  BK
join:2001-09-10
Wheaton, IL
2 edits | ha "What is the range of the Sprint AIRAVE?
The coverage radius is up to 5,000 square feet."
great since my house is in two dimensions ! works out to about 40 ft radius | |
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 | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3
1 edit | Re: ha . | |
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|  jester121Premium
join:2003-08-09
Lake Zurich, IL | How tall are the ceilings if your house is only in 2 dimensions?  | |
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| |  Toropop
join:2001-11-11
Vancouver, WA | Re: ha Snap. | |
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| | that sucks they really jacked up the price--it was originally going to be $10 for unlimited calling for 1 cellphone and $15 for an unlimited amount...what a bummer. | |
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 wifi4milezBig Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY
3 edits | Does it need a plan?? I cant seem to find details about whether you need to buy a plan with this device. There are plenty of people who would simply like to get coverage at home, and who have plenty of minutes on their plan. Can this be used to simply boost signal strength, or do you need to buy their unlimited "home" calling option???
EDIT: It looks like you MUST pay a minimum of $4.99 per month for "AIRAVE Enhanced Coverage Charge" just to have this device. Then you need to layer any applicable plan on top of that charge (if you dont want to use your wireless minutes). Kind of a rip off, given that they point out the device itself is subject to all the taxes/fees a "regular" Sprint cell phone is. This means your $4.99 charge is probably more like $10, and thats without even considering the $10 or $20 plan most people will add.
In all honesty, they shouldnt charge anything for people who dont want to have unlimited calling at home other than the $100 purchase price. If anything, the more people that have this device the less stress on Sprints towers. Furthermore, those people who have marginal (or worse) coverage at home (but spend a lot of time in an area with Sprint coverage) would love to pick one of these up. I think that by charging people more money to use a product they already are paying for is a bad business decision. Basic business classes will tell you to make your service as easy to use and accessible as possible, and more people will (pay!) use it. | |
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| Reviews:
 ·RoadRunner Cable
 ·ViaTalk
| Re: Does it need a plan?? I have minimal coverage at my home. Was hopping to just purchase the unit and let it burn minutes. I never go over so adding unlimited family would be dumb. But now with the full launch the want me to pay $4.99 to offload airtime from the towers dumping it onto the internet saving them money and wanting to charge me for it. I don't think so. 
Guess I have to put up with them until December. I have had it with the mickey mouse company. | |
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| |  gimme5
join:2002-12-23
Kissimmee, FL | Re: Does it need a plan?? Yeah, that doesn't make much sense. If someone has coverage problems at home, they have to pay $100 + $5/mo? They should be using this as a tool to keep customers from leaving to a competitor that has better coverage in their home. At least, that's what I think. | |
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| | | | | Re: Does it need a plan?? Yeah, that would be the "right" thing to do, from both a customer service and business perspective. Unfortunately, Sprint (Wireless division) values neither, and will probably be out of business/merged/absorbed in the next year. | |
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| | | I think if you call service directly they will give you an Airave and waive the fee. I think you have to prove that you are having coverage issues in your home. Don't remember where I read that... | |
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2 edits |  1 gotcha according to the plans Q&A
quote:
Can I use all my normal phone functions like voicemail and text messaging with AIRAVE?
Yes. All the voice functions you enjoy with your Sprint CDMA handset can be used while you are within the AIRAVE coverage area. And while data applications are accessible, they are provided at the same performance level as is currently available through Sprint Vision. In addition, data usage is not part of the unlimited plan.
The way I read that is that you will still be limited to whatever data caps you have on your phone plan, even though the data is going over your own broadband connection(and not even Sprint's at that).
Rather than this plan you may be better off with some free or very cheap VOIP plan that supports a phone with WiFi capability.
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My BLOG .. .. Internet News .. .. My Web Page
Ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk? | |
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| | | Re: 1 gotcha according to the plans Q&A said by fAcEtIOUs:....The way I read that is that you will still be limited to whatever data caps you have on your phone plan, even though the data is going over your own broadband connection(and not even Sprint's at that).... It's my understanding that all the voice and data traffic will still route through Sprint (almost like a VPN since it's all encrypted). I can see this becoming popular in some households, so hopefully they'll find a way to make some allowances for femtocell usage. | |
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1 edit | Double charge Wait a second, so basically they are charging you $15 a month for a device that provides a service that they are already supposed to be providing to you? This makes no sense. Why do I pay sprint for cellular service, only to pay them again so I can get cellular service where they have failed to provide it?? I get the whole land line replacement thing, but not if it's going to be just as costly as having a cell phone and a landline.
