$10 Premium Data Fee?

[edlex]

Well I talked to sprint today to ask about this $10 fee that I heard about on cnet regarding the evo and yes, there is an additional monthly fee associated to adding the phone. She said they didn't tell her exactly why but when I asked if it was for 4G access she said probably. So I told her there isn't any 4G service in Miami she said we would have to pay it anyway. So, unfortunately, I'm canceling my pre order until Miami gets 4G service. I really can't justify paying $120 a year just to play with a new phone.

 

[Fazz]

Are you serious!!!!!?

 

[Aridon]

I'm sure you won't be the only one sprint loses over it.

 

[edlex]

Are you serious!!!!!?

As a heart attack! I was shocked. I called because I thought for sure cnet was wrong. Makes no sense. I really wanted this phone too.

 

[Rigmaster]

Not going to be able to get a 3G smartphone anywhere else for cheaper even with the $10 surcharge.

 

[drksilenc]

lol 120 what is that for the average american 10 hours? wow ive used like 40 hrs + on this forum about this phone

 

[edlex]

Not going to be able to get a 3G smartphone anywhere else for cheaper even with the $10 surcharge.

I know, but it's the principle of the thing. If my city had 4G then cool, I'm paying for all the extra bandwidth I'm sucking. But come on, I'm paying extra for nothing? I'll just wait, even if I have to suffer reading about you guys playing with it.

 

[edlex]

I'm sure you won't be the only one sprint loses over it.

Nah, they won't lose me. My wife and I have been with sprint over 13 years. We aren't going anywhere. They did lose the sale but that's ok, they'll get my money one way or another.

 

[Agent Jones]

I know, but it's the principle of the thing. If my city had 4G then cool, I'm paying for all the extra bandwidth I'm sucking. But come on, I'm paying extra for nothing? I'll just wait, even if I have to suffer reading about you guys playing with it.

even with the 10 bucks its still cheaper than all other everything data plans on the other big 3 carriers. also free cell phone to cell phone calls. i have 4g in my area (SATX) and even if i didnt, i would still have no problem paying the 10 bucks. look at the 10 bucks as a fee to help bring 4g to your area.

 

[Bek]

 

[ImmaSlave4U]

A couple weeks ago I contacted Sprint after reading that the fee applies to every EVO user. I just wanted to verify and this is the reply I received. l'll still be getting this phone and recently found out that 4G will be here in Eugene this summer. Nice!

The new HTC EVO, not only supports the next generation of our data network (4G) but also the equipment itself provides an incredible multimedia experience unlike any other cell phone out there from any carrier. As you understand, regardless if you are in a 3G or 4G, we require an additional $10.00 premium data pack. This is because we want our customer to be able to enjoy these data-rich capabilities which does require a more complex data plan. The data experience of EVO is to be enjoyed by all EVO customers, regardless of 3G or 4G networks. The catchy phrase Web Surfing was coined because web browsers found themselves coasting from one website to the next. With EVO, the data capabilities are so rich, customers may lose themselves in endless surf. EVO users will typically consume more data, and the Premium Data Fee assures they have the bandwidth to do it.

Thank you allowing me the opportunity to clarify this plan. I am also excited to inform you that Sprint 4G is expected to be available to up to 120 million people across the US by the end of 2010. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address your concerns. I am glad to hear you pre-ordered the HTC EVO. I am sure you will enjoy this phone!

 

[edlex]

even with the 10 bucks its still cheaper than all other everything data plans on the other big 3 carriers. also free cell phone to cell phone calls. i have 4g in my area (SATX) and even if i didnt, i would still have no problem paying the 10 bucks. look at the 10 bucks as a fee to help bring 4g to your area.

I hear you. And I agree sprints plans are cheaper (13years with sprint) but I'm having a tough time justifying being forced to pay an extra $10 a month for no reason for a phone that most likely will be replaced by something bigger and better in 6 months. I'm not knocking the phone, on the contrary, I think it's awesome but if you're trying to get an extra $10 a month from me then give me something more than just because it's a cool phone. As far as getting 4G in Miami, it's gonna get here whenever they want it to regardless of my $10 monthly donation.

