Many people are starting to question Sprint as to why they are charging a $10 “Premium Data” fee for user of the newly released HTC Evo 4G. They have even created a web site dedicated to the question called “explainthefee” to try and get some answers from Sprint. Apparently nobody can get a straight answer from Sprint and people are starting to get upset as there appears to be no real logical explanation. Claims are being made that Sprint are double charging for the phone with these extra fees.
To date, Sprint employees have been told to state that the fee is for “Premium Data” but explicitly they deny that it is for 4G coverage, which the vast majority of the nation does not, and will not have access to in the near future. Instead, Sprint employees have stated that this fee is related to the phone’s “enhanced features” and not their “data network.” My readers and I have sent numerous queries to Sprint and have been told repeatedly how the phone’s hardware functions provide the “Premium Data Experience.” Sprint employees have repeatedly stated that the fee for the “Premium Data” applies whether you are in a 3G or 4G network; it is a required fee for the hardware itself.
Emails have been sent to all the major players and phone calls placed to Sprint customer service representatives and still the answer make no sense.
The Sprint “HTC EVO 4G Playbook ” was leaked on the Internet and poses “sample” questions that customer’s might ask their sales people. One question in the playbook was \”Why would someone in a 3G market buy an EVO 4G and pay for the $10 Premium Data?” This was answered with the following:
“The EVO offers an unparalleled experience on 3G as well as 4G. The combination of a 4.3 inch screen, built-in-kickstand, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Android 2.1 and the hallmark HTC Sense experience makes HTC EVO 4G a best-in-class 3G phone. As 4G launches in additional markets, HTC EVO 4G will take a great 3G experience (and great apps created for 3G, especially those using video) and makes it even better on 4G.
So we are asking Sprint to explain the fee’s to their users. What is the fee and why is it being charged?
Do you know anything? Leave us your comments below.
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It’s actually very simple. The answer is free market. Sprint can charge equal to the demand. Increased demand for a limited supply means they can charge more. Simply put, if $10 a month is too rich for your blood then get out of the way so someone who wants it can get it. Besides, you don’t sit and cry about other things that cost more for seemingly arbitrary reasons. Companies should have the right to set their own price. This isn’t socialism….yet.
They can charge whatever they think people will pay, and many will pay, but thats not the point. Just because you and everyone must do something does not mean it is fair to be forced to do it. If the mayor of your town hated blue and forced the owners of blue cars to pay a monthly fee for owning said car, is that fair? What if he liked bicycles better and charged a car fee? (you have the option to not buy the Evo, but that is not the point and irrelevant to the fundamental argument)
Sprint is being very vague about this fee. Any observant person or cautious consumer would be confused as to the true nature of this fee and will have questions. Most would be fine if the fee was for extra features/services that Sprint would provide for Evo owners, this does not seem to be the case. If the fee is for 4G then it would not be fair to charge those who do not have access to the service. “But what if they travel to a 4G area?” you may ask. Simple charge them a fee if they access it, or block them from having access to 4G unless they pay the monthly fee. And yes, they can do that. All of your devices info is stored with your account, so the system knows what you have access to and can limit that access. I recently changed my plan options around and lost data completely; my phone could not access a data connection no matter what I tried. I called customer service and asked why my phone could not access the internet, when unlimited data was part of my plan. I was told that my account had not been updated correctly when the plan change occurred; someone forgot to check the box that told the system that I had an Android smartphone and not a regular phone or Windows phone. The lady made this change and my internet worked again shortly afterwards.
Lets go over what the Sprint flier states that the Premium Add on is for; this is the actual words on the flier, not my own.
“Richer data experience with an advanced processor, 3G/4G capable.”
That is a reference to the hardware of the device. Hardware that YOU PAY for. Yes its at a subsidized price, but the 2 year contract is the price you pay for lower priced hardware; you must pay that fee every month even if you buy the phone outright as well, so that argument is moot.
