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Sprint Expands $10 'Because We Can' Fee
Now being applied to all smartphones...
According to a press statement by Sprint the company will be raising the cost of many people's "Everything Data" plans by an additional $10 per month. The extra fee was previously imposed on HTC EVO 4G, EVO Shift 4G, and Epic 4G phones trying to access Sprint's WiMax network. Now the fee will be imposed on all Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Instinct devices. It was apparently this, or eliminate the company's offering of unlimited data for the company's Mobile WiMax subscribers. "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," says the company.
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slckusr
Premium Member
join:2003-03-17
Greenville, SC

slckusr

Premium Member

Just Remember

You get what you pay for.

morbo
Complete Your Transaction
join:2002-01-22
00000

1 recommendation

morbo

Member

Re: Just Remember

Not always.
xenophon
join:2007-09-17

xenophon

Member

Re: Just Remember

Perhaps Sprint is getting iPhone this year. Since iPhone won't have WiMAX, would make sense Sprint would do this for 3G iPhone given they will be huge data hogs. Sprint plans will still be less than ATT/VZW even with $10 addition - and truly unlimited.

Bill Neilson
Premium Member
join:2009-07-08
Alexandria, VA

Bill Neilson to slckusr

Premium Member

to slckusr
Well no, I would say many are not getting what they pay for

pcdebb
birdbrain
Premium Member
join:2000-12-03
Brandon, FL
ARRIS DG1670

pcdebb

Premium Member

Re: Just Remember

said by Bill Neilson:

Well no, I would say many are not getting what they pay for

i'm getting what I didnt ask for
fiberguy2
My views are my own.
Premium Member
join:2005-05-20

fiberguy2

Premium Member

Re: Just Remember

said by pcdebb:

said by Bill Neilson:

Well no, I would say many are not getting what they pay for

i'm getting what I didnt ask for

How so? This won't affect you if you already have a smart phone. It only affects new customers, upgrades, or new phone purchases as of January 30th.
fldiver
Premium Member
join:1999-12-27
Jacksonville, FL

fldiver to pcdebb

Premium Member

to pcdebb
Neither was I...that's why I left
srr2
join:2001-12-20
Pipersville, PA

srr2 to slckusr

Member

to slckusr
said by slckusr:

You get what you pay for.

That's a perniciously wrong expression. If you don't believe me, go look at the Verizon DSL forum and see if those people there are "getting what they paid for". Hah.

Here's the right way to put it: "You don't get what you don't pay for."
xenophon
join:2007-09-17

xenophon to slckusr

Member

to slckusr
This sucks however even with the $10 data tax, Sprint plans are still lower than ATT/VZW... and offers true unlimited.
firedrakes
join:2009-01-29
Arcadia, FL

firedrakes to slckusr

Member

to slckusr
got to love how they lie!
TheRogueX
join:2003-03-26
Springfield, MO

TheRogueX to slckusr

Member

to slckusr
said by slckusr:

You get what you pay for.

But.. I'm paying that $10/month for 4G service when there is NO 4G service ANYWHERE NEAR ME.

So no, I'm not getting what I pay for.
sphinxguy18
Premium Member
join:2008-01-13
Dallas, TX

sphinxguy18

Premium Member

I thought ....


I thought Sprint was hurting for customers and I thought they wanted to be different from AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon? I guess I was wrong

D*mn blonds!!
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: I thought ....

they're actually adding customers.

Steve B
Premium Member
join:2004-08-02
Auburn, WA

Steve B

Premium Member

Lol...

First it was about charging people for devices that "could" connect to the WiMAX network. Now its because of how much data one would use....no matter which smartphone.

Also, is it only a $10 increase on the first two lines so instead of $129 it becomes $139 for two lines and $10 more added on to the additional lines?

Jim Kirk
Premium Member
join:2005-12-09
49985

Jim Kirk

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

said by Steve B:

First it was about charging people for devices that "could" connect to the WiMAX network. Now its because of how much data one would use....no matter which smartphone.

Also, is it only a $10 increase on the first two lines so instead of $129 it becomes $139 for two lines and $10 more added on to the additional lines?

The $10 fee for 4G devices was per line, so I would assume it's the same for this.

