Update! (Recent Additions in Red)
Since this appears to be switching to the "official" thread to discuss these changes, I thought I'd add some information to my post so people don't have to dig for answers. This comes from Phandroid's main post about the subject, as well as what info I can glean from Sprint's website and what people have posted here. Note: I am not a Sprint employee or representative, just a relatively satisfied customer. If any of this info is wrong Sprint types, please let me know.
Sprint Premier is Ending! What does this mean for you?
If you are Gold:
You can probably use your upgrade one more time.
If you are Silver:
You are automatically enrolled in the New For You program.
All Premier Members:
You have until the end of the year to take advantage of the other Premier benefits outside of the upgrade program, like the plan review, anniversary gift, etc. Not like this was a big deal.
What's the Cut-off Date for Attaining Gold Premier?
If you qualified for Gold through having a rate plan of $90+ before 9/1/11 or had reached 10 or more years of tenure by 9/30/11, then you are Gold and can take advantage of one more upgrade next year.
What Is "New For You?"
The New For You program is Sprint's "new" upgrade program that replaces the Premier program. I say new in quotes, because it's very similar to what Sprint had before the Premier program. Essentially, if you've been with Sprint for 20 months, you are eligible for a $150 discount on a new phone on top of any other rebates that may be available for that phone at that time if you sign a new two-year service agreement. There are no more one-year agreements or smaller discounts. That's it.
What About the 30 Day Return Policy?
Is Sprint Ditching Unlimited Data?
Not for data originating from your phone, and Stephen Bye, Sprint's Chief Technology Officer, recently reiterated their support for unlimited data. Sprint will apparently be capping "official" mobile hotspot tethering at 5Gb starting October 2nd. It is unknown if this will impact unofficial tethering, wireless or otherwise, but I'd watch your usage if you go this route.
Anything Else?
Why Are They Doing This?
The common consensus and what Sprint is pushing is it's required in order for them to keep unlimited data available for everyone without raising rates. Thus, they have to cut costs somewhere, and this was the most logical place. Most customers come to Sprint (or stick with them) for the unlimited data, so that's the road Sprint is going to keep traveling.
The scuttlebutt says that the imminent arrival of the iPhone probably was the nail in the coffin for the Premier program, as Verizon made similar changes shortly before getting the iPhone. Other rumors suggest the abuse of the return system (getting a phone for a few weeks, then swapping to another, then another, in order to always have the latest and greatest) had something to do with it. Note that both of these are rumor/conjecture, and Sprint is not saying anything one way or another in this regard.
Thanks to BenChase7, CarrieK, unplugged1, ginglish, marctonixx, and everyone else who has participated in this thread.
Original post:
If I'm reading the recently leaked Sprint documents correctly, starting October 2, 2011, Sprint will no longer offer a discount on new phones to any customer after 12 months, even if you are Premier Gold. Now, you have to wait until 22 months before you can get a discount, or you pay full MSRP on an upgrade.
With the rate of phone development these days, the yearly upgrade from the Gold Premier program is one reason I was happy to stick with Sprint (been a customer for 12 years, so I qualify by age and plan cost). 22 months is a long time in the tech world; go ask any Pre owner. Could this change be yet another indication of a Sprint iPhone in October?
Either way, it makes me very sad if true.
Since this appears to be switching to the "official" thread to discuss these changes, I thought I'd add some information to my post so people don't have to dig for answers. This comes from Phandroid's main post about the subject, as well as what info I can glean from Sprint's website and what people have posted here. Note: I am not a Sprint employee or representative, just a relatively satisfied customer. If any of this info is wrong Sprint types, please let me know.
Sprint Premier is Ending! What does this mean for you?
If you are Gold:
You can probably use your upgrade one more time.
- If you last used your upgrade within the past 11 months, you will be eligible next year on your one year anniversary as normal.
- If you are eligible now but have not let 22 months pass since your last upgrade, you can save it to as late as the end of 2012 as long as 22 months do not pass since you last upgraded.
- If you are 22 months past your last upgrade or you are eligible but don't upgrade and hit the 22 month anniversary before the end of 2012, you will move to Sprint's new upgrade program, New For You.
- Everyone moves to the New For You program on January 1, 2013, regardless of upgrade status or once they use their last upgrade.
If you are Silver:
You are automatically enrolled in the New For You program.
All Premier Members:
You have until the end of the year to take advantage of the other Premier benefits outside of the upgrade program, like the plan review, anniversary gift, etc. Not like this was a big deal.
What's the Cut-off Date for Attaining Gold Premier?
If you qualified for Gold through having a rate plan of $90+ before 9/1/11 or had reached 10 or more years of tenure by 9/30/11, then you are Gold and can take advantage of one more upgrade next year.
What Is "New For You?"
The New For You program is Sprint's "new" upgrade program that replaces the Premier program. I say new in quotes, because it's very similar to what Sprint had before the Premier program. Essentially, if you've been with Sprint for 20 months, you are eligible for a $150 discount on a new phone on top of any other rebates that may be available for that phone at that time if you sign a new two-year service agreement. There are no more one-year agreements or smaller discounts. That's it.
What About the 30 Day Return Policy?
- The 30 day return window we knew and loved as existing customers has been reduced to 14 days. You still have to pay a restocking fee. If you terminate service, the early termination fee is waived.
- The no-risk 30 day return policy for new customers has been eliminated. New customers get the same 14 day window available to existing customers.
Is Sprint Ditching Unlimited Data?
Not for data originating from your phone, and Stephen Bye, Sprint's Chief Technology Officer, recently reiterated their support for unlimited data. Sprint will apparently be capping "official" mobile hotspot tethering at 5Gb starting October 2nd. It is unknown if this will impact unofficial tethering, wireless or otherwise, but I'd watch your usage if you go this route.
Anything Else?
- The $18 restocking fee has been increased to $36.
- If you live in Minnesota, the old 30 day return policy will remain in place until November 13th (I assume due to state law or something).
- Sprint's New For You program starts October 2, 2011.
Why Are They Doing This?
The common consensus and what Sprint is pushing is it's required in order for them to keep unlimited data available for everyone without raising rates. Thus, they have to cut costs somewhere, and this was the most logical place. Most customers come to Sprint (or stick with them) for the unlimited data, so that's the road Sprint is going to keep traveling.
The scuttlebutt says that the imminent arrival of the iPhone probably was the nail in the coffin for the Premier program, as Verizon made similar changes shortly before getting the iPhone. Other rumors suggest the abuse of the return system (getting a phone for a few weeks, then swapping to another, then another, in order to always have the latest and greatest) had something to do with it. Note that both of these are rumor/conjecture, and Sprint is not saying anything one way or another in this regard.
Thanks to BenChase7, CarrieK, unplugged1, ginglish, marctonixx, and everyone else who has participated in this thread.
Original post:
If I'm reading the recently leaked Sprint documents correctly, starting October 2, 2011, Sprint will no longer offer a discount on new phones to any customer after 12 months, even if you are Premier Gold. Now, you have to wait until 22 months before you can get a discount, or you pay full MSRP on an upgrade.
With the rate of phone development these days, the yearly upgrade from the Gold Premier program is one reason I was happy to stick with Sprint (been a customer for 12 years, so I qualify by age and plan cost). 22 months is a long time in the tech world; go ask any Pre owner. Could this change be yet another indication of a Sprint iPhone in October?
Either way, it makes me very sad if true.