So to everyone that already gets cell service in their home, how is this useful? Esp. when sprint has the $99 unlimited plan.... | |
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| wifi4milezBig Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY | Re: Double charge said by mike12806:Wait a second, so basically they are charging you $15 a month for a device that provides a service that they are already supposed to be providing to you? This makes no sense. Why do I pay sprint for cellular service, only to pay them again so I can get cellular service where they have failed to provide it?? I get the whole land line replacement thing, but not if it's going to be just as costly as having a cell phone and a landline. My point exactly. I think this was very poorly thought out by Sprint, and I suspect it will change quickly when they realize their mistake. I would also suggest they immediately fire the idiot in their marketing department who came up with the pricing idea.
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If history teaches us anything, it teaches that simple-minded appeasement or wishful thinking about our adversaries is folly.
-Ronald Reagan-
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| | | | Re: Double charge The scary thought is T-Mobile already provides some crap like this through their "hotspot@home" bullsh*t, and I think I remember reading ATT was also looking into femtocell deployment....If anything, these could be sold with an upfront equipment cost, but definitely not a monthly fee! | |
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| |  KoolMoeAw ManPremium
join:2001-02-14
Annapolis, MD | I agree it's dumb in principle - I'm not going to pay Sprint to improve their coverage to my house using my internet connection, that I'm also already paying for.
BUT why not float it? If a few hundred suckers buy in, good for Sprint. Then as other services come around and (hopeful) competition forces Sprint to make this a free (value-add) extension to their typical plan, then I'll get one.
One place I think Sprint could focus this as a paid option is resort areas where there is little/no coverage. We spent a week on Lake George (upstate NY) and there are lots of areas without coverage, and lots of hotels and other resort-type places. Those could attract customers by installing these services (get your mobile connection here!), and Sprint could get a piece of that pie...
KM | |
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| fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | Are you kidding with this?
What exactly are they "supposed to already be providing you"...?? Do you even know what this is?
First off, not everyone has the $99 plan. I think this would be a good deal for those that have $39 plans.. I'd follow that with "don't you"... but you're not trying here.
You also don't get it.. $15 for the "land line".. it's been stated years ago that the house phone service would ultimately go wireless.. this is the start of it. People will pay FAR more for cellular service, why again? Because people like to be on the phone "where ever".. they like to have ONE NUMBER.. (I can't believe this needs to be explained) So, having the best of both worlds for $15 a month is worth it to people, ESPECIALLY those that like to talk on their phone in their homes.
I just see so much wrong with your post.
It sounds like you don't know what you're talking about, yet you're already engaged in bitching about it. | |
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| |  old_dawg"I Know Noting..."
join:2001-09-22
Westminster, MD | Re: Double charge said by fiberguy:Are you kidding with this? What exactly are they "supposed to already be providing you"...?? Do you even know what this is? First off, not everyone has the $99 plan. I think this would be a good deal for those that have $39 plans.. I'd follow that with "don't you"... but you're not trying here. You also don't get it.. $15 for the "land line".. it's been stated years ago that the house phone service would ultimately go wireless.. this is the start of it. People will pay FAR more for cellular service, why again? Because people like to be on the phone "where ever".. they like to have ONE NUMBER.. (I can't believe this needs to be explained) So, having the best of both worlds for $15 a month is worth it to people, ESPECIALLY those that like to talk on their phone in their homes. I just see so much wrong with your post. It sounds like you don't know what you're talking about, yet you're already engaged in bitching about it. Thanks for b*tch slapping correcting the tightwads and whiners, as well as those that can't read their terms of service contract correctly. 
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"Our network engineers are aware of the problem..." | |
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|  RockyBBPremium
join:2005-01-31
Steamboat Springs, CO | I live in the test market area and have had this box for almost a year. Certainly it's not for everyone. If you are one person, and get good coverage in the home, and don't pay for a Bell line with long distance, and you don't go over your minute allowance, then there's no reason to get this device.