Gotta say, if they keep this up I won't have any reason to not switch to VZ.

Steve B
Premium Member
join:2004-08-02
Auburn, WA

Steve B

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

said by Jim Kirk:

said by Steve B:

First it was about charging people for devices that "could" connect to the WiMAX network. Now its because of how much data one would use....no matter which smartphone.

Also, is it only a $10 increase on the first two lines so instead of $129 it becomes $139 for two lines and $10 more added on to the additional lines?

The $10 fee for 4G devices was per line, so I would assume it's the same for this.

Gotta say, if they keep this up I won't have any reason to not switch to VZ.

So the first two lines go from $129.99 to $149.99?

Jim Kirk
Premium Member
join:2005-12-09
49985

Jim Kirk

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

That's the case for the 4G $10 fee. Like I said, I'm assuming they'll do the same for the new 3G fee.

Steve B
Premium Member
join:2004-08-02
Auburn, WA

Steve B

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

said by Jim Kirk:

That's the case for the 4G $10 fee. Like I said, I'm assuming they'll do the same for the new 3G fee.

I don't have Sprint (have Verizon) and I was curious. My thinking is then why bother staying with Sprint when you get get arguably better phones and more coverage for just a few bucks more?

iLive4Fusion
Premium Member
join:2006-07-13

iLive4Fusion

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

said by Steve B:

said by Jim Kirk:

That's the case for the 4G $10 fee. Like I said, I'm assuming they'll do the same for the new 3G fee.

I don't have Sprint (have Verizon) and I was curious. My thinking is then why bother staying with Sprint when you get get arguably better phones and more coverage for just a few bucks more?

Uhh you don't get the adventures of Sprint 4G on Verizon.. You know like the thrill of running up and down the block to see how many time's your Evo 4G goes back to 3G or No Service.

With Verizon if your in a covered market by the map for LTE, chances are you are covered inside and out
criggs
join:2000-07-14
New York, NY

criggs

Member

Re: Lol...

said by iLive4Fusion:

Uhh you don't get the adventures of Sprint 4G on Verizon.. You know like the thrill of running up and down the block to see how many time's your Evo 4G goes back to 3G or No Service.

I have to say that's very funny. I laughed out loud when I read it. That is EXACTLY what it's like in my area when I take a walk with my laptop!

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

said by criggs:

said by iLive4Fusion:

Uhh you don't get the adventures of Sprint 4G on Verizon.. You know like the thrill of running up and down the block to see how many time's your Evo 4G goes back to 3G or No Service.

I have to say that's very funny. I laughed out loud when I read it. That is EXACTLY what it's like in my area when I take a walk with my laptop!

Yes, I treat Sprint's 4G like a WiFi hotspot. It is not a particularly hardy mobile solution, nor is it something that I would leave enabled while traveling about, as it just unnecessarily eats the battery and the signal frequently drops in and out. It is great when you have a good signal and plan on being in the same location for some time. I use it in my office all day long, and it works almost everywhere I go around town, but only once I am stationary, as the signal will drop and come back many times in just a short 10 minute drive.

I would NEVER recommend Wimax for anyone planning on using a device while commuting. Once you arrive at some destination, and if you have a decent 4G signal, the service is perfect. It works great for some people, but it may not be the best solution for others.
criggs
join:2000-07-14
New York, NY

criggs

Member

Re: Lol...

said by jmn1207:

I would NEVER recommend Wimax for anyone planning on using a device while commuting. Once you arrive at some destination, and if you have a decent 4G signal, the service is perfect.

My experience this evening is going to be interesting. For the first time, my laptop will be indoors in an OUTDOOR 4G WiMax area. All of my previous experience since mid-November has been either in 4G INDOOR saturation coverage or 3G-only coverage.

So I have no idea what to expect. Have you had some experience with that? Will I simply get a weak 4G signal that blips in and out if I'm indoors but with normal speeds? Or will I get a relatively reliable signal but with slow below-4G-spec speeds?

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

said by criggs:

So I have no idea what to expect. Have you had some experience with that? Will I simply get a weak 4G signal that blips in and out if I'm indoors but with normal speeds? Or will I get a relatively reliable signal but with slow below-4G-spec speeds?

