Following up, Sprint has launched the HTC Hero after months of speculation and the first reveal by PhoneNews.com.
The Sprint version of the Hero is functionally identical to the reference GSM version with the same 3.2-inch multitouch capacitive display, 5.0 megapixel camera with video recorder, microSDHC slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, HTML browser and the Sense UI frontend.
The rest of the featureset consists of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with stereo audio support, accelerometer and speakerphone.
Pricing is set at $179.99 after minimum $69.99 Everything Plan or higher selection, $50 instant rebate, $100 mail-in rebate and new 2 year agreement.
You know I rarely comment on these types of things, but Comcast used to offer me cable television for $30 per month. This wasn’t a promotional price but my regular monthly bill. Today they charge me $55 for essentially the same service. Sure, I get a few more channels that I never watch, but the service is pretty much the same.
Business models change. I can’t get the $30 cable service any longer. My only other option is to shop around and see if Dish Network, AT&T U-Verse, or DircTV has a better plan for me. Since they don’t, I keep my Comcast. Why should the wireless business be any different?
I’m not trying to be confrontational, but this seems to be the best comparison that I can draw. You are not entitled to a particular rate plan for life. Sprint hasn’t taken your plan (at least not yet) but your ability to use your plan with particular phones.
@ Sprint Tech
Like GP said “money does not build loyalty … trust builds loyalty.”
the kind of trust $30 builds can be taken away easily by a $25 offer. Service & trust cannot be taken so easily. If that’s the mentality of sprint, they plug a small hole but leave out a TX sized hole in the middle.
Acdc1a, it cannot be said any better. You all can stand on your principles and leave but in the end you would be paying more especially for any Android, Web OS or WM phone. GP, that MiFi would cost you $60/mo. and that is only data so you’ll get a pre pay at $30-$50 for you and wife bringing the total monthly cost to between $120 and $160. I say most of the non SERO complaints come from legacy plans with free data and messaging who feel covered, GP and F1 are examples of such
@ JJ you did the right thing!
Thank You
F1 on March 16, 2009
An Open Letter
“The reasoning behind the requirement was the same reasoning given for the Instinct, that is, the company did not want people buying voice only plans and end up surprised by potential data usage charges.”
PhoneNews
Data is Data, if you have “unlimited Data” on your account, it should not be “limited to 5 GB Data” or select cherry picked devices, i.e. Instinct, or Pre or any other future devices.
The Industry has executed a Coup d’etat against the consumer, by perhaps conspiring and enforcing, hence implementing the following two main steps:
1.The term “unlimited” has been forced silently modified to a “limited 5GB”, with no legal challenge by the consumer, first by VZW… now by Sprint. That is in lieu with the ever-expanding technical capacity!
2.Next they limited the consumer’s choice of hardware, by concocting a new plan, which allows them to discriminate against any prior agreement, which they breached again, without any legal challenge. Limiting it to a specific device i.e. iPhone by AT&T and Instinct by Sprint, “reverse discrimination” against the rest of the accounts.
C.P. ” …they (for some inexplicable reason) want these customers to pay more.”
They always want the customer to pay more…its called greed, with one exception, that is when they are just establishing themselves and starting up, when they need customers to lay the foundation for the new company.
It is the oldest trick in commerce, legally known as “bait and switch”.
Sprint is not the sole violator,
VZW started with step 1, AT&T took it to step 2 with the iPhone and its plans, and Sprint is building on step 2 by adding “other devices” to the industry trend, Pre as a second additional device after Instinct cleared the path and established the pattern of step 2 for the customers of Sprint.
The Cellular Industry in the U.S., arguably lead by VZW, has been gauging the consumer, by charging the consumer for incoming calls, not allowing you the consumer to have the same controls as with landline, i.e. toll free calls, select blocking, limited caller id with no matching name, out of control incoming charges form text or calls e.t.c, unlike the rest of the consumer’s in the advanced free market.
Sprint is just the lesser evil/expensive actor in this Industry, grasping for another slice of the cake, the motto is “it is never enough”!
Just like children in a candy store with no parental control.
