Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL
kudos:1 Reviews:
 ·CenturyLink
 ·Comcast
·Embarq Now Centu..
 ·Millenicom
| Sprint blocks phone use as a modem  Nothing new here. In 2001 I signed up for the equivalent of a unlimited plan which included 2000 peak minutes and all available features including as stated in the brochure that I could use my new 2G handset as a modem. The Sprint store where I made my purchase even sold data cables and the handset manufactures had software on their website to allow use of their handsets to be used as a modem.
About six months later Sprints Weasels sent me a message stating that I was no longer allowed to use my handset as a modem. When I threatened to disconnect service and move to Verizon, because they still allowed the use of their handsets as a modem, a Sprint CSR advised that I would be charged an ETF if I cancelled my service. I pointed out that they had raised my rates, because I would have to subscribe to a data plan at additional cost, to get the same level of service that I originally had and that was an increase in price. I stated that I had a right to disconnect service without an ETF and was planning to move my service to Verizon.
Shortly thereafter I got a message that I could continue to use my handset as a modem. The next time I tried to use my handset as a modem my download speed dropped from about 50Kbps to 9Kbps. I asked one of the IT specialists where I worked if he had experienced the same problem and was informed that Sprint had limited my download speed to the old 1G data rate which was 9.6Kbps. When I again threatened to cancel my service the Sprint CSR said I still had access to data service and basically I could go defecate in my chapeau. By that time Verizon had banned the use of their handsets as a modem and I had no recourse.
In my opinion Sprint engaged in a crime of deception. They sold handsets that were capable of being used as a modem, allowed them to be used as a modem so that fact would be talked up in the marketplace. Once Sprint reached their sales goal, they disabled the use of the handsets as a modem and then hit the suckers up for more money. Even if a customer is able to cancel their service without an ETF how do they get a refund for the purchase price of the handset. |