But if you don't get good coverage everywhere in the home, or there's more than one of you, or you are paying for a Bell line with long distance, then this is a very compelling box. It supports 5 simultaneous calls (if you have that many handsets) all with their own voice mail box -- VOIP lines and Bell lines don't do that. Calls made through the box don't count against your minute allowance (assuming the box is on your own subscription). So a 500 minute plan essentially becomes unlimited at the house, meaning that you can get rid of the landline.
Not everyone will fit the profile, but for those who do, it can be an exceptional deal. | |
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|  KrKHeavy Artillery For The Little GuyPremium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
1 edit | -dp- | |
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| KrKHeavy Artillery For The Little GuyPremium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK Reviews:
 ·AT&T DSL Service
2 edits | Yes, this was my original point. Some people pointed out it would be nice for people who had more limited plans but could use the phone unlimited at home... Others said they might have service issues in their houses (say in basements) and this device would help.
Still tho, and since it's using YOUR broadband, I really think you should be able to BUY this device to ENHANCE your Sprint Coverage, but there should be NO extra monthly fees. (Unless you want the unlimited minutes, and are currently on a limited plan. Then a small fee is understandable as it's an upgrade... otherwise, no.)
In short, it's a good idea, but it's a rip off. | |
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 RallyBah HumbugPremium
join:2000-10-27
Astoria, NY
·RoadRunner Cable
| Went to my local sprint store Asked about this - rep told me i need a qualifying Airave plan which comes out to 10-15$ and with the one time charge of 100 bucks. I also saw reps asking customers if they have poor signal strength inside their homes/apartments - and the one's who said yes, they said this device would 'fix' those issues.
i saw personally 4-5 of those sold today with a unlimited plan on top of it. I would order one, if i didnt need to add a plan on top of it. | |
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1 edit | Re: Went to my local sprint store And in essence let Sprint off the hook for NOT providing a service you pay for? If a carrier can't provide adequate service at your home, why would you stay with them? Especially Sprint, they really don't IMO offer any remarkable handsets, plans, etc. | |
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| wifi4milezBig Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY | said by Rally:Asked about this - rep told me i need a qualifying Airave plan which comes out to 10-15$ and with the one time charge of 100 bucks. I also saw reps asking customers if they have poor signal strength inside their homes/apartments - and the one's who said yes, they said this device would 'fix' those issues. i saw personally 4-5 of those sold today with a unlimited plan on top of it. I would order one, if i didnt need to add a plan on top of it. You dont need an add on plan, those reps are just scamming people. You do need to pay a one time charge of $100 for the device, then you need to pay $4.99 per month (plus all applicable taxes and "fees") to be able to use the device. People who dont want to use their plan minutes can then add another $10 or $20 on top of that for unlimited calling. Its a shame, because if it just required a one time charge I would go out and buy one today just for the cool factor of it.
Now that I think about it, I wonder what would happen if you bought one and didnt pay any "activation" or monthly charge. Would it still transmit an active signal? Anyone out there want to try it out and report back?
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If history teaches us anything, it teaches that simple-minded appeasement or wishful thinking about our adversaries is folly.
-Ronald Reagan-
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| | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | Re: Went to my local sprint store How does $10 or $20 on top of a $40 plan make sense for people to go to a $100 unlimited plan? | |
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2 edits | Re: Went to my local sprint store @fiberguy
I do understand how it works, thanks. I understand that it routes your cellular network usage over your home broadband connection, in essence providing you a mini cell tower in your home. Okay? Thanks. Second of all, the premise of my post is that a cellular provider should provide you with service at your billed residence, without the need for this type of device. Putting additional minutes or anything aside, they shouldn't charge for a device that takes the burden off their own cellular network, and places it somewhere else. I'm sorry you can't see the fact that it's merely an additional way for cell providers to reap extra revenue without actually providing anything. | |
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| | | | talz13
join:2006-03-15
Avon Lake, OH | Re: Went to my local sprint store So I should pay an extra $60 a month just to stick it to the phone company? | |
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| | | | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | Um.. you DON'T get it, obviously.
You think that calls just magically go over the internet from one point to another? That's pretty amazing if it did. So, apparently you're incorrect. You ARE using "sprints" resources to carry the call so now maybe you should explain why you think it should be free.
