New Plan details and Unlimited Data lifetime speculation.

Sprint has said many times that unlimited data will be here a long time. But who really knows?

 

I think for the near future Sprint will continue unlimited data but there may come a time where the network becomes too congested and they're forced to pull a Verizon and AT&T move

In the meantime I'll be enjoying my unlimited plan

 

I think unlimited data will be here to stay for a few more years then a move to tiered data will ensue once Network Vision is 100% complete and the network is stable. However, Softbank maintains an unlimited data stance for their network in Japan, so I can only think that they might want to do the same for Sprint once the merger is complete.

 

I agree. If Sprint were to do away with unlimited data now, I think there would be mass exodus from Sprint.

 

For a good number of us, the unlimited data is the only reason we stick with Sprint. For now, I am mostly happy with my speed, although I still get terrible signal at my house. The speed has only become bearable since I got my new One. Even with it, if I get stuck on 3g, it is only just bearable. If I lost unlimited data, I wouldn't have to even think about it. I would switch carriers.

 

It's not going anywhere anytime time soon. It's the Only thing keeping them afloat

 

I'd say it will be around for awhile especially with the Sprint/Softbank/Clearwire deal that is expected to pass the FCC. They will have more spectrum than either Verizon or ATT. It will obviously be awhile before the can get the Clearwire spectrum into their network

 

Sprint already owns the majority title regarding Clearwire, and more of their spectrum than is in use is already attributed to Sprint as a part of the spectrum allocation screen (on paper, according to the FCC).
Not all spectrum is equal though you see. Frankly speaking, most of the Clearwire spectrum is much less valuable in comparison to to the spectrum the other major U.S. cellular telecom companies utilize at this time.
Sprint already uses some of the Clearwire Spectrum in their current network, in the form of Wimax.

 

As of now unlimited data is their main attraction. Now that the FCC has finally approved the merger hopefully things will get much better.

As for me I'm pretty spoiled here in the Chicago metro area because LTE is pretty widespread. If they did do that, I would hope most of us already on Sprint would get Grandfathered to the unlimted plan.

 

As long as T-Mobile continues to offer unlimited data, I imagine Sprint will as well in order to prevent themselves from falling to number 4.

 

If I had to pay for tiered data, might as well be on ATT/VZW. That's my thought process anyway. The vast majority of people I know (IRL/Online) stick with Sprint / TMo because they don't have to worry about their data usage. Take that away and there aren't many options to stay unless they significantly drop prices.

 

I'm completely with most of you on this.
Without the unlimited data you are left with inferior network coverage and slower data speeds.

Now let's discuss reasonable limits, 5 or 15GB is absurd for a limit.
If carriers implemented Hard Caps at 150GB that would be acceptable.

The current tiers are ridiculous though.

Also they should be looking into competing with home internet providers in the future.
LTE can provide great home internet speeds.

 

Looks like they're going to stick around with the unlimited data for a while, considering the new leaked plans:

Upcoming Sprint “Unlimited, My Way” and “My All-In” plans revealed

I'm very curious to see what they offer, as far as family plans are concerned.

 

See, I read that as lock your unlimited in now, because we're not going to offer it forever. Why else would you need to guarantee that the services will remain unlimited?

I'm disappointed that this is the best they can do in the wake of Tmo's announcements. I wish some of these carriers would let you choose a tier for each area of service, talk, text, and data. I would love to pay less and have 100 minutes of talk and 500 texts while retaining unlimited data. But data is the money maker, so we're stuck.

 

I think just like any plan change, it'll benefit some while being worse for others.

I haven't delved into the details too much, but I'm sure there's positives somewhere

 

Yeeeeeep. This still makes me wonder if the $10 smartphone data fee is in effect or if this includes it.

 

I saw those plan details and given the current condition of the network, it seems like a rip off. Maybe after network vision is much further along, it would be worth it. But those prices are too close to Verizon & AT&T prices IMO than to T-Mobile.

 

Its probably no coincidence that the soft bank acquisition went through this week as well.

They're going to want to get sprint profitable for them asap.

I agree with what was said above. Not the best way to go about it given the network

 

If they force those plans on me when I'm up for renewal next year, good bye sprint.

 

I don't have an individual plan, so I really can't tell, but if the new plan includes the "premium data" fee, seems like it's a better deal than what one would currently pay.

Simply Everything Individual plan is 109.99 (including premium data fee)
2gb Hotspot = $19.99
6gb Hotspot = $49.99
To me, that translates to either $129.98 or $159.98

With the new plan, it seems like the Simply Everything is changing to the "My All-In Plan", which is $110, but that includes 5gb of Hotspot use.

Again, I don't really know, since I pay for a family plan, but if someone could explain where it seems like an increase, that'd be great.

 

Yes, If I were to switch to this it would likely increase my bill $10-$20. If they don't change the discount policy that is. Right now my discount is based off of the 69.99 base rate and if it switches to this, then the base will drop to 50.

 

They actually stated that discounts would be based off of the data rate, so it would be $30 then whatever % discount you receive off that (assuming you go the unlimited data route).

 

They do not list a family plan pre se. Is the price per line in place of family plan? Is the "data fee" per line or per account?