 

[edlex]

A couple weeks ago I contacted Sprint after reading that the fee applies to every EVO user and this is the reply I got. I'll still be getting this phone and recently found out that 4G will be here in Eugene this summer.

Thank you. That's the first real explanation I've heard. I'm still going to wait for 4G in Miami but at least I feel like I wasn't getting conned.

 

[Lindseybp]

They need to throw in wi-fi hotspot for free since they are making everyone pay the $10 extra. That would totally be worth it.

 

[rushmore]

Not going to be able to get a 3G smartphone anywhere else for cheaper even with the $10 surcharge.

This $10 does not give you 3G, it "removes" the 5gb cap for data. Since all but bit torrent junkies would never ever get near 5gb in a month, this is a luxury charge for most people- unless you will use 4g, daily.

 

[Bek]

Since all but bit torrent junkies would never ever get near 5gb in a month

Not so fast... it's quite easy to legitimately consume 5gb in a month.

I have a 2 hour round trip commute to work every day, via the train. I often sit around and watch streaming TV, and keep an eye on my bandwidth, and get very close to that without much effort.

 

[pelebkf]

The 10/m gives you is 2 things:

1. Truly unlimted 3g data
2. Avalability of 4g if you are in the market

As of today if you don't want to pay that then you will not get the phone.

I for one hope that Sprint is catching alot of flack for this fee and they decide not to charge it.

 

[misterzeno]

Man this topic never dies, kill it with fire. It should be obvious by now they change is mandatory.


Sage

 

[ImmaSlave4U]

Thank you. That's the first real explanation I've heard. I'm still going to wait for 4G in Miami but at least I feel like I wasn't getting conned.

Clearwire has confirmed that 4G will be rolled out this summer in Orlando, Tampa, and Daytona so hopefully Miami will be soon after!

 

[TheBiles]

Your loss.

Sent from my HERO200 using Tapatalk

 

[rushmore]

Not so fast... it's quite easy to legitimately consume 5gb in a month.

I have a 2 hour round trip commute to work every day, via the train. I often sit around and watch streaming TV, and keep an eye on my bandwidth, and get very close to that without much effort.

Ok, so Sprint should refund people the $10 each month if they do not use 4G or go over the 5gb limit Point is, most Sprint customers do not have the luxury of even having 3G always, so most people will not get near 5gb. If using wifi, it will not matter anyways.

Tmo and Sprint have similar 3G footprints. Then again, ALL Android devices for the other carriers must have $30 monthly data plans. How much is Sprint's without the $10 charge? If equal to or less than $30, there is really no problem and Sprint is just joining the competition.

That said, it places them closer to VZW price range, which has a much better 3G coverage map for most people.

 

[Bek]

most Sprint customers do not have the luxury of even having 3G always

Care to back up this ridiculous claim with some factual information?

 

[Rigmaster]

This $10 does not give you 3G, it "removes" the 5gb cap for data. Since all but bit torrent junkies would never ever get near 5gb in a month, this is a luxury charge for most people- unless you will use 4g, daily.

Don't get the phone unless Sprint drops the charge if that's what you prefer. I see $10 as reasonable and have not made any comments other than the upside way of looking at the charge that exists as it is now.

If it's a luxury tax, I'm willing to pay and so is anyone who gets the phone. They haven't hidden it so I know what I'm signing up for. If I didn't like it that much, I'd skip the phone.

 

[avacomputers]

I Love these threads. So much Fun.

 

[Wrxdrunkie]

I am sure if you told the rep. that you wanted to cancel because of the $10 increase to the point where she transfered you to account services, maintaining your cool the whole time, you could get a $10 credit for the next 24 months from the account services/cancellation department.