Next, you could explain why you think that service at a billed residence and a "mobile" phone go hand in hand? Mobile phones are capable of working in the posted coverage areas ... it's not "home phone service"..
Next, they SHOULD charge you for a device that gives you extra service. Why is this...? Because.. if you knew anything about cellular service, it's a limited resource based on tower capacity. (it's why it's still metered) and, since phones move (thus, making them oh, .. MOBILE!) they charge per minute to maintain network stability. So, what they are offering you, if you want to enhance your existing mobile service, is to have your cell phone go off their limited network onto a service that is much easier and cheaper for them to operate and give you, in turn, an unlimited service when you are sitting at your house.
Your entire post is incredibly telling. You clearly do not understand the topic, the concept of cellular networks, and the feature.
The device is not in place to enhance or necessarily improve your service per sey.. it's there to add features to your service.
But.. around here, I should be ashamed of thinking logically here.. logic doesn't seem to take front seat here with some user. | |
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| | | | | | | Re: Went to my local sprint store A bit pissy today, aren't we? | |
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| | | | | | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | Re: Went to my local sprint store .. slightly, thank you. | |
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1 edit | First of all, I understand that once the call is routed to Sprint's exchange with the PSTN, that is on their network. But by routing calls over my (I paid for it) broadband connection, I'm alleviating 3/4's of the backhaul that they would otherwise have to use to carry my call. I'm sorry you think my view is illogical, but if you could look at the service from a business perspective and that of an outside customer, I think you would agree it's not a very well marketed product. Cellular phones have never been marketed as "not useable in buildings", let alone a subscribers home, so I think the expectation in 95% of customer's minds is that their cell phone should work in their house, regardless if they have this device or not. | |
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See 9 replies to this post |
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| | Well To everyone who complains about bad coverage inside their homes....
What do you expect? Your INSIDE a building and INSIDE coverage has always been spotty...not just with cell phones either. Even AM/FM radios were limited in reception. Cell phones are always better OUTSIDE. That's what they were designed for.....OUTSIDE and MOBILE. | |
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| | where do I get it? Has anyone actually purchased on and if so where? I'm in desperate need on this device. | |
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|  digiblurGot Sipura?Premium
join:2002-06-03
Louisiana | Re: where do I get it? said by ayal :
Has anyone actually purchased on and if so where? I'm in desperate need on this device.
Call up Retentions... if you are in an area with poor service they will give you for free and waive the $5 month charge.
I have one coming to fix the "hole" at my house. Lots of Sprint users that visit my house will be happy including myself.
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Make your Sipura/PAP2 speak. »www.voipurize.com
SouthWest Louisiana PC Users Group »www.swlapcug.com | |
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 Smith6612Premium,MVM
join:2008-02-01
North Tonawanda, NY
kudos:21
·Frontier Communi..
·Verizon Online DSL
| Sprint service... For all of you complaining about this, one of my family relatives has Verizon Wireless feeding off of our plan. When they're outside their house, they get full bars on EV-DO and TX service. However, the moment they walk into their house and are even slightly away from a window, they go down to 1 to 0 bars. This is because of the way their house's insulation is, it's alluninum which just loves to screw with Wireless signals, hence why service is great outside, but sucks inside. The same thing happens with Sprint and AT&T as well in their house, since the tower that is nearby them is shared by all the carriers. In this case, a Femtocell would be needed, as during any given time, as soon as you move the call drops because the signal crapped.
Reconsider your notions now  | |
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 bsnihls
join:2001-02-07
Jacksonville Beach, FL | It can NOT be ordered. Well I tried to order it.
1. I called several stores in Jacksonville, FL (both Sprint owned and partner owned) they said call sprint. 40 minutes.
2. I called *2 on my cell, they said call the stores. 35 minutes.
3. I chatted with a representative, she said call 1800sprint1. 25 minutes.
4. I called Telesales at 1-800-Sprint1 they said we can transfer you to technical support. 20 minutes
5. I have given up. Sprint If you read this, I chatted with Shentelle (started at 4:45:18 PM EDT) and Dominica (started 4:21:47 PM EDT) today, you should be able to track me down based on this info and make me an offer to retain me as a customer. | |
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 The BeerI Love It When A Plan Comes TogetherPremium
join:2001-07-24
Atlantic, IA
1 edit | I was alble to order them I got 2 on my work account and 1 on my home.