Sorry, but it's anyone's guess. On the west side of the building, I get no 4G signal unless I am right next to the windows, where on the east side I normally see 1-2 (out of 3) bars. My personal, albeit limited, experience has been that there is very little structural penetration capability with the Wimax signal.
criggs
join:2000-07-14
New York, NY

criggs

Member

Re: Lol...

said by jmn1207:

On the west side of the building, I get no 4G signal unless I am right next to the windows, where on the east side I normally see 1-2 (out of 3) bars.

And at those times when you only get 4G when next to the window, how is your 4G performance? Does it connect and disconnect repeatedly but with normal speeds when connected? Or is it a stable connection but with slow speeds?

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

I only tested my signal in various spots and did a quick speed test on the other side of the building. Where my office is located, I get a very stable, fast connection. Although fast is relative, I suppose. I've rarely seen my speeds dip below 3000 kbps, and I've seen consistent speed test results over 8000 kbps on some test servers. A good AT&T or TMO signal will see higher results at times, but I haven't found anything nearly as consistent throughout the day.
criggs
join:2000-07-14
New York, NY

criggs

Member

Re: Lol...

said by jmn1207:

I only tested my signal in various spots and did a quick speed test on the other side of the building. Where my office is located, I get a very stable, fast connection.

Well, when I got to that area where outdoor was available and indoor wasn't, I was indoors, as I expected, and tried to connect.

What happened was that the modem went crazy. It kept switching between Searching for Networks and No Networks Found. It never even got close to connecting. Perhaps that is typical behavior when one is an outdoor only 4G coverage area and one isn't outdoors.

What was more disturbing and surprising was what happened when I got back to my apartment, this rock-steady and fast 4G connection that I've had since November 8th. It looks like the modem has been either permanently or temporarily traumatized by the experience in the outdoor area. It's taking forever to connect, the download speeds sometimes drop from 10 mbps to 4 mbps right in front of my eyes over a 1- to 2-minute period, I had the connection actually drop on me an hour after I started using it, and once it even said it had connected but I couldn't get any connectivity. Really weird.

Could the modem have gotten screwed up by some information it collected at that other outdoor only coverage area? Is it conceivable that a tower can be configured in such a manner that it can screw up a modem's subsequent ability to connect even to towers with which it has previously had no problems?

ReVeLaTeD
Premium Member
join:2001-11-10
San Diego, CA

ReVeLaTeD to criggs

Premium Member

to criggs
said by criggs:

said by iLive4Fusion:

Uhh you don't get the adventures of Sprint 4G on Verizon.. You know like the thrill of running up and down the block to see how many time's your Evo 4G goes back to 3G or No Service.

I have to say that's very funny. I laughed out loud when I read it.

So did I. I don't even have Sprint, but the imagery was comedy.
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4 to iLive4Fusion

Member

to iLive4Fusion
you won't have that option on VZW. They don't have any 4G LTE phones.

Geminimind
Premium Member
join:2003-12-20
Sacramento, CA

Geminimind

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

They will though and when they become available $$$$$$
unoriginal
Premium Member
join:2000-07-12
San Diego, CA

unoriginal to iLive4Fusion

Premium Member

to iLive4Fusion
Isn't VZW running LTE on 700mhz? If so that will allow the signal to get into buildings a lot better than the 2100 WiMax that Sprint/Clear is using.

tiger72
SexaT duorP
Premium Member
join:2001-03-28
Saint Louis, MO

tiger72

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

Sprint is actually using 2600mhz.

BillRoland
Premium Member
join:2001-01-21
Ocala, FL

BillRoland to unoriginal

Premium Member

to unoriginal
said by unoriginal:

Isn't VZW running LTE on 700mhz? If so that will allow the signal to get into buildings a lot better than the 2100 WiMax that Sprint/Clear is using.

That's the whole problem with Sprint/Clearwire's approach right there. Not only do they have trouble providing a decent indoor experience, they also require more cell sites to provide coverage, which increases costs. The 4G "war" may end up having a lot less to do technology chosen and a whole lot to do with spectrum positions.

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207 to Steve B

Premium Member

to Steve B
I am using Sprint right now because the HTC EVO is a great phone, I have good 4G coverage where I use it, and the price is right for me at $80 for unlimited data.

