Anybody leave Verizon for Sprint?

Hey folks!

Current Verizon customer looking to switch to Sprint. I'm fed up. Poor customer service. Poor practices. Pathetic Android line-up. The whole 9 here.

For years I have heard that Sprint is terrible: dropped-calls, bad coverage, etc. I wanted to hear it from the community on how the company has treated you? Do they have outrageous fees set up? Is customer service pleasant? What kind of service can I expect in the Pittsburgh, PA area (for those who may live in the area)?

I looked at AT&T as a possibility, but I see that they are no different from Verizon. In fact, I found out today that Verizon is borrowing their practices, so I can only assume it would be no better.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!

From my personal perspective being with Sprint has been a really good experience up until recently. Here in Phoenix we have poor 3G & no 4G. Customer service has always been great & I've been with Sprint 10 years now.

I hope this helps. =)

~ ArmyX

AppsRUs said:

Hey folks!

Current Verizon customer looking to switch to Sprint. I'm fed up. Poor customer service. Poor practices. Pathetic Android line-up. The whole 9 here.

For years I have heard that Sprint is terrible: dropped-calls, bad coverage, etc. I wanted to hear it from the community on how the company has treated you? Do they have outrageous fees set up? Is customer service pleasant? What kind of service can I expect in the Pittsburgh, PA area (for those who may live in the area)?

I looked at AT&T as a possibility, but I see that they are no different from Verizon. In fact, I found out today that Verizon is borrowing their practices, so I can only assume it would be no better.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Click to expand...

If you think Verizon's Android line-up is pathetic, you'll probably be even more disappointed in Sprint's. Unless you're interested in the One X, Verizon usually gets the better phones. Motorola, in particular, seems to heavily favor Verizon.

I just recently switched from Sprint to Verizon and I couldn't be happier. I don't know about in your area, but where I live in North Carolina, the 3G was terrible and I could barely ever connect to 4G. Data speeds for Verizon are light years faster than Sprint, but again, I have no idea what they would be in your area. Also, whichever carrier you go to, there's always going to be people complaining about the customer service. I believe Sprint has more smaller fees and charges that show up on your bill every month, but I could be wrong about that.

I can confirm that I have heard from friends that Verizon Customer Service can be pretty harsh. I've had only good experiences with Sprint Customer Service.

I can also confirm the general consensus that Verizon has a better phone lineup. It seems like every phone I have wanted to get in the last 2 years or so has been with Verizon or AT&T. Now that's just my personal opinion. I have stayed with Sprint simply because (up until recently) it's been significantly cheaper for a family.

On a personal note: I am currently planning on switching to Verizon from Sprint in 2013. Of course, that could easily change if Sprint will aggressively build out LTE here in Phoenix or give me back my incentives to stay with them. (Like yearly upgrade & cheaper plans.) I am on WiFi 98% of the time, so unlimited Data doesn't sway me so much. Plus, I must admit I am somewhat disenfranchised after the WiMax built-out debacle. It annoys me.

I would recommend you stay with Verizon. However if you have great 4G coverage where you live and Sprint is cheaper, then take the plunge & switch. The best piece of advice I was every given on these forums was, "Don't change carriers for a phone."... I think that's still true. "Grass is always greener" syndrome can strike us all. =)

All that being said, I really like Sprint as a company. They've always treated me right & always (when they were able to) satisfied my needs for a wireless company.

~ ArmyX

I have been with Sprint for years, and my wife and I travel a lot and we never have coverage issues. And the customer service has gotten much better over the last few years.

I was with Nextel, until Sprint bought them out.....have been on sprint since then. A few hiccups here and there, but I am happy with Sprint. Customer service has always been good, I had one time where I was having and issue logging into my accoun, and the CS rep. Was a little rude to me, even after I had answered all the questions she asked to verify my ID. The next day, my account executive called to apologize for how the CS rep gave me a hard time about my login info. And gave me his direct line for future questions regarding my account status. I have done a few swaps and upgrades over the phone since then, and the experience has been FANTASTIC!