I had to talk to retentions, premier care got me there when I called in from one of my business lines.
Had no problem getting the devices free and the service, was rather supprised how easy it was, I was willing to pay.
I tried 2 different stores 60 miles apart and the stores had no clue what I was talking about, neither did 2/3 reps I got on the phone.
It was a PITA but they will be here tomorrow.
I agree $5/mo to fix their problem is crazy on a home account, but in my office this is spectacular.
Since I got the free devices for work I thought I would try for home too, no problem.
Since 90% of my calls are in my office, or in my house $15/mo after discount to give unlimited calling to all my phones on my account was a no brainer.
Karl, your prices are wrong, after paying for the device it's 15/mo or 25/mo unless you get the $5 waived like I did. | |
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|  swintecPremium,VIP
join:2003-12-19
Alfred, ME
kudos:3 | Re: I was alble to order them Just scored one as well...I do not mind paying the 5 bucks a month if it means no more dropped calls in my home. I just LOVE Sprint. Should be here soon.
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Usenet Accounts | |
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| | so your telling me... I can get the device for free. It will cost $5 a month if I call retention. Wherever I plug it in I get Unlimited calls? | |
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 netwirePremium
join:2001-04-27
Shelby, NC
kudos:1
·AT&T Southeast
·RoadRunner Cable
| Hmmm.... They would have been much better off creating a $100 cell repeater for the home - that would have not used the clients broadband connection and would have most likely reduced the system resources on their end. If the Airave requires VPN or such to connect back to Sprint it's just a costly hassle. Why on earth don't their marketing people think of real-life things?
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World of Warcraft - My anti-drug.
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| | | Re: Hmmm.... That works fine and dandy if you're some place there's a usable Sprint signal to repeat. | |
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| | NOT avail yet! 8/17 ! I checked and there is NO place to order online. Local Sprint owned stores (I called 4)have no clue that Sprint even offers this let alone what it is (really, Sprint people ... stop hiring idiots).
Site says it will be available in stores by 8/17 ...
dslreports - stop teasing me! | |
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| johncase3Premium
join:2008-05-25
Hillsborough, NJ | Re: NOT avail yet! 8/17 ! said by JoeShmo99 :
I checked and there is NO place to order online. Local Sprint owned stores (I called 4)have no clue that Sprint even offers this let alone what it is (really, Sprint people ... stop hiring idiots).
Site says it will be available in stores by 8/17 ...
dslreports - stop teasing me!
If you call retentions and threaten to cancel due to poor signal quality, at their discretion, they may send you one. Otherwise, you are correct, you have to wait til 8/17 | |
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| | No AT Sprint Knows Even at stores when I call knows what Airave when you ask is it in stock. I ask if you know what I am asking about? NO
I have been on phone all day with Sprint and getting no where. These a business phones and when in office they should work have been promised new tower for over 10 years, Called retention Friday and he said he saw all calls about trouble and said it would be free since all the trouble. But no devices around stores not in until 8/17. Nice work Sprint. By the way the tower is by a busy major highway and goes out alot.
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Over The Hill | |
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agill81
join:2007-02-26
Aliso Viejo, CA
1 edit | Crap Sprint I called up retentions and they stated to me I have to sign a 2 year contract on all 4 lines. That is just crazy! Why should the cost to improve my coverage be at the cost of me by signing a 2 year contract on all 4 lines? This could add up to a couple thousand dollars over 2 years.
Sprint you can improve your coverage on your EXPENSE! I already pay for a monthly service charge that goes toward paying for new towers. | |
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slckusrPremium
join:2003-03-17
Maumee, OH
kudos:1 Reviews:
 ·AT&T U-Verse
·AT&T Midwest
1 edit | cool 10$ a month for unlimited calling in my house.
Im down, paired with the fact my service at home is terrible ( and please stop blaming the cell phone companies blame the guy who built your house).
Im a sprint fanboy, but their nice to me when i call, i get great services for what i pay, and im overall pleased with the company their becoming.
The only problem i do envision is with the caps ISP'S are starting to place on their users. This will drastically affect the usefulness of this product.
p.s. i am mad at sprint i have my money all saved up for my touch pro and they go an delay it :/. | |
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Poor solution for lack of towers.