Paying a fee for access to hardware you own; is like going to a Car lot and the car sales man showing you 2 versions of the same model car, and telling you, “this is our lower end ABC model, it costs $25,000; and this is our top of the line ABC model, it has a bigger more powerful motor and a high end entertainment system, it costs $30,000 and this version also requires a $100 monthly fee for the privilege of having/using such a great and powerful car. Isn’t that an awesome deal?!” You would look at them like they was crazy.
If this fee is simply Sprint imposing a “Latest and Greatest” tax on Evo users, thats there prerogative and if people are willing to pay it, well good for them; just don’t give a cop-out defense of the practice, and don’t expect consumers that are careful or pay attention to be happy about an being required to pay a “privilege” fee.
You hit the nail on the head Mobilr guru, the costumers need to get out of the way and look for another carrier. Like T-mobile $80 unlimited talk text and web.
It’s actually very simple. The answer is free market. Sprint can charge equal to the demand. Increased demand for a limited supply means they can charge more. Simply put, if $10 a month is too rich for your blood then get out of the way so someone who wants it can get it. Besides, you don’t sit and cry about other things that cost more for seemingly arbitrary reasons. Companies should have the right to set their own price. This isn’t socialism….yet.
They can charge whatever they think people will pay, and many will pay, but thats not the point. Just because you and everyone must do something does not mean it is fair to be forced to do it. If the mayor of your town hated blue and forced the owners of blue cars to pay a monthly fee for owning said car, is that fair? What if he liked bicycles better and charged a car fee? (you have the option to not buy the Evo, but that is not the point and irrelevant to the fundamental argument)
Sprint is being very vague about this fee. Any observant person or cautious consumer would be confused as to the true nature of this fee and will have questions. Most would be fine if the fee was for extra features/services that Sprint would provide for Evo owners, this does not seem to be the case. If the fee is for 4G then it would not be fair to charge those who do not have access to the service. “But what if they travel to a 4G area?” you may ask. Simple charge them a fee if they access it, or block them from having access to 4G unless they pay the monthly fee. And yes, they can do that. All of your devices info is stored with your account, so the system knows what you have access to and can limit that access. I recently changed my plan options around and lost data completely; my phone could not access a data connection no matter what I tried. I called customer service and asked why my phone could not access the internet, when unlimited data was part of my plan. I was told that my account had not been updated correctly when the plan change occurred; someone forgot to check the box that told the system that I had an Android smartphone and not a regular phone or Windows phone. The lady made this change and my internet worked again shortly afterwards.
Lets go over what the Sprint flier states that the Premium Add on is for; this is the actual words on the flier, not my own.
“Richer data experience with an advanced processor, 3G/4G capable.”
That is a reference to the hardware of the device. Hardware that YOU PAY for. Yes its at a subsidized price, but the 2 year contract is the price you pay for lower priced hardware; you must pay that fee every month even if you buy the phone outright as well, so that argument is moot.
Paying a fee for access to hardware you own; is like going to a Car lot and the car sales man showing you 2 versions of the same model car, and telling you, “this is our lower end ABC model, it costs $25,000; and this is our top of the line ABC model, it has a bigger more powerful motor and a high end entertainment system, it costs $30,000 and this version also requires a $100 monthly fee for the privilege of having/using such a great and powerful car. Isn’t that an awesome deal?!” You would look at them like they was crazy.
If this fee is simply Sprint imposing a “Latest and Greatest” tax on Evo users, thats there prerogative and if people are willing to pay it, well good for them; just don’t give a cop-out defense of the practice, and don’t expect consumers that are careful or pay attention to be happy about an being required to pay a “privilege” fee.
You hit the nail on the head Mobilr guru, the costumers need to get out of the way and look for another carrier. Like T-mobile $80 unlimited talk text and web.