I watch Slingbox video and listen to MOG's 320 kbps high quality music streams for many hours each week. I can't afford to do this with AT&T because of the overages I would certainly incur, and Verizon does not have anything fast enough to compete with 4G in my area at this time.

Simple choice for me. Once the LTE phones come out, I will take a look at what Verizon is offering, but for now, I'm sticking with Sprint.

Steve B
Premium Member
join:2004-08-02
Auburn, WA

Steve B

Premium Member

Re: Lol...

said by jmn1207:

I am using Sprint right now because the HTC EVO is a great phone, I have good 4G coverage where I use it, and the price is right for me at $80 for unlimited data.

I watch Slingbox video and listen to MOG's 320 kbps high quality music streams for many hours each week. I can't afford to do this with AT&T because of the overages I would certainly incur, and Verizon does not have anything fast enough to compete with 4G in my area at this time.

Simple choice for me. Once the LTE phones come out, I will take a look at what Verizon is offering, but for now, I'm sticking with Sprint.

Yeah, I was insinuating when any persons' area has LTE. Sorry for not being more clear in my post. Lol.

Geminimind
Premium Member
join:2003-12-20
Sacramento, CA

Geminimind to Steve B

Premium Member

to Steve B
A few more bucks lol really?

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

1 edit

FFH5 to Steve B

Premium Member

to Steve B

Encouraging smartphone users to utilize Wimax

Sprint is trying to blackjack their users in to upgrading to Wimax enabled smartphones by making the Everything Data plans the same for both 3G & 4G phones. I guess not enough people were switching to Wimax phones and now Sprint will make it a no-brainer to make the switch. That is one way to get utilization on your fancy new network increased.

And as far as users switching to Verizon or AT&T, those companies plans will still be more expensive than Sprints, even with the $10 extra per month.


••••••

digiblur
Premium Member
join:2002-06-03
Louisiana

digiblur

Premium Member

The need to fix their network first!

The need to fix the issue of only pulling 50 kilobits on their 3G network with perfect signal!

Cheese
Premium Member
join:2003-10-26
Naples, FL

Cheese

Premium Member

Re: The need to fix their network first!

said by digiblur:

The need to fix the issue of only pulling 50 kilobits on their 3G network with perfect signal!

I was having that problem among others, I left for another company.

BillRoland
Premium Member
join:2001-01-21
Ocala, FL

BillRoland to digiblur

Premium Member

to digiblur
said by digiblur:

The need to fix the issue of only pulling 50 kilobits on their 3G network with perfect signal!

You get that too, huh?

spewak
R.I.P Dadkins
Premium Member
join:2001-08-07
Elk Grove, CA

spewak

Premium Member

Smart Points

Under the Smart Points section:
"Existing Sprint smartphone customers are not affected unless they upgrade to or activate another smartphone."

••••
tired_runner
Premium Member
join:2000-08-25
CT
·Frontier FiberOp..

tired_runner

Premium Member

Guess I need to make sure I don't break my Android

quote:
· Instead of limits and overage charges on data plans for wireless phones as competitors have done, Sprint is applying its $10 Premium Data add-on charge to all smartphone activations beginning Jan. 30, 2011.
· Existing Sprint smartphone customers are not affected unless they upgrade to or activate another smartphone.

That's still some bullshit though. Makes me want to hack my phone so I can tether on it. Sprint disabled this feature on my handset in favor of their optional $30 Wifi hotspot option.

And it begs the question.. If the original phone plan states "unlimited text, web and email included" and now they're slapping this bullshit fee, doesn't this constitute a change of contract terms? Wouldn't this mean people didn't get the option to opt-out?

I smell class action suit.

•••••
Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL

Mr Matt

Member

What if no WiMax?

Will customers be levied the fee if they do not have access to mobile WiMax in their local service area? What happens if they travel through a WiMax area?

Jim Kirk
Premium Member
join:2005-12-09
49985

Jim Kirk

Premium Member

Re: What if no WiMax?

said by Mr Matt:

Will customers be levied the fee if they do not have access to mobile WiMax in their local service area? What happens if they travel through a WiMax area?