Solution
1. Congress, at some point in not so distant future, enhancing the consumer rights of this Industry, which is ran like the “Wild Wild West”.
2. Class action lawsuit on behalf of the millions of consumers, with complains in common, to maybe bring some real change to this abuse pattern.
Sincerely:F1
Consumer Experience: Airtouch / VZW, Tmobile, Sprint Spectrum/PCS
Sprint: Since 1997
Plan: modified Fair & Flex 700 with unlimited Data
Way to go Sprint!
In addition to the forced, unchallenged “Administrative Fees”, that are shoved down the consumer’s throat on every monthly statement.
This policy, demonstrates the desperateness of Sprint, this is surely not going to stop the account losses, by not only lacking gratitude or appreciation for current or long-term customers, in addition completely disregarding the economic state of the country, how patriotic, completely in line with the cancellation letters send to the Marines not too long ago, due to “excessive roaming” in the middle of wartime service to the country!
F1 on March 13th, 2009, 12:29 pm
Over 6.000.000 customers, have moved on since the introduction of the Instinct. Great marketing, since we are doing so good, why don’t we force the remaining customers to minimum $70 everything plans, this way we can sustain the salary and secure it for a few years to come, since letting go of 8.000 employees last month only goes so far, in keeping the margin! Besides fewer customers is better, hence less need for csr !
Sheer genius, to force the remaining loyal customers into higher cost plans, that should make them feel appreciated, since the economy is doing fantastic and people do not have any financial concerns what so ever, except for how to spend the extra money!
After all, they can always feel free to leave! lol
Keep it up Sprint, if this pattern continues, sadly, logic dictates that your day’s are numbered, even though we the loyal customers, have helped you grow since 97!
Sprint used to be first with new tec phones, the loyal customers know what I am talking about, they started falling behind with the Moto Rzr, the rest is history.
The most effective form of advertisement and the most efficent form, is infact, word of mouth, and Sprint is acting like an “indian giverâ€, first they beg you to stay,”stay with Sprint and we will give you the world”, but then good old fashioned greed rears it’s ugly head!!
I will Never recommend someone, who changes his word based on laisez affair, loyalty is priceless, but taking someone for granted is equally a mistake, I will not sell my referal recommendations, for $20, $100 or even $1000, if I can trust you, I will recommend you for FREE!
We should be free to pick any phone with any plan, force is never a foundation for trust!
Good luck maintaining Customers, with these idiotic control freak policies!
These people @ SPRINT don’t think about “long term relationships”, to them long term is a rip off 2 year contract, that is why they can not keep a position for long, they come in for “the kill” like former CEO Forsee, CEO Dan Hesse made as much as or over $14,000,000 in 2008!
What for, the Company value !?
Just about everything they could, is outsourced or sold or leased out!!
Just a couple of years ago you could not buy a share for $20, now a days you can get between 5 to 10 shares, (a couple of months ago a share was under $2,depending on when you get in !) for the same $20!!!
Before they used to call a customer a “Lifer”, that is how much they used to value and care in keeping happy longterm “relationships”,
not forced “Contracts” and “Plans”!!!
Why would a smart CEO, in this economy mind you, put the potential of millions of dollars in additional income at risk??
Simply put miss management, lack of inventory, due to lack of funding, due to loss of millions of good solid accounts, buying Nextell, signing up poor credit non paying accounts by the millions, laying of 1000s in staff…
because of incoherent policies and greedy schemes, the pattern repeats itself, in summary the creation of “the Perfect Storm”!
The only difference, this time is that they are running out of life boats, a couple of more mistakes like these, and they are out for good, too bad for the consumers, one less choice to consider, but don’t worry life cycles tend to start anew, a brand new company will be born, after all it is not the end for all!! lol
Thank You
Has anyone contacted HTC? It is after all their product.
