowingly agreed to when they bought the phone
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
+1
Sent from my Nook color using the xda app.
Not if you go back to a feature phone or simple phone.
raylusk said:
Not if you go back to a feature phone or simple phone.
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I seriously doubt anyone here on XDA even considers a "feature-phone" an option.
063_XOBX said:
I seriously doubt anyone here on XDA even considers a "feature-phone" an option.
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I agree. It is just Sprint employees seem to have a habit of giving out incomplete or incorrect information.
I did some homework and found this:
http://www.bgr.com/2011/01/18/more-information-on-sprints-10-premium-data-fee/
Premium Data Add-on Charge for All Smartphones
Effective 1/30/11, all current and future 3G and 3G/4G smartphone activations will require the $10/month Premium Data Add-on charge. This allows Sprint to continue to offer simple and affordable unlimited data plans for our smartphone customers, while maintaining a wireless network able to meet the growing appetite for mobile data.
Complete details are included in the Premium Data Add-on Charge Launch Guide found on ISC > Quick Links > Premium Data Add-on Charge.
Details:
The Premium Data Add-on charge applies to:
All smartphones operating on the CDMA, iDEN and 4G networks.
A smartphone is defined as a device that supports a robust operating system including: Android, BlackBerry, Instinct, Palm and Windows Mobile.
All customers activating a new line or upgrading/swapping existing lines (consumer, IL, and most CL customers).
The Premium Data Add-on charge does NOT apply to:
S&R exchanges (warranty or insurance events)
30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee devices exchanges for handsets activated 1/1/11 to 1/29/11
Existing smartphone customers will remain on their current rate plan, until they upgrade, perform an ESN swap or activate a new smartphone
Existing Seasonal Standby customers prior to 1/30/11
Special priced CL customers tied to a Corp ID
Meh... US cell phone companies all work together to keep the prices high, though no one is willing to do anything about it.
US cell phone rates are among the highest in the world, with only a few companies dominating and price controlling the market. Its sad, but we can't do much about it.
Quit whining. Sprints pricing beats all competition for unlimited everything. I'm very happy with sprint and will be even more happy once the new release/updated roms begin to come. I pay about 80 a month and would pay 120 for verizon and more for at&t for the same plan. (I get an employee discount but even without it they're still cheaper)
Sent from my Samsung Epic running Nebula ROM 1.0.7
DeeODoubleD said:
Quit whining. Sprints pricing beats all competition for unlimited everything. I'm very happy with sprint and will be even more happy once the new release/updated roms begin to come. I pay about 80 a month and would pay 120 for verizon and more for at&t for the same plan. (I get an employee discount but even without it they're still cheaper)
Sent from my Samsung Epic running Nebula ROM 1.0.7
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The plan for my epic is $79.99 an equivalent plan on Verizon is $89.99. Not much difference in price.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
whats the data on those plans, unlimited? Never could find a plan w unlimited data worth switching to...
raylusk said:
The plan for my epic is $79.99 an equivalent plan on Verizon is $89.99. Not much difference in price.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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$240 over the life of a 2 year contract and the "equivalent" plan on Verizon is 450 minutes with nights starting at 9:00pm and mobile to mobile only to Verizon customers... I would blow through those 450 on Verizon...all the people I know use different carriers.
intx said:
I work for Sprint, and just a heads up:
If you upgrade a phone and thus add the $10 monthly charge then return the phone, you'll still be paying 10 extra a month.
Jussayin'.
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^^^^^ This also applies to grandfathered legacy SERO ($30) customers who upgrade to SERO-Premium ($50) and try to revert back to the old legacy SERO ($30) plan.
budderocks said:
$240 over the life of a 2 year contract and the "equivalent" plan on Verizon is 450 minutes with nights starting at 9:00pm and mobile to mobile only to Verizon customers... I would blow through those 450 on Verizon...all the people I know use different carriers.
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$240 is worth it to some IF they get reception. What good is all those minutes, bells, and whistles if you can use it? Personally I am glad I moved, and dropped my Epic. Sprint in a lot of places in the states were a joke. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile had better overall reception in the places I traveled.
personally I'd pay more for services I can use than pay less for services I can't use or barely use.
riceknight said:
Meh... US cell phone companies all work together to keep the prices high, though no one is willing to do anything about it.
US cell phone rates are among the highest in the world, with only a few companies dominating and price controlling the market. Its sad, but we can't do much about it.
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you can flash your phone to cricket :\
this thread is why i don't work for sprint any more. literally. told my boss we were doing evil things when he asked why i was on career builder the day we got this memo. an hour later, i was at the unemployment office. Eff sprint :|
ghostrid3r said:
^^^^^ This also applies to grandfathered legacy SERO ($30) customers who upgrade to SERO-Premium ($50) and try to revert back to the old legacy SERO ($30) plan.
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i just upgraded from SERO to SERO Premium (finally got rid of my Sprint Mogul ZOMG!) and got an Epic 4G and my bill went to $40 not $50...
If you were not paying the extra $10 before the change & have to swap out a defective device make sure you don't swap into a loaner phone. When you get your replacement device Sprint may try to charge you. I work for a Sprint repair center & its a pain to get Sprint care to remove the charge.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
budderocks said:
$240 over the life of a 2 year contract and the "equivalent" plan on Verizon is 450 minutes with nights starting at 9:00pm and mobile to mobile only to Verizon customers... I would blow through those 450 on Verizon...all the people I know use different carriers.
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Over all it's less then $240 because Verizon tends to discount their phones much more then Sprint ever does. VzW has, in the past year, given away the Fascinate for free and done BOGO. What has Sprint done with the Epic? They've only recently reduced the price to $200 from $250. The fascinate on Verizon started at $200, so that's $50 saved up front. And if you got it for free, you would have saved $10 by being on Verizon ... which has a much better network.
Believe me, Sprint isn't doing anyone any favors... Other then maybe the folks on SERO.