Tmobile is still cheap tell sprint 2 suck off
They are justs get there bonus’s back with there phone
There 4G isn’t everywhere so ur paying extra 4 the phone
2 yr contract with $10 extra(240) + 199 = 440 for the Evo4g
Makes me wonder who’s next 2 sale phones lik this
Tmobile is still cheap tell sprint 2 suck off
They are justs get there bonus’s back with there phone
There 4G isn’t everywhere so ur paying extra 4 the phone
2 yr contract with $10 extra(240) + 199 = 440 for the Evo4g
Makes me wonder who’s next 2 sale phones lik this
I like how Sprint tried to mislead people with this chart by comparing different minute rate plans, which makes a huge difference…
As of now, Verizon has a plan with 450 minutes for $40. If you add unlimited data ($30) and unlimited text ($20), that’s a total of $90 minus the 4G capability. AT&T has the same plan for $90 also (until June 7th when AT&T’s internet plans change). While the Evo plan is still cheaper, Sprint shouldn’t have made it look like they were comparing the same features across the board. Plus Verizon and AT&T have unlimited mobile-to-mobile as well lol….
Source:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/plansingleline.jsp
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/index.jsp
I like how Sprint tried to mislead people with this chart by comparing different minute rate plans, which makes a huge difference…
As of now, Verizon has a plan with 450 minutes for $40. If you add unlimited data ($30) and unlimited text ($20), that’s a total of $90 minus the 4G capability. AT&T has the same plan for $90 also (until June 7th when AT&T’s internet plans change). While the Evo plan is still cheaper, Sprint shouldn’t have made it look like they were comparing the same features across the board. Plus Verizon and AT&T have unlimited mobile-to-mobile as well lol….
Source:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/plansingleline.jsp
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/index.jsp
They still haven’t said anything that the EVO can do that every other Android can’t do that would justify the $10 charge. SMH
They still haven’t said anything that the EVO can do that every other Android can’t do that would justify the $10 charge. SMH
2 way video streaming for one…the $10 is fair. Get over it.
Let me get this straight your paying for the data and the ability to use the data? So what are we paying for when we shell out the $200 to get the phone in the first place, the box? It’s kinda like paying for water to your house and having to send a check to the company you bought your sink from every month. How is this legal? Everyone needs to realize the more we let them get away with the more they’ll continue to take.
BTW: this isn’t about verizon versus sprint or at&t. If one company does it they all will.
2 way video streaming isn’t worth $10 a month to me or anyone I know
2 way video streaming for one…the $10 is fair. Get over it.
Let me get this straight your paying for the data and the ability to use the data? So what are we paying for when we shell out the $200 to get the phone in the first place, the box? It’s kinda like paying for water to your house and having to send a check to the company you bought your sink from every month. How is this legal? Everyone needs to realize the more we let them get away with the more they’ll continue to take.
BTW: this isn’t about verizon versus sprint or at&t. If one company does it they all will.
2 way video streaming isn’t worth $10 a month to me or anyone I know
Oh and Sprint is still a better value than my Verizon plan and I have half the minutes and no special mobile to mobile feature.
Oh and Sprint is still a better value than my Verizon plan and I have half the minutes and no special mobile to mobile feature.
That’s fine that the Evo can do 2 way video streaming but if you think about it so can my laptop or home computer and they are both faster and don’t get charged an extra fee. I call bs, they do it because they can. Simple.
That’s fine that the Evo can do 2 way video streaming but if you think about it so can my laptop or home computer and they are both faster and don’t get charged an extra fee. I call bs, they do it because they can. Simple.
I’ll stick with T-Mobile.
I’ll stick with T-Mobile.
I love that this is such a huge deal. Still saving $40 a month and you don’t have a $300 early termination fee. Also Verizon is starting to charge an additional $10 per data capable phone starting soon (several friends and family members of mine were notified that this would happen upon their contract renewal this fall even for phones that wouldn’t be using data). At least you know about it now. Also, unlimited data on Sprint phones. No limits like AT&T.
So to put it a simply way. You’re a doof for a) buying the dang phone just cuz it has the dual camera, b) woopie a snapdragon processor, c) you’re addicted to trying to be “that guy/girl” that has the newest & greatest. I think that about puts the $10 fee into perspective. You want it, you pay for it, quit crying, buck up & pay it. From the inside track, the fee truly is for the network bandwith. Anyone else says it’s not, doesn’t have the true inside. And wait for the other stuff coming….you think $10 is gonna make u mad…
I find it funny that everyone is scampering to get this phone for the little improvements. I’m sorry, but it’s like that phrase “Keeping up w/ the Jones”. Just plain stupid. And yes, that’s just my li’ ol’ Opinion.
