Sprint Rip Off

joffee · Thread Author #1 05-21-2011, 09:23 AM

Many of us with smartphones have a used back up phone, such as a Blackberry Curve 8330, for example. Someone I know with Sprint, was told if they activated another smartphone, as a replacement of the one that died, or needs to be repaired, their monthly rate would increase by $10 per month.

Sprint did announce a rate increase for new smartphone customers who signed up after the first of this year. For example the 450 minute plan, with unlimited data, text, and GPS @ $69.99/mo would increase to $79.99. I understand this. What I don't understand is someone who signed up with Sprint previously, is being charged simply for activating another phone, either as a permanent replacement, or temporarily until their primary phone is repaired.

In this case the Sprint customer is incurring the cost of the replacement phone, the possible repair of the original phone, PLUS an additional $120/year charge. This is outrageous!

If you know anyone who is contemplating smartphone service with Sprint, talk them out of it. Those of you whose contract is ending, you have other alternatives.

If I were a Sprint customer being ripped off like this, I would be picketing the nearest Sprint store and handing out leaflets, to all prospective customers.

MissJennell · #2 05-21-2011, 09:35 AM

This is old news. Its a premium data fee. On ANY smartphone activated on sprint after march 1st.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

that_maynard · #3 05-21-2011, 09:44 AM

I totally agree, I also have protection plan which is increasing also. You have to admit Sprint is still cheaper than Verizon. They may not have the smartphone selection, but the prices are still better than most.

joffee · Thread Author #4 05-21-2011, 11:20 AM

You're both missing the point. This particular case is NOT a new customer, but a customer who signed up prior to the price increase. No, there is no justification to increase someone's rate just because they activated a replacement phone.

rdiddy_25 · #5 05-21-2011, 11:55 AM

I replaced my HTC Hero and went back with a BB Tour and did NOT incur any increase.

MissJennell · #6 05-21-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joffee

You're both missing the point. This particular case is NOT a new customer, but a customer who signed up prior to the price increase. No, there is no justification to increase someone's rate just because they activated a replacement phone.

This wasn't an increase just for NEW customers. So I think you missed the point.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

justin.clements · #7 05-21-2011, 03:44 PM

Also, 8330 does not incur the $10 premium data add-on fee.

joffee · Thread Author #8 05-23-2011, 12:08 PM

per rdiddy_25, it would seem that the Sprint rep gave out the wrong information. Thanks.

SCrid2000 · #9 05-23-2011, 09:14 PM

No joffee, he didn't. And this is old news. It sucks, it's possibly not legal, but hey, who's gonna do anything about it? Not me...

its_miller_time · #10 05-24-2011, 12:52 PM

I activated a Sprint 8330 last week and while I waited for my replacement phone (Samsung Intercept) to come in for my wife, and did not get charged the fee...

lnichols · #11 05-24-2011, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCrid2000

No joffee, he didn't. And this is old news. It sucks, it's possibly not legal, but hey, who's gonna do anything about it? Not me...

I probably will be doing something about it. I have 4 Blackberry phones all due to be upgraded this summer on a Family plan. My area has poor Wimax coverage even though it is Northern VA, and Sprint is only going to release Rev A EV-DO Blackberry's anyway, because no WiMax Blackberry devices. So $40 extra a month for four devices that sip data compared to Android data hogs, and no improvement in service. So $240 for four new Blackberry devices and no improvement in speed or performance of the wireless network! Sorry but I'll pass on the upgrade and move on to providers improving their networks. **** T-Mobile is upgrading to HSPA+42 even though they are in the middle of possibly being acquired.

papped · #12 05-24-2011, 02:45 PM

The thing that's worriesome about Tmobile is that they seem to be upgrading network speeds but coverage remains the same...

lax42 · #13 05-25-2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnichols

I probably will be doing something about it. I have 4 Blackberry phones all due to be upgraded this summer on a Family plan. My area has poor Wimax coverage even though it is Northern VA, and Sprint is only going to release Rev A EV-DO Blackberry's anyway, because no WiMax Blackberry devices. So $40 extra a month for four devices that sip data compared to Android data hogs, and no improvement in service. So $240 for four new Blackberry devices and no improvement in speed or performance of the wireless network! Sorry but I'll pass on the upgrade and move on to providers improving their networks. **** T-Mobile is upgrading to HSPA+42 even though they are in the middle of possibly being acquired.

I live in northern VA as well, sprints service is ok for our area, but Trust me tmobile is wayyyyyy worst than sprint in our area and at&t is shotty. But verizon is hands down the best in our area, I remember when I had a tour on verizon and I would have full bars everywhere, even when I was at school I had full bars when most of my classmates were in and out of service. If you feel sprint service is up to par with how much your paying you should see what verizon has to offer (before they take away unlimited data plans)

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

lnichols · #14 05-25-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lax42

I live in northern VA as well, sprints service is ok for our area, but Trust me tmobile is wayyyyyy worst than sprint in our area and at&t is shotty. But verizon is hands down the best in our area, I remember when I had a tour on verizon and I would have full bars everywhere, even when I was at school I had full bars when most of my classmates were in and out of service. If you feel sprint service is up to par with how much your paying you should see what verizon has to offer (before they take away unlimited data plans)

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

Sprint CDMA coverage in Northern VA, and most of the places I have gone has been great. I was referring to WiMax. The CDMA is great for voice, OK for data, and non-existent for both at the same time. I would like to use some technology closer to this decade. Verizon is ridiculously priced, and would still be $30 more per month even with the added Sprint fees if I upgrade, and they are still CDMA (I roam on their network at cheaper Sprint prices anyway when needed). AT&T would be same price as Sprint Family plan, and T-Mobile would be about $40 to $60 cheaper. How long ago did you have T-Mobile here? I've looked at their coverage maps and the coverage looks solid (I know Maps can be BS).