Is Sprint worth it?

[jdog]

I want to know what you guys think. Is it worth it going to Sprint for the HTC Hero? There are good and bad things about both Sprint and T-mobile but at least on T-mobile I can use unlocked phones such as the Google Ion that I use now. Atleast I know that the Hero is a really good phone though.

 

[ChrisPlague]

I want to know what you guys think. Is it worth it going to Sprint for the HTC Hero? There are good and bad things about both Sprint and T-mobile but at least on T-mobile I can use unlocked phones such as the Google Ion that I use now. Atleast I know that the Hero is a really good phone though.

that would really depend on what you want sprint for? The hero? then yes faster data? then yes cheap plans while still having good service? then yes


69.99 for unlimited data, messaging, and unlimited calls to any mobile and 450 to anything but mobile phones on the fastest data network, show me a plan that will beat it.

 

[Edaze55]

When selecting a wireless company, its really important to decide first on the quality of the service where you will be using the phone. If the signal is weak, or you have no service, you should consider other options.

After that, price and services would be the next thing to think about. Since most of the services only vary a little, price would be the big factor here.

You should never decide your carrier based on the phone first. But assuming you have taken into account the two things before this, it really just becomes a matter of opinion.

Ive been with Sprint for what seems like forever. Ive never really had an issue with them. I have, in the not too distant past, considered leaving them for an iPhone. I didnt. The Hero might truly be their hero in this case.

The most vocal customers are usually the unhappy ones. I can show you loads of people unhappy with AT&T (using just iPhone owners alone), VZ and they way they cripple their handsets, Sprint and T-Mo.

The other thing to consider is that your unlocked phone, may or may not have the right 3G radio in it, no 3G leaves you on the slower Edge.

 

[jdog]

When selecting a wireless company, its really important to decide first on the quality of the service where you will be using the phone. If the signal is weak, or you have no service, you should consider other options.

After that, price and services would be the next thing to think about. Since most of the services only vary a little, price would be the big factor here.

You should never decide your carrier based on the phone first. But assuming you have taken into account the two things before this, it really just becomes a matter of opinion.

Ive been with Sprint for what seems like forever. Ive never really had an issue with them. I have, in the not too distant past, considered leaving them for an iPhone. I didnt. The Hero might truly be their hero in this case.

The most vocal customers are usually the unhappy ones. I can show you loads of people unhappy with AT&T (using just iPhone owners alone), VZ and they way they cripple their handsets, Sprint and T-Mo.

The other thing to consider is that your unlocked phone, may or may not have the right 3G radio in it, no 3G leaves you on the slower Edge.

Here in houston we get good coverage from all the carriers, Sprint has 3G far outside of Houston where I do travel alot and T-mobile only 2G out there. T-mobile was cheaper in till Sprint announced their new $69.99 per month plan, to match that plan on T-mobile it would have to be $82.99. Also I think T-mobile is going to take a long time to get devices with HTC Sence and if they get the Hero it will probably be the European version which I don't like (to fat but I could live with the chin). My phone (Google Ion) was given away by Google at their I/O Conference, so it does have the correct 3G radio but yeah I understand what you are saying.

 

[Sabre66]

I'm in the same boat as EDAZE55 - been with Sprint for years and was considering a switch to AT&T for the Iphone. I'm far from a technophile or reviewer but here's my list of criteria:

All in all, the reliability and coverage of service in your area is the primary reason to choose a certain carrier. For me Sprint has always had pretty good coverage wherever i go. Even traveling i've never really had any issues. Of course there are dead spots, but that's normal for all carriers.

Next on my list is price. A comparable AT&T or Verizon plan would cost me $50 more a month. Not worth it to me.

Next is the phone choices. I considered the PRE and the Tour, but really wanted a bigger screen and i'm over flip phones. Then the Hero was announced and I became a Sprint diehard again.

Final criteria is customer service. Let's face it...they all suck in this category. I've never really had an major issues with them other than billing mistakes and those were typically fixed quickly...after a few automated transfers to a real human being.

Right now with the economy down every carrier is scrambling to keep customers. Sprint was on the fence for a while, but has really made leaps and bounds over the past couple years to improve in all areas listed above. So i'm happy to stay with Sprint for a while longer.

Hope this helps you out.

 

[Visionikz03]

When selecting a wireless company, its really important to decide first on the quality of the service where you will be using the phone. If the signal is weak, or you have no service, you should consider other options.

That's exactly why i switched from TMobile to Sprint cuz where i use my phone the most which is at home, I couldn't get a signal from TMobile even if i stood on my 2-story roof! Whereas with Sprint I can be inside my garage with the doors closed and get full signal, something I wouldn't dream of having with TMobile. Sprints new pricing for their plans is awesome too! All in one. None of this adding separate "smartphone" data plans then unlimited texts etc. in addition plus limited daytime minutes. Sprint definitely tromps TMobile on that. Sprints customer service seems comparable to TMobiles as well. Overall I'm happy with my switch to Sprint.