I love that this is such a huge deal. Still saving $40 a month and you don’t have a $300 early termination fee. Also Verizon is starting to charge an additional $10 per data capable phone starting soon (several friends and family members of mine were notified that this would happen upon their contract renewal this fall even for phones that wouldn’t be using data). At least you know about it now. Also, unlimited data on Sprint phones. No limits like AT&T.
So to put it a simply way. You’re a doof for a) buying the dang phone just cuz it has the dual camera, b) woopie a snapdragon processor, c) you’re addicted to trying to be “that guy/girl” that has the newest & greatest. I think that about puts the $10 fee into perspective. You want it, you pay for it, quit crying, buck up & pay it. From the inside track, the fee truly is for the network bandwith. Anyone else says it’s not, doesn’t have the true inside. And wait for the other stuff coming….you think $10 is gonna make u mad…
I find it funny that everyone is scampering to get this phone for the little improvements. I’m sorry, but it’s like that phrase “Keeping up w/ the Jones”. Just plain stupid. And yes, that’s just my li’ ol’ Opinion.
Stupid Sprint already lost a potential customer because of this. I couldn’t get anyone to give me a straight answer when I went to look into getting the EVO 4G. No 4G in my area, so I refuse to pay for a service I have no access to. I will stick with MT3G until I see something better on T-Mobile, who is not trying to nickel and dime it’s customers.
Stupid Sprint already lost a potential customer because of this. I couldn’t get anyone to give me a straight answer when I went to look into getting the EVO 4G. No 4G in my area, so I refuse to pay for a service I have no access to. I will stick with MT3G until I see something better on T-Mobile, who is not trying to nickel and dime it’s customers.
they should just come right out and say the 10 bucks is for 4g. charging people who dont have 4g access seems kind of wrong too. has anyone actually made a usable 4g connection with their evo? i’m right in the middle of a solid blue area on their coverage map but i havent been able to connect yet. i’ll keep using my wifi at home regardless but this is kind of discouraging.
they should just come right out and say the 10 bucks is for 4g. charging people who dont have 4g access seems kind of wrong too. has anyone actually made a usable 4g connection with their evo? i’m right in the middle of a solid blue area on their coverage map but i havent been able to connect yet. i’ll keep using my wifi at home regardless but this is kind of discouraging.
Don’t like it don’t buy it. Like many have said, companies can charge what they want and we CHOOSE to consume it.
My cable company only has HD DVRs and I have to pay for the HD service even if it is connected to a TV that doesn’t have HD [one of my tvs doesn't have it]. Pay about 6 for the box and 12 for HD. I wanted the DVR so I accept the extra fee.
Don’t like it don’t buy it. Like many have said, companies can charge what they want and we CHOOSE to consume it.
My cable company only has HD DVRs and I have to pay for the HD service even if it is connected to a TV that doesn’t have HD [one of my tvs doesn't have it]. Pay about 6 for the box and 12 for HD. I wanted the DVR so I accept the extra fee.
Chill people. Sprint can do whatever the hell they want. Its their company, and their service they are selling to, and they have every right to charge more for it.
Until now, sprint was the only company that did not charge more for a “smartphone” or “premium” data plan. The other networks did because they know that people with smartphones will use the data more and put more strain on the network.
You guys should be thankful they didnt charge more for the HTC Hero, or Moment Data plan. Now with the EVO out, its obvious that people are going to use the network a lot more, so they have to get more money to keep their network evolving to meet new demands.
Anyway, its still loads cheaper than Verizon and AT&T, and around the same as T-Mobile, so stop whining.
I signed up for and paid for an unlimited data plan. The hardware used for that plan should not matter. If I upgrade my phone the plan should not need to change. What they are saying is, “Even though we offer an unlimited data plan… it’s not really unlimited.”