@Acdc1a
The cable tv example is legit. In fact, I had the same issue with my local cable company. Guess what, though. I switched my tv to dish network and my internet over to DSL and both of those things combined save me a total of $50 per month. The situation is the same as my cell phone service with sprint. My cable rate increased and I got some more channels. I didn’t need/want those channels, so I went to dish network and got a cheap plan with HD and DVR and only the handful of channels that I care about. Your cable company idea is a good analogy, but in my case it helps my argument, not hurt it. Also keep in mind that a cable company is in a better position to force customers into higher rates because in most areas there isn’t really another option (no other cable provider and bad line of site for satellite dish). With cell service, in my area, I can choose from any of the “big four” and have equal reception.
@ F1
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I whole heartedly agree with your posts! Loyalty is priceless!
@ Acdc1a
There is one point in your comparison which doesn’t work. The cable companies did not promise one thing and then take it away. They simply let you subscribe at there rates … and their rates are often dictated (as Boz wrote) because of monopoly type situations.
Inflation will happen … there is little getting around that … just don’t promise one thing and then take it away. This will break the trust needed to retain customers.
Forcing people to change their plans has nothing to do with the fact that these plans are not sustainable anymore. It’s good old fashioned greed. The fixed costs of running a cellphone company are unbelievably high (cost of towers and maintenance). The cost per minute of cellphone use or per mb of data is minimal if even existent. I don’t know the exact numbers but I would assume that the cost is a few pennies. Sprint has been making money on all of their plans INCLUDING SERO. The thing is that you always want to charge as much as possible, you don’t want to sell something for $1 when you can sell it for $2. Sprint figures that they could force all the people to switch from older plans to the newer plans and pay more. The good news for Sprint is that acting like this will help financially, when most people decide to leave instead of switch to a new sprint plan, Sprint will no longer need huge call centers, because there won’t be anyone to call in. Plus, they will be able to close down some stores, since there won’t be anyone coming in, because there is no body to refer friends and family to Sprint. Eventually Sprint will be able to stop maintaining the towers, and maybe even sell some towers to competitors. Therefore Sprint is on the right track, pretty soon they will be able to get rid of all of their fixed costs, because they will no longer be in business if they continue to mistreat their existing customers.
Well my phone will be hear tomorrow. We will see what happens when I try to activate it.
@JJ
Please let us know. I called and one representative told me that it won’t be a problem, but another told me that I would need to get an Everything Plan (real high quality customer service). The first guy I spoke to seemed a lot more knowledgeable, but I might be biased since he told me what I wanted to hear. He told me that all htc phones are available on the sero plans and do not require an everything plan. Considering the HTC winMo phones work with SERO, I hope he is right.
I read posts, where people were not able to upgrade, and also where people said that they were able to upgrade with a sero and the phone is on the way. But nobody has confirmed if they were able to activate the phone. Please let us know if you are able to activate the Hero once it arrives. (hopefully you’ll be sending the post from your new Hero). Best of luck!
A Conversation with Sprint
Q: Why would anyone want to pay more to get less?
Sprint: So you can get more… choices,like the Instinct, Pre, S30, Hero,…lol
Q: So you are holding back on us?
Sprint: Call it what you want, it is our new business model!
Q: But don’t I have unlimited Data already?
Sprint: Those will not work with these!
Q: Why?
Sprint: Sorry, this is how it works!
Q:I Hear VZW is getting the iPhone?
Sprint:But we have the Instinct, Pre, S30, Hero!!!!!
Like many of you, I have been with Sprint since fall of 1997, putting up with many changes, some for better, some for worst and since 2006, I have had the Original Fair & Flexible Plan (FF) 700 for $50 which includes:
1.Every $5 = buys an extra 100 minutes
2.700 anytime minutes
3.5 cents per minute when OVERAGE exceeds1700 minutes
4.Nights starting @ 6PM (I average 670 minutes a cycle)
5.Unlimited PCS to PCS ( average 5 minutes)
6.Unlimited America Roaming (never use)
7.Unlimited Pic & Video Mail (never use)
8.Unlimited SMS & Text messaging ( average 30)
9.Unlimited Night & Weekend ( average 600-1300 minutes)
10.Unlimited EVDO Data Pack basic mobile TV (~ 1100 minutes
@ $90 = ($40 more 8X $5