I looked into Verizon a number of times, comparing plan for plan Sprint is much less costly. No any-mobile any time with Verizon, and data is more costly. Even my friends wife, who works at a Verizon store near me, can't match my curent Sprint plan.
I currently have 2 Samsung Galaxy S2's, a Samsung Epic 4g, a MoPho and and an iPhone, as well as a MiFi that my parents use.
For the way I use my mobile devices, Sprint is the best choice for me.

My story can sum up whether or not Sprint is right for a person or not. A few years ago (prior to Dan Hesse becoming CEO), a CS rep messed up on moving over 2 numbers to my account (pre-existing Sprint numbers). I was merging the numbers onto my account, due to my company discount, which includes friends and family on my plan. In the process of doing that, the CS that was handling the switch somehow released my original number (7 years with that number) into a general pool. Seeing as Sprint was running short on my area code, they weren't able to retrieve the number because someone had picked it up right away. When they tried to resolve the issue, the person (Virgin mobile number) that had received the number would not relinquish it. At that point, I was livid because the Sprint CS goofed. Their resolution for the situation was to give me 6 months worth of service free, as well as 3 free phone upgrades (without extension of contract). Wasn't exactly what I was hoping for (was trying to negotiate a full year, since I also used the old number for business), but it was enough for me to stick around.

Then, after all of that was resolved, Dan Hesse became CEO and made a statement that his #1 priority was to improve customer service and make Sprint one of the top rated customer service for mobile (and eventually the best). I can't say whether or not he actually got the company to that level, but I will say that all my experiences have been 10X's better than many of my friends and family that are on other providers (e.g. Verizon, ATT, & TMobile). I've never had to complain or argue about anything ever since that time (w/ exception to the change in corporate discount when it comes to friends and family).

Switched to Sprint from Verizon after 8yrs and couldn't be happier! Coming up on 2yrs and I'm so glad I don't have to put up with those...edit: (nice people at Very-high-son)!
Have decent 4g here in Knoxville, the 3g was better 6-8 months ago but now it averages 200-300 kbps. Hope the network upgrades come soon.

My Sprint coverage actually seems to be getting worse in Phoenix. Not only do I not get 4G but my 3G speeds are down to 60-150kbs. I'm in the city too, not on some outlying area. Really looking forward to my switch to big red next year.

I've tried posting on the Sprint forums to get a response, but I usually get a robo-response like "We assure you we are planning expansions to your area"... but I never see any improvements.

It's a shame. I've been with Sprint for nearly a decade & I really love the company. I just want to be able to use my phone away from WiFi.

~ ArmyX

ArmageddonX said:

My Sprint coverage actually seems to be getting worse in Phoenix. Not only do I not get 4G but my 3G speeds are down to 60-150kbs. I'm in the city too, not on some outlying area. Really looking forward to my switch to big red next year.

I've tried posting on the Sprint forums to get a response, but I usually get a robo-response like "We assure you we are planning expansions to your area"... but I never see any improvements.

It's a shame. I've been with Sprint for nearly a decade & I really love the company. I just want to be able to use my phone away from WiFi.

~ ArmyX

Click to expand...

Isn't part of the service issues due to the Network Vision and their shutting down the Direct-Connect (aka Nextel) spectrum in order to convert to LTE? That's my understanding.

drexappeal said:

Isn't part of the service issues due to the Network Vision and their shutting down the Direct-Connect (aka Nextel) spectrum in order to convert to LTE? That's my understanding.

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I'm not sure. I doubt it here in Phoenix because we're not in Phase 1 or 2 roll-outs. (Yet.)

~ ArmyX

drexappeal said:

Isn't part of the service issues due to the Network Vision and their shutting down the Direct-Connect (aka Nextel) spectrum in order to convert to LTE? That's my understanding.

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Negative. The service issues that many report are result of the lack of backhaul. This issue, plus many others will be fixed with Network Vision.