Chill people. Sprint can do whatever the hell they want. Its their company, and their service they are selling to, and they have every right to charge more for it.
Until now, sprint was the only company that did not charge more for a “smartphone” or “premium” data plan. The other networks did because they know that people with smartphones will use the data more and put more strain on the network.
You guys should be thankful they didnt charge more for the HTC Hero, or Moment Data plan. Now with the EVO out, its obvious that people are going to use the network a lot more, so they have to get more money to keep their network evolving to meet new demands.
Anyway, its still loads cheaper than Verizon and AT&T, and around the same as T-Mobile, so stop whining.
I signed up for and paid for an unlimited data plan. The hardware used for that plan should not matter. If I upgrade my phone the plan should not need to change. What they are saying is, “Even though we offer an unlimited data plan… it’s not really unlimited.”
It better not be for 4G because testing 4G, I have yet to get even HALF of the download and upload speeds that I get standing in the same spot but using 3G in Austin.
We are talking seriously bad performance. My best 4G download was 500 and I had 1100 on 3G in the same spot. I will try at work on Monday (downtown near the main highway and I sit at a window). If I don’t get better than 3G performance, I may be returning this phone. Yes, it’s nice but it doesn’t have at least one of the mission critical applications I used in WinMo. Paying more (a lot more since I had to get a different phone plan) for less doesn’t make sense to me.
It better not be for 4G because testing 4G, I have yet to get even HALF of the download and upload speeds that I get standing in the same spot but using 3G in Austin.
We are talking seriously bad performance. My best 4G download was 500 and I had 1100 on 3G in the same spot. I will try at work on Monday (downtown near the main highway and I sit at a window). If I don’t get better than 3G performance, I may be returning this phone. Yes, it’s nice but it doesn’t have at least one of the mission critical applications I used in WinMo. Paying more (a lot more since I had to get a different phone plan) for less doesn’t make sense to me.
Good case for a class action sue.
Any lawyer around?
Are you serious? That would be like agreeing to pay a co-pay for insurance, know that you are going to have to pay a higher co-pay for a specialist. Then throwing a tantrum later. Buying the EVO, you know what you are going to pay and you agree to it buying it.
I hope your being sarcastic. If not, stupid people should not talk about things they know nothing about. Sprint has every right to make us pay 10 bucks more. I am sure they have a good reason for it, but are afraid to say so in fear of backlash from stupid customers.
PEOPLE! You cannot sue for every thing
Good case for a class action sue.
Any lawyer around?
Are you serious? That would be like agreeing to pay a co-pay for insurance, know that you are going to have to pay a higher co-pay for a specialist. Then throwing a tantrum later. Buying the EVO, you know what you are going to pay and you agree to it buying it.
I hope your being sarcastic. If not, stupid people should not talk about things they know nothing about. Sprint has every right to make us pay 10 bucks more. I am sure they have a good reason for it, but are afraid to say so in fear of backlash from stupid customers.
PEOPLE! You cannot sue for every thing
It’s fine if they want to charge 10 bucks for a service, but state explicitly what it’s for. Don’t dance around the subject. At least just be honest and say it’s because the EVO is an awesome phone so if you want to use it on our network you’re going to have to pay an extra 10 bucks. But at least be specific and describe what you’re charging for.
BTW, I’ll stick with T-Mobile and my Nexus One for now.
It’s fine if they want to charge 10 bucks for a service, but state explicitly what it’s for. Don’t dance around the subject. At least just be honest and say it’s because the EVO is an awesome phone so if you want to use it on our network you’re going to have to pay an extra 10 bucks. But at least be specific and describe what you’re charging for.
BTW, I’ll stick with T-Mobile and my Nexus One for now.
I think what the major point of the article is saying is that they’re clearly stating that the fee is for hardware – “Wicked fast CPU.”
That is what the major point is.
I think what the major point of the article is saying is that they’re clearly stating that the fee is for hardware – “Wicked fast CPU.”
That is what the major point is.
