Effective “Day One” of the merger (currently slated for September 2nd), Nextel will radically change it sales and operations. These changes will bring them in-line with current Sprint plan and phone pricing, policies and procedures. This information is of course, subject to change as it changes.
The first change will be that most Nextel stores will begin to service phones. Nextel does have some service centers, but, now most stores that are of a certain traffic level will be able to upgrade and service phones, as well as repair phones. The levels and requirements will be similar to current Sprint Store TSR levels.
Likewise, Nextel phone sales and upgrades will be changed to match Sprint. Phones will be sold “cold” with a no-activation price, as well as 1-year and 2-year agreement price-points. These will be $75 and $150 respectively from their no-activation price. The upgrade program will be identical to the Sprint New For You terms currently.
Nextel plans will now require a data-addon in order to receive any rebate, this is identical to the Vision Pack requirement on Sprint, however, there are no non-data phones on Nextel, hence all non-corporate customers will be required to add some data addon. Phone insurance policies will be changed to match LockLine on Sprint, as well price matching policies.
And finally, Nextel and Sprint plans will unify. This means Nextel will be getting Fair & Flexible, and Sprint will be getting Free Incoming Minute plans. Both will have free ReadyLink or Direct Connect as part of the plan. Mobile-to-Mobile (a unification of Nextel and Sprint M2M and PCS2PCS) minutes will include Boost Mobile customers, but not Virgin Mobile customers.