 

[thefley]

I have sprint and i have a nextel. I just got the Hero, I had thought about switching for the IPhone also but the HERO kept me.

the cust serv is always amazed how much data I use on my phone, but I am on it all the time downloading movies or something.

if you have great coverage then Sprint is the way to go.

Like someone stated above, cust serv is not so great but that is with all of them.

 

[vanity]

only good since they have the cheapest plans...nothing else really

 

[apollomaker]

that would really depend on what you want sprint for? The hero? then yes faster data? then yes cheap plans while still having good service? then yes


69.99 for unlimited data, messaging, and unlimited calls to any mobile and 450 to anything but mobile phones on the fastest data network, show me a plan that will beat it.

Yes Chris -- I have been with Sprint for many years, traveling the country before I retired. Had nothing but great service and this goes way back to when the phones were "simple" --- now my wife and I have the shared 1500 hour plan (two phones) which is not cheap but gives us FULL DATA SERVICE for unlimited digital support for all the Hero features and plenty of talk time.

I say this cuz we are in California too. So far, over the last 15 years, have been real happy with Sprint, their support and national coverage.

 

[Deleted User]

Yes Chris -- I have been with Sprint for many years, traveling the country before I retired. Had nothing but great service and this goes way back to when the phones were "simple" --- now my wife and I have the shared 1500 hour plan (two phones) which is not cheap but gives us FULL DATA SERVICE for unlimited digital support for all the Hero features and plenty of talk time.

I say this cuz we are in California too. So far, over the last 15 years, have been real happy with Sprint, their support and national coverage.

1500 HOUR plan? I want that, that's 62.5 days of free talking time per MONTH! INCREDIBLE!!!!!

 

[vanity]

I think I will leaving sprint after 8 years.today was the last straw.since when do they charge you for restocking a($35) phone?my 30 days are up on the 1st & they have yet to send a return kit to me...I refuse to be stucked with this palm pre crap

 

[apollomaker]

1500 HOUR plan? I want that, that's 62.5 days of free talking time per MONTH! INCREDIBLE!!!!!

Well, that is SHARED between two people, so that really amounts to unlimited talk time for two. And that was the smallest shared plan in my location to get the full digital services. Yes, they are selling you more than you will surely use, but that's okay. At least I don't have to worry about time on the network

 

[Deleted User]

I think I will leaving sprint after 8 years.today was the last straw.since when do they charge you for restocking a($35) phone?my 30 days are up on the 1st & they have yet to send a return kit to me...I refuse to be stucked with this palm pre crap

Since April of this year, and they haven't been keeping it a secret. It's protection from them losing money, otherwise how many people that are waiting for the Moment do you think would have gone to Sprint, picked up a Hero and returned it the day the Moment came out? I know I would have, it was their restocking fee that stopped me.

You returning your Pre after using sticks Sprint with a used phone that they then can't recoup full value for, many companies do it for many products like TVs, computers, etc.

Our Guarantee

 

[crow11ad]

that would really depend on what you want sprint for? The hero? then yes faster data? then yes cheap plans while still having good service? then yes


69.99 for unlimited data, messaging, and unlimited calls to any mobile and 450 to anything but mobile phones on the fastest data network, show me a plan that will beat it.

Also they have what is called a premeir plan....doesn't cost anything extra. All you have to have is the 69.99 or 99 plan for 3 months then you can have it. What this is does is this. Normally you have to have your phone for 2 years to get that 150.00 credit...on this plan basically after the 3 months, then for the next 12 months after that, you can upgrade your phone once a year and get the 150.00 credit instead of waiting 2 years. And so far in 3 years I have upgraded my phone once a year and only having the 75.00 credit.

And the unlimited mobile to mobile on any network for free and not using your minutes unless you call a 1800 number or land line doesn't hurt either.

 

[ChrisPlague]

I think I will leaving sprint after 8 years.today was the last straw.since when do they charge you for restocking a($35) phone?my 30 days are up on the 1st & they have yet to send a return kit to me...I refuse to be stucked with this palm pre crap

good luck finding a plan around the same price witht he same coverage and speeds

 

[ChrisPlague]

Also they have what is called a premeir plan....doesn't cost anything extra. All you have to have is the 69.99 or 99 plan for 3 months then you can have it. What this is does is this. Normally you have to have your phone for 2 years to get that 150.00 credit...on this plan basically after the 3 months, then for the next 12 months after that, you can upgrade your phone once a year and get the 150.00 credit instead of waiting 2 years. And so far in 3 years I have upgraded my phone once a year and only having the 75.00 credit.