I get a kick out of everyone on T-Mobile & AT&T offering their $0.02 worth – but NOT on Sprint and offering they’ll stay with their lame & ineffective carrier. It’s like me complaining about the food or service at a restaurant I don’t ever eat at but state I’ll stay with Burger King… I’ll pay the $10 because I know that is what the deal is. Would I prefer to NOT pay it? Duh! But that’s what I signed up for, and while I know that the CHANGE is in this is STILL a capitalistic society & a company can charge as they will. For those of you who have been in school long enough to read about this it is what is often known as “charging what the market will bear” – pay it or stop whining!
Hey, Sprint can charge whatever they wanna, but they should do the right thing and state what the extra charge is actually for.
Customers/potential customers can also tell them where they can shove that extra charge as well. If they see enough negative backlash, they might rethink the whole thing. You look like a giant douche demanding that people keep their mouths shut and pay up or just move along (BUT KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT).
Capitalism, free market, whatever you want to call it works both ways, and by voicing their opinion that it’s bullshit, might make other carries think twice before doing the same thing.
I get a kick out of everyone on T-Mobile & AT&T offering their $0.02 worth – but NOT on Sprint and offering they’ll stay with their lame & ineffective carrier. It’s like me complaining about the food or service at a restaurant I don’t ever eat at but state I’ll stay with Burger King… I’ll pay the $10 because I know that is what the deal is. Would I prefer to NOT pay it? Duh! But that’s what I signed up for, and while I know that the CHANGE is in this is STILL a capitalistic society & a company can charge as they will. For those of you who have been in school long enough to read about this it is what is often known as “charging what the market will bear” – pay it or stop whining!
Hey, Sprint can charge whatever they wanna, but they should do the right thing and state what the extra charge is actually for.
Customers/potential customers can also tell them where they can shove that extra charge as well. If they see enough negative backlash, they might rethink the whole thing. You look like a giant douche demanding that people keep their mouths shut and pay up or just move along (BUT KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT).
Capitalism, free market, whatever you want to call it works both ways, and by voicing their opinion that it’s bullshit, might make other carries think twice before doing the same thing.
We do pay more for our smartphones on Sprint. I was required to have the Everything Plan when I purchased my Samsung Instinct, and again when I purchased my Palm Pre. That’s $99.99/month. Tack on the $10/month for the “Special fee,” and another $30/month to use the hotspot feature (no point in getting the htc EVO without that), and we’re paying $139.99 (plus the all the lovely taxes and government fees).
Isn’t that more than Verizon customers ($89.99 + $29.99 = $119.98)?
I understand the htc Incredible is the Verizon equivalent to Sprint’s htc EVO.
What do you pay for your plan?
Does your plan come with video phone calls?
Does your htc Incredible and plan come with/offer the hotspot feature?
$99.99 is the unlimited plan correct? You could go with $69.99 and get any mobile included with 450 mins. (pictured above) If you make more than 450 mins worth the calls to landline phones before 7pm when free nights start (Usually 9 on other carriers unless you pay more) then that would be the only reason you would need $99.99 unlimited. So %69.99 + $10 Evo + $30 hot spot (Up to 8 devices can connect)then you are paying $109.99. With smart phones you have to have a data plan because more and more features use data and you would have overages. Last I checked… Verizon charged $2.99 just for visual voice mail.
We do pay more for our smartphones on Sprint. I was required to have the Everything Plan when I purchased my Samsung Instinct, and again when I purchased my Palm Pre. That’s $99.99/month. Tack on the $10/month for the “Special fee,” and another $30/month to use the hotspot feature (no point in getting the htc EVO without that), and we’re paying $139.99 (plus the all the lovely taxes and government fees).
Isn’t that more than Verizon customers ($89.99 + $29.99 = $119.98)?
I understand the htc Incredible is the Verizon equivalent to Sprint’s htc EVO.
What do you pay for your plan?
Does your plan come with video phone calls?
Does your htc Incredible and plan come with/offer the hotspot feature?