If you buy a 4G capable phone, you pay the $10 4G fee. Doesn't matter if you can get 4G service or not.

tiger72
SexaT duorP
Premium Member
join:2001-03-28
Saint Louis, MO

tiger72 to Mr Matt

Premium Member

to Mr Matt
All customers will be charged this.
WiMax. 3g. doesn't matter.

viperm
Carpe Diem
Premium Member
join:2002-07-09
Winchester, CA

viperm

Premium Member

Screw that

WTF! stupid usb EVDO card barely does dialup anymore and they want to jack my prices on that and our 20 blackberries I dont think so!

I had to litterly look for an open WIFI signal in a rural area to fix a emergency network issue. I had full bars on the USB evdo card yet could barley surf I finallygave up after 30 min.

Even in meteropolitan areas full bars and you cant even run thier own damn speed test included on the new software they pushed out!

Anonymous_
Anonymous
Premium Member
join:2004-06-21
127.0.0.1

Anonymous_

Premium Member

Re: Screw that

said by viperm:

WTF! stupid usb EVDO card barely does dialup anymore and they want to jack my prices on that and our 20 blackberries I dont think so!

I had to litterly look for an open WIFI signal in a rural area to fix a emergency network issue. I had full bars on the USB evdo card yet could barley surf I finallygave up after 30 min.

Even in meteropolitan areas full bars and you cant even run thier own damn speed test included on the new software they pushed out!

that's because stupid people keep running seedtest all day long

"Oh look at me I have mobile broadband" then make a post on dslr,myspace,facebook etc....

viperm
Carpe Diem
Premium Member
join:2002-07-09
Winchester, CA

viperm

Premium Member

Re: Screw that

Ohh yea thats it! Its what I do to try and diagnose a problem First run a speed test to see if you are getting what you pay for. Then you call in and start the process of talking to support.

I bet your the kind of goofball who just calls and berates someone becuase your DSL connection is tapped out and slow because of all the torrents your running and sit and complain why your connection is slow!..

We see idiots like this all day long we RUN an ISP and know how to properly run a network. We see this kind of crap all day long.

This issue with srpint has been ongoing and I am betting thye have peopel trhottled to force them into thier new crap saying nothing is wrong nothing we can do BUT hey we have this NEW 4 g stuff that works 10 times faster! OHH but of course you will have to pay more and buy a new usb device..

hello123454
Premium Member
join:2002-02-02
21845

hello123454

Premium Member

Unreal...

The $10 fee was originally for 4G devices to provide a "rich data experience"..

It sounds like Sprint held out as long as they could to prevent going to caps and instead just charge an extra $10 / month in place to keep everything unlimited.

Just because I have a smart phone doesn't mean I use a lot of data.

My only qualm with all of this is that they have given a variety of reasons for the original $10 fee.

If they came out in the beginning and imposed this on all 3g/4g smart phones I wouldn't have an issue.

••••
boldwold
join:2011-01-11

boldwold

Member

contract

is this something that can help break out of a new contract ?

••••••
IanR
join:2001-03-22
Fort Mill, SC

IanR

Member

Let me get this straight:

Verizon gets the iphone as an option, Sprint Not.

Sprint raises ALL data fees $10pm and these fees will eventually hit exisiting customers whenever thry get new phones not matter how little data they use.

And Sprint thinks it can grow it's customer base?

••••••••
Fishie
join:2003-01-14
Riverside, CA

Fishie

Member

Avoidance of Class Action Lawsuit

I suspect they are doing this to avoid a class action lawsuit from users that are paying the extra 4G charge with no 4G service in their area. Sprint is being a little sneaky announcing the rate hike right before their and HP's announcement of upcoming products at the beginning of February. I will definitely be re-thinking my carrier options since my contract is up.
fiberguy2
My views are my own.
Premium Member
join:2005-05-20

fiberguy2

Premium Member

Re: Avoidance of Class Action Lawsuit

said by Fishie:

I suspect they are doing this to avoid a class action lawsuit from users that are paying the extra 4G charge with no 4G service in their area. Sprint is being a little sneaky announcing the rate hike right before their and HP's announcement of upcoming products at the beginning of February. I will definitely be re-thinking my carrier options since my contract is up.

