Why didn't you contact the special Google IO number? They're already geared and set up towards dealing with those of us who received an IO Evo.

 

no its a non contract phone. contact the special number that is given on the google paperwork

 

please refer here!
http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g...heir-current-sprint.html?highlight=google+i/o
Mods, please merge

 

nothing BS about anything. Sprint won't be giving Google 5000 phone for no reason. Of course they want you in contract. They were hoping that the 1 month of unlmited service will get you on a full 2 yr contract.

YOU MUST SIGN 2YR OR DONT USE THE PHONE!

 

did you call the number herE?

 

Sprint requires a 2yr contract for any new line. Regardless if you own the phone. I dont know how they are dealing with these Google give aways

 

go t-mobile if you don't want to be in contract.

 

My girlfriend also called Sprint and they say all plans must come with 2-year contract. So much bullshat

 

I'm sorry but what? You can buy the phone for $450, and still have to get on a two year contract? That doesn't seem right to me.

 

I started a line of service with an older sprint phone. I'm not in contract and sprints site shows I'm eligible for an upgrade.

 

Details?? Which plan did you sign up for, and when you signed up did you choose to pay month-by-month

 

it's contracted... i've never heard of anyone starting a new line without contract

 

Upgrade has nothing to do with being in a contract. When activating a new line and you provide your own phone. The upgrade stays but you get into a contract. Some people get this waived if you are a current customer. I have once. I tried helping out a family member. Sprint said i needed a contract. I told them i am providing my own phone. So there are ways around it but i assume only with existing customers

 

Wow! This is a revelation for me, I'm glad I didn't win any of my bids on eBay! I would've paid more than double with out any real benefits except getting the phone a week and a half early.

 

It only benefits those that currently have Sprint and are replacing a phone. Then there is no contract extension.

 

Well of course you have to sign a contract then! Sprint isn't a "pay-as-you-go" company. What were you thinking?

 

I've been a Sprint customer for nearly 3 years now. I signed a new 2 year contract recently, so that means by the end of that it'll be 5 years. I like Sprint. They're a smaller company trying to make an impact on a national market, and it's working. Not only do they compete with the larger Verizon and ATT, in many cases they down-right win. For example, despite being a smaller company they've got 4G coverage in many areas... not mine, but I expect the first company here will be Sprint. Their customer service is great, and their price plans are affordable.

My point is this: You could be doing much worse than to be "locked" into a two-year agreement with Sprint. Look at it like a two-year partnership and decide if Sprint can work for you the way it works for me.

 

I'm still confused - why is there the option to even get the phone at $450 then? Is this only for current Sprint customers who want to get a new phone without extending their contract?

If I have to get on a 2 year contract for my Google I/O EVO I will be selling it. The whole point of paying full price for a phone is that you DON'T have to get on a contract and cover the subsidy.

This is the case for both AT&T and T-Mobile for both NEW and existing customers (I have done it with both). I don't know why Sprint is any different but.. lose a new customer for them I guess.

 

Yes. Why would anyone without Sprint service purchase the phone full price? It CHEAPER to get it with a new contract then pay the ETF! I don't see how people are surprised about this.

 

this is an obvious answer.. there is an option for a retail price for people that do NOT have an upgrade available. Phones belong on that carrier and the ONLY way you will get service is with a contract... same as anyone else except TMobile or whoever..

If you don't like it... don't get it and get rid of the phone..

Edit: And to go with someone like AT&T to pay more for service to stay out of contract... that's your option - I am good with the contract.. I don't break mine

 

The phone is Sprint-only. They expect people to buy the phone and get Sprint service, which is why they funded R&D into a single-carrier phone in the first place. The full price is for those who don't currently have an upgrade available or to make those who just buy the phone and use it with T-Mobile have to pay the full price. That in turn makes the phone cheaper for those of us who are on Sprint.

Long story short, regardless of price the phone's intended audience lies with Sprint customers. Either those who are, or those who become one. Anyone else, well, you're not part of this phone's target audience.