$99.99 is the unlimited plan correct? You could go with $69.99 and get any mobile included with 450 mins. (pictured above) If you make more than 450 mins worth the calls to landline phones before 7pm when free nights start (Usually 9 on other carriers unless you pay more) then that would be the only reason you would need $99.99 unlimited. So %69.99 + $10 Evo + $30 hot spot (Up to 8 devices can connect)then you are paying $109.99. With smart phones you have to have a data plan because more and more features use data and you would have overages. Last I checked… Verizon charged $2.99 just for visual voice mail.
it’s too bad sprint has such spotty coverage otherwise i would already be a customer. the $10 fee for no 4g and if you aren’t using the front camera is not a good idea especially when sprint needs to get back on top in the market and the evo would really help them with that.
it’s too bad sprint has such spotty coverage otherwise i would already be a customer. the $10 fee for no 4g and if you aren’t using the front camera is not a good idea especially when sprint needs to get back on top in the market and the evo would really help them with that.
4G Costs them money. They sell 4G phones and get $10 more for them. They use the extra money to support the infrastructure build-out. It’s their decision and you can go with them or not. Gotta have the latest greatest gizmo, you pay the latest greatest price.
4G Costs them money. They sell 4G phones and get $10 more for them. They use the extra money to support the infrastructure build-out. It’s their decision and you can go with them or not. Gotta have the latest greatest gizmo, you pay the latest greatest price.
At first my thoughts were: Must agree that the fee sounds like some BS. People can justify it any way they see fit, but those of us who know the “ways of sprint” bailed years ago… They will dick you over any way they can. It’s the only way they can keep their failing company afloat. Their usual target market is dope dealers (boost & virgin) laborers (nextel) and the (sprint) people who can’t afford the high deposits the competition used to charge. Basically they assume their customers aren’t among the brightest bulbs in the box. So yeah they do what any good American company would do…Take advantage of the gullible.
I could understand paying a premium for more bandwidth (do so every time I get cable internet) and it’s well worth it. If they deny it is for the improved bandwidth 4G offers, and most areas aren’t covered, than they are in fact double charging people who buy the EVO. Hell they even say it themselves from what this article reads. If you are paying the extra 10 for things like they said (cpu, better video, etc) those are handset specific and have nothing to do with the data plan.
Not sure it would work the same, but I know a quick edit in the right place will change which handset T-Mobile detects me using… Wonder if Sprint users can scoop an EVO elsewhere, edit a line or two to make it front like it’s a Hero instead. lol That would sure be a sweet way to stick it to they asses for trying to run game on hard working customers.
BTW love the way their promo tries to compare a 450 minute plan to the competition’s unlimited plans. Apparently they assume their customers can’t see straight either.
Now to put all the hype, my dislike for sprint, and everyone’s conspiracies aside…
It’s just fancy wording and creative marketing. Their charging the same as everyone else for data, but including all but $10 of it in the initial plan (just like they do with texts). They get the other $20 by charging equal to what others charge for 600-750 minutes. That way they get $29.99 out of their customers for data (just like their competition).
When you really look at it, customers who buy or own a legacy device get a $10 break over what most of us pay for data. After using a friend’s Sprint device I understand why. They can brag about their 4G BS all they want, but their speeds suck big fat donkey dick compared to T-Mobile & Verizon.
At first my thoughts were: Must agree that the fee sounds like some BS. People can justify it any way they see fit, but those of us who know the “ways of sprint” bailed years ago… They will dick you over any way they can. It’s the only way they can keep their failing company afloat. Their usual target market is dope dealers (boost & virgin) laborers (nextel) and the (sprint) people who can’t afford the high deposits the competition used to charge. Basically they assume their customers aren’t among the brightest bulbs in the box. So yeah they do what any good American company would do…Take advantage of the gullible.
I could understand paying a premium for more bandwidth (do so every time I get cable internet) and it’s well worth it. If they deny it is for the improved bandwidth 4G offers, and most areas aren’t covered, than they are in fact double charging people who buy the EVO. Hell they even say it themselves from what this article reads. If you are paying the extra 10 for things like they said (cpu, better video, etc) those are handset specific and have nothing to do with the data plan.