NYCHitman1 said:

Negative. The service issues that many report are result of the lack of backhaul. This issue, plus many others will be fixed with Network Vision.

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Thanks for clarifying. I really haven't read much into Network Vision and the rollout and its effects on the current service.

ArmageddonX said:

I can confirm that I have heard from friends that Verizon Customer Service can be pretty harsh. I've had only good experiences with Sprint Customer Service.

I can also confirm the general consensus that Verizon has a better phone lineup. It seems like every phone I have wanted to get in the last 2 years or so has been with Verizon or AT&T. Now that's just my personal opinion. I have stayed with Sprint simply because (up until recently) it's been significantly cheaper for a family.

On a personal note: I am currently planning on switching to Verizon from Sprint in 2013. Of course, that could easily change if Sprint will aggressively build out LTE here in Phoenix or give me back my incentives to stay with them.

The best piece of advice I was every given on these forums was, "Don't change carriers for a phone."... I think that's still true. "Grass is always greener" syndrome can strike us all. =)




All that being said, I really like Sprint as a company. They've always treated me right & always (when they were able to) satisfied my needs for a wireless company.

~ ArmyX

Click to expand...

+ 1
I got the same advice from a MOD when looking to upgrade from CRICKET & the HUAWEI ASCEND.

Phones come & go, but, especially if unlimited data is a major factor,along w/network performance in one's coverage area, I totally agree w/the notion that a phone is only as good as the network that is providing the service.

VZW is the only major carrier that doesn't have some sort of 4G coverage in my area,which was the one factor that kept me from ETF'ing w/SPRINT & jumping on the RAZR MAXX.
No unlimited data w/VZW was the nail in the coffin on that notion.

So much for staying w/CRICKET all those years. I would have been better served by signing w/VZW or SPRINT, back when both had unlimited data options & just missed out on the opportunity to take advantage of SPRINT'S GOLD/PREMIERE program.

drexappeal said:

Thanks for clarifying. I really haven't read much into Network Vision and the rollout and its effects on the current service.

Click to expand...

Your welcome. I also just wanted to add this tidbit.

The fact is that Sprint's LTE plans are equal or better than Verizon in almost every comparable aspect when it comes to plans for additional capacity.

I don't want to stop anyone from going somewhere else. If any of you would prefer to bet on someone else's network, be my guest. We all are betting on the next 24 months whenever we sign a contract with any carrier. However, I'm just making the point that Sprint only needs to bridge LTE to next summer. And there is more than an ample plan to get there.

Once Sprint starts using 800MHz and Clearwire LTE for additional capacity (and the devices are out that run on it), the sky is the limit for Sprint LTE. Sprint will be in a better position at that time than ANY other carrier in America when it comes to being able to add LTE capacity.

And Sprint's plans are more than adequate and sound to get there. Irregardless of the naysayers.

Click to expand...

Source: S4GRU

NYCHitman1 said:

Your welcome. I also just wanted to add this tidbit.



Source: S4GRU

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Thanks for posting that. Yeah, I've only read a couple articles on s4gru, but all I needed to see was the map layout for lte and network vision. I hope they reach that ultimate goal because I don't plan on switching providers anytime soon. Unlike some, I'm more prone to stick with the familiar and not port my service from one provider to another.

ORD84;[URL="tel:4316273" said:

4316273[/URL]]The past few months I've gone from roaming in random places in my house and the area to roaming in one 1/4 spot in the areas where I'm mostly at here...

On that note does anyone know if you have to manually update your profile, and PRLs? I've never had to do that on Verizon, and I've been doing it on Sprint, just wondering if the phones do that stuff automatically as well...

Click to expand...

As for PRL's,I believe they are pushed automatically to the phone.
Updating the profile,I believe,you have to do manually.

What updating the profile actually does/consists of is a mystery to me.I have an idea,but,not sure.

Anyone care to fill in the blanks on the subject?

KOLIO said:

As for PRL's,I believe they are pushed automatically to the phone.
Updating the profile,I believe,you have to do manually.