Based on this post, alone.. you should find another provider and realize that no matter where you go you're going to have something to complain about.

There is absolutely no grounds to a class action law suit on 4G phone users getting charged extra for data that's not in their area. That notion is TOTALLY absurd! I suppose that before 4G was available here, I could buy an EVO, avoid the 4G data plan and still get to use it when I travel though areas that DO have 4G? I guess that would negate the fact that the very devices we're talking about is called a MOBILE phone.

I think your idea/notion would be more appropriate if Verizon was charging DSL customers a "Premium FiOS fee" when they didn't have fiber nor was it available to their home. THEN you'd have a point.
d1gw33d
join:2009-06-20
Clovis, CA

d1gw33d

Member

Really Sprint?

As of now I have no reason to have Sprint. I switched from AT&T (had Verizon for many years prior to that) simply because the price gouging was pathetic. $180/mo for 2 iPhones? Please.

Now for a Palm Pre and a EVO I'm looking at $149 + insurance and taxes? The Pre doesn't even use data other than Google Maps from time to time.
fiberguy2
My views are my own.
Premium Member
join:2005-05-20

fiberguy2

Premium Member

Re: Really Sprint?

I hate to tell you but you'll always have a reason to not have what ever carrier you have. You don't think verizon will jack their prices? or AT&T will pull some stunt, again?

One of the biggest issues is that people look at what they pay per month for a phone, and not a much larger period, such as 12 or actually the 24 month period. People don't always take into account what they pay to get the phone, the monthly service for the services offered AND any ETF they end up paying to leave early when that happens.

And still, you're not looking at ANYTHING different. You can't base anything based on the equipment you just stated unless you're going to buy a new Pre as the EVO is already charged $10 and the pre remains where it's at unless or until you swap that phone, outside of a warranty/insurance swap.

I also do agree that the iPhone is way too pricey, as well as androids and blackberry phones. In all honesty, the price of PCS is just way too high anyway.
bctc
Premium Member
join:2008-09-03
Delton, MI

bctc

Premium Member

hrm

I can't tell if it's $10/m/smartphone or $10/m one you activate *at least* one...

mix
join:2002-03-19
Romeo, MI
GL.iNet GL-B1300
Netgear CM500

mix

Member

This applies to who?

Does this apply to only new activations or all existing unlimited accounts with smart phones. The way the press release reads to me, this only applies to activations after Jan. 30th, which means most of these comments... well did they read the press release?

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: This applies to who?

said by mix:

Does this apply to only new activations or all existing unlimited accounts with smart phones. The way the press release reads to me, this only applies to activations after Jan. 30th

It only applies if you activate a NEW smartphone, either with a new plan or your existing one. Those who have smartphones now won't see their plan have the $10 rate increase.

greg
Greg
Premium Member
join:2003-05-30
Louisville, KY

greg

Premium Member

Re: This applies to who?

said by FFH5:

It only applies if you activate a NEW smartphone, either with a new plan or your existing one. Those who have smartphones now won't see their plan have the $10 rate increase.

Unless, of course, you have the audacity to own multiple Sprint phones and want to swap between them, in which case the first time you swap back to a smartphone after Feb 1, you'll pay $10 a month extra for nothing.
jfmezei
Premium Member
join:2007-01-03
Pointe-Claire, QC

jfmezei

Premium Member

Charging a premium dissuades adoption of new technology

They charges $10 because they wanted to present the 4G as a premium service. They realised that people weren't going to pay $10 extra for eseentially the same service.

They could either remove the $10 surcharge. But large companies are genetically incapable of lowering prices.

So, they tag on the $10 to all services, this way the WiMax service is no longer seen as a premium service.

Remember that being the lone user of Wimax, Sprint has to get as many people on WiMax as possible if it wants that technology to survive financially. The more people it can get on it, the more phones will be built to support it.

Unless it plans to go to LTE real soon, it still needs to build up its customer based with WiMax.
criggs
join:2000-07-14
New York, NY

criggs

Member

Re: Charging a premium dissuades adoption of new technology

I'm becoming increasingly doubtful that Sprint will be switching to LTE "real soon", as you put it. I believe they're sort of hoping that WiMax 2 is going to scramble all the equations.