And the unlimited mobile to mobile on any network for free and not using your minutes unless you call a 1800 number or land line doesn't hurt either.

and also to add premier customers get special offers such as 25% off accesory purchases just to name one.

and you are eligible for premier when you are on single line plans 69.99 and up

and family plans 129.99 and up

 

[satinkzo]

I think sprint is the way to go for anyone looking for a data plan IF you have good coverage in your area. Obviously that's the most important thing. But when you break down their plans vs anyone else, you'll see sprint is a clear winner price wise IMO. TMobile is comparable in urban areas also.

New feature of free call-forwarding to google voice coming, I think they have the earliest default nights and weekends time of 7pm without additional cost.

If you ask nicely after 3 months you can get sprints Pick3 or Pick5 (like the my circle stuff) for free. I use it for my main landline calls now with anymobile. I just wish sprint had a family plan with less minutes now cause 1500 minutes, we barely dent that anymore.

Then you factor in the extra sprint perks like Premier and now the anymobile feature that is just part of the plan, no extra price. I've also had nothing but great experiences with sprint customer service and the easy phone exchanges if you have problems.

 

[bxtzd3]

i am with all the positive reports on sprint. but it is starting to creep up the price ladder. i have to go all data for 3 phone and im the only one who will use it, if i get the hero, and i need to get another phone for the 3rd line that will be useful on the data plan. thats my main gripe.
i hope they get the droid, pipe dream.

 

[satinkzo]

i am with all the positive reports on sprint. but it is starting to creep up the price ladder. i have to go all data for 3 phone and im the only one who will use it, if i get the hero, and i need to get another phone for the 3rd line that will be useful on the data plan. thats my main gripe.
i hope they get the droid, pipe dream.

I'm sorry I'm not following this at all.

You can have multiple phones on different plans with sprint, they don't all have to share a plan. But when you factor in the cost of a seperate plan, it's usually cheaper to just use the add a line option whether all phones take advantage of all the features on the plan or not.

Cost wise, you'd have to do a break down for me cause I see no where that they even come close to vzw prices for what I have. But everyone's situation is different.

 

[bxtzd3]

i understand about how much cheaper the plans are. i really enjoyed just adding data to the phones that used it. i pay 100 now for 3 lines and my phone has all the perks the other 2 get light usage. i would cancel and do pre paid for them but i upgraded the wifes last year. ill live with it, just the first time sprint and i cant work it out. change is good i guess.

 

[satinkzo]

i understand about how much cheaper the plans are. i really enjoyed just adding data to the phones that used it. i pay 100 now for 3 lines and my phone has all the perks the other 2 get light usage. i would cancel and do pre paid for them but i upgraded the wifes last year. ill live with it, just the first time sprint and i cant work it out. change is good i guess.

Ah, I get ya now. Make sure you let them know why you left though.

 

[AndroidSPCS]

i understand about how much cheaper the plans are. i really enjoyed just adding data to the phones that used it. i pay 100 now for 3 lines and my phone has all the perks the other 2 get light usage. i would cancel and do pre paid for them but i upgraded the wifes last year. ill live with it, just the first time sprint and i cant work it out. change is good i guess.

Would any other carrier be better from that regard?

 

[bxtzd3]

none that i know of.

 

[IOWA]

Since April of this year, and they haven't been keeping it a secret. It's protection from them losing money, otherwise how many people that are waiting for the Moment do you think would have gone to Sprint, picked up a Hero and returned it the day the Moment came out? I know I would have, it was their restocking fee that stopped me.

You returning your Pre after using sticks Sprint with a used phone that they then can't recoup full value for, many companies do it for many products like TVs, computers, etc.

Our Guarantee

Im pretty sure all carriers do this. Why shouldn't they?

Well, that is SHARED between two people, so that really amounts to unlimited talk time for two. And that was the smallest shared plan in my location to get the full digital services. Yes, they are selling you more than you will surely use, but that's okay. At least I don't have to worry about time on the network

I don't think apollo is getting his mistake.... Think about it.... 1500 Hours? Dont you mean minutes?


To the op:

I've been with Sprint for 5 Years+ and have had no coverage issues ever. The data has ALWAYS been top notch, even before it was "cool" to have mobile web. I travel quite a bit and my Sprint phone works great wherever I am. My only real interaction with true dead zones were in the mountains, and that can be expected, b/c no carriers had service.

 

[durandetto]

i understand about how much cheaper the plans are. i really enjoyed just adding data to the phones that used it. i pay 100 now for 3 lines and my phone has all the perks the other 2 get light usage. i would cancel and do pre paid for them but i upgraded the wifes last year. ill live with it, just the first time sprint and i cant work it out. change is good i guess.

If you were with VZ you would be paying $100 for one phone and not be getting as many minutes and I believe the smartphone add on is like $25-30. In my experience it was only like 15 more a month to add data to three other phones. No one else on my plan really uses it, but if they ever get lost atleast they have Navigation. I pay less than $150 a month with Sprint for 4 phones and when I had T-mobile I was paying $120 for 2 with less options and worse coverage(no 3G, crappy roaming).