What updating the profile actually does/consists of is a mystery to me.I have an idea,but,not sure.

Anyone care to fill in the blanks on the subject?

Click to expand...

Truthfully, I have yet to see a PRL auto-pushed to a device on Sprint. You generally have had to manually update to check for it. The same goes for profile updates like Kolio said. AFAIK, the changes aren't that drastic that would require oft-updating (assuming there is any major difference).

What a coincidence, just had PRL 51087 auto-pushed to my phone,as I was using the PHANDROID APP. It actually showed up on the screen, as if I had manually checked it myself.

ORD84 said:

Ok I was wondering for those of you out there that have Sprint and had had Verizon, have you had any issues? After numerous problems and discussions with Verizon Cust Serv after being a customer for 8 years I'm going to call it quits with Big Red...

What experiences have you guys had with Sprint's service I was looking at their coverage map and it kicks butt for Chicago where I'm at currently and Nashville where I reside...but does that represent as a whole Sprint??? Most of the areas I travel to are STL, Florida, Memphis, Chicago, and Texas...so anybody out there shout out about your service please..

Bottom line is it worth the switch for me? I was looking at the 450 min unlimited data unlimited text plan, the exact same I had with Verizon except 40$ a month cheaper!!

Click to expand...

I realize you already did what you were giong to do. But anyway... Verizon stuck us up with a steep roaming bill, and their customer service towards us was horrible... Then again we were grandfathered from Alltel, so.. what could we expect right? Since then, we jumped to Sprint, then we were for a while with Virgin Mobile and now we are back to Sprint...

Switching to Sprint has been an absolute nightmare I mean an absolute nightmare it is hard to imagine customer service is bad it is simply incredible they should be sued

ORD84 said:

Ok I was wondering for those of you out there that have Sprint and had had Verizon, have you had any issues? After numerous problems and discussions with Verizon Cust Serv after being a customer for 8 years I'm going to call it quits with Big Red...

What experiences have you guys had with Sprint's service I was looking at their coverage map and it kicks butt for Chicago where I'm at currently and Nashville where I reside...but does that represent as a whole Sprint??? Most of the areas I travel to are STL, Florida, Memphis, Chicago, and Texas...so anybody out there shout out about your service please..

Bottom line is it worth the switch for me? I was looking at the 450 min unlimited data unlimited text plan, the exact same I had with Verizon except 40$ a month cheaper!!

Click to expand...

It is hard to put into words how bad Sprint has been it is simply remarkable out for their customer services and coverage speed and lack of being online while talking on the phone at the same time and that's true of their hotspot everything about them has been an absolute nightmare it is simply incredible how bad they are they should not be in the phone business any kind of business stay far away

So odd that this thread was brought back to life, after 4 years. What's even funnier is that, I actually switched to T-Mobile this year! And it was probably the best move I ever made. Even reading my statements 4 years ago, I really didn't know how bad the cell service was with Sprint, until the 1st week I was testing out a T-Mobile pre-paid plan. The final deciding factor was how to get strong service at home, which is when a T-Mobile representative explained to me how their CellSpot worked. Without knowing exactly how well it would work, in comparison to Sprint's Airrave, I decided to take a leap of faith. Boy was I glad I did that. T-mobile's cellspot actually keeps consistent 4G signal throughout my entire house, even though it connects to a router just like the Sprint Airrave did. Biggest difference was that the Airrave didn't boost signal at all, it just kept signal whenever jumping on a phone call, but from the very beginning, the Airrave (including the newest version) would never give me 4G data.

So, for those of you that want to look at my old statements about not having any issues about Sprint, but see my post now. Don't blind yourself into thinking that the cell service will be just as good (that is, unless you're in an area of the country where Sprint just happens to be more consistent).

I really didn't know how fast of data speed one could get, while out and about, until I switched to T-Mobile. The fact that one part of LA, I got 100+mbps down and 30+mbps up (and sprint would be somewhere in the 10/10 range)...that absolutely opened up my eyes.