Not sure it would work the same, but I know a quick edit in the right place will change which handset T-Mobile detects me using… Wonder if Sprint users can scoop an EVO elsewhere, edit a line or two to make it front like it’s a Hero instead. lol That would sure be a sweet way to stick it to they asses for trying to run game on hard working customers.
BTW love the way their promo tries to compare a 450 minute plan to the competition’s unlimited plans. Apparently they assume their customers can’t see straight either.
Now to put all the hype, my dislike for sprint, and everyone’s conspiracies aside…
It’s just fancy wording and creative marketing. Their charging the same as everyone else for data, but including all but $10 of it in the initial plan (just like they do with texts). They get the other $20 by charging equal to what others charge for 600-750 minutes. That way they get $29.99 out of their customers for data (just like their competition).
When you really look at it, customers who buy or own a legacy device get a $10 break over what most of us pay for data. After using a friend’s Sprint device I understand why. They can brag about their 4G BS all they want, but their speeds suck big fat donkey dick compared to T-Mobile & Verizon.
10 dollars a month is not that bad…but the good thing for me is I live in st.Louis and I have 4g on my evo right now and its been like this every since I had my evo and that was June 4 so I’m good and its not in st.Louis yet.
10 dollars a month is not that bad…but the good thing for me is I live in st.Louis and I have 4g on my evo right now and its been like this every since I had my evo and that was June 4 so I’m good and its not in st.Louis yet.
I tested downtown and regularly got 2.5Mb downloads on the phone. However, when I tried the hotspot, I got 300K on my laptop. SOmething is not right.
I tested downtown and regularly got 2.5Mb downloads on the phone. However, when I tried the hotspot, I got 300K on my laptop. SOmething is not right.
Thank you Marine for commenting logically on the first post. They’ll keep charging whatever they want if any idiot just says ‘sure, okay.’ I liked your car analogies, so here’s another. Do you accept 25 percent financing on a car just because they say you should? It was the phone’s features AND the pricing plans that got me interested in leaving AT&T. The premium data fee is just BS. They should tell the truth or at least lie better. Using the word ‘premium’ doesn’t fool the educated consumer into feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Simply… When you make a graphic showing us how much we are saving, no one wants to see the extra charge.
The fee to make it a HotSpot makes perfect sense, however. I can cancel my CLEAR 4G service and save $10 a month. I can justify the extra charge because of these savings. Sprint owns 51% of CLEAR so I’m hoping my user experience will be the same. The phone arrives tomorrow. Just hope the phone itself meets my expectations.
Thank you Marine for commenting logically on the first post. They’ll keep charging whatever they want if any idiot just says ‘sure, okay.’ I liked your car analogies, so here’s another. Do you accept 25 percent financing on a car just because they say you should? It was the phone’s features AND the pricing plans that got me interested in leaving AT&T. The premium data fee is just BS. They should tell the truth or at least lie better. Using the word ‘premium’ doesn’t fool the educated consumer into feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Simply… When you make a graphic showing us how much we are saving, no one wants to see the extra charge.
The fee to make it a HotSpot makes perfect sense, however. I can cancel my CLEAR 4G service and save $10 a month. I can justify the extra charge because of these savings. Sprint owns 51% of CLEAR so I’m hoping my user experience will be the same. The phone arrives tomorrow. Just hope the phone itself meets my expectations.
Formal complaint filed with California Attorney General consumer fraud division. Wake up Sprint.
Formal complaint filed with California Attorney General consumer fraud division. Wake up Sprint.
I was going down to sprint today to ask bout this. $10 may not sound like much per month but they already charge enough on surcharge fees. Everything adds up. If I didn’t get 25% discount I probably wouldn’t have gotten the Evo. Anything over $60 a month seems a lot to me.
I was going down to sprint today to ask bout this. $10 may not sound like much per month but they already charge enough on surcharge fees. Everything adds up. If I didn’t get 25% discount I probably wouldn’t have gotten the Evo. Anything over $60 a month seems a lot to me.