Perhaps they're engaging in a desperate gamble that WiMax will be VHS and LTE will be Betamax. Personally, I feel that's probably wrong. Yes, Verizon Wireless' LTE pricing is for the birds, and if they keep that up they will take a bath and LTE will be priced out of the market, just like Betamax was (even though Betamax actually was superior technically to VHS).

But I just really doubt that LTE will stay in this absurd place price-wise. Someone somewhere will come to their senses at Verizon Wireless or, alternately, other carriers will start undercutting the Verizon Wireless ripoff with more reasonable LTE prices.

At which point Sprint's gamble with WiMax could go down in flames.

Of course, there's always the possibility that BOTH systems could continue to coexist in fierce competition. They both have powerful companies and powerful networks behind them. But economic history is littered with the corpses of once-powerful companies and once-powerful networks.

So, if I had to bet, I would still bet on LTE long-term over the next five years, and on WiMax biting the dust some time within that time frame, with the Clearwire failure later this year or next accelerating the process.

Of course, none of has a crystal ball, least of all me.
fiberguy2
My views are my own.
Premium Member
join:2005-05-20

fiberguy2 to jfmezei

Premium Member

to jfmezei
It sounds to me that maybe they're looking for a cash infusion to help pay for upgrading the 4G network. Look at it this way.. for every smart phone in service, and by the end of 2 years, multiply each of those phones by 10 and that's the added revenue per month.

Seems that Sprint COULD have been kinder and upped it by $5.
boldwold
join:2011-01-11

boldwold

Member

TOS change

this affects the terms of service, this should be something you can use to end your service before the contract is up, my only wonder is if you've got 5 lines and have that issue with one, does it end all of it ?
fiberguy2
My views are my own.
Premium Member
join:2005-05-20

fiberguy2

Premium Member

Re: TOS change

said by boldwold:

this affects the terms of service, this should be something you can use to end your service before the contract is up, my only wonder is if you've got 5 lines and have that issue with one, does it end all of it ?

No, it doesn't.. there is a bit of a loop hole in the loop hole. Your contract was for 2 years with the phone you're using. Each contract is PER phone, not your entire account. The $10 data charge applies to the PHONE, not the account.

When ever changes to terms happen, you have 30 days to terminate your agreement. The change takes hold on January 30. I would believe that you're only affected 30 days from the date they announce it AND that if affected your line/contract. I would think that in order for this to be able to end your contact, I'd suspect you need to be affected by it with in 30 days of the change of terms which would mean you'd have to swap the ESN.

IF this were true, not everyone has an extra phone laying around. If one tried to get a sub'd phone, a new contract term would apply anyway.. and who's going to buy a phone to do a swap just to end the contract?

I am personally mixed on if this would end the contract or not with out it affecting your service as it's not a change that's being forced on you such as their last announced fee change was that DID affect all customers, by 4 cents. (which I did use to end my voice contract with Sprint)
chgo_man99
join:2010-01-01
Sunnyvale, CA

chgo_man99

Member

I did not like from the beginning $10 for 4G access

it sounded to suspicious and I knew it would not last long. They had two choices: either eliminate or impose it on all plans.

Don't we also forget that Sprint is more of duopoly so how they are really competitive?

Verizon - Sprint (CDMA)

T-Mobile - AT&T (GSM).

How many people really switch between two different totally networks? If you have GSM phone, you are more like to stay with GSM due to convenience of SIM card and global standard. Even iphone can be jailbroken and used on another network. Can you do that with cdma?

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jhacker
join:2001-12-11
Peoria, IL

jhacker

Member

Maybe I can beat the deadline

It's funny that I'm eligible for an upgrade on January 29th. It looks like I should hurry in that day and take advantage of it. What also pisses me off is that Sprint removed our company discount on the additional lines in September, which also increased our bill. Perhaps I should NOT upgrade when I'm eligible and weigh all these changes when our contract is up.
fjr3020
join:2008-07-22
Miami, FL

fjr3020

Member

Costumers Against the 10 Dollar Premium Data Fee .

Please help us by showing sprint we do not want this fee at »community.sprint.com/baw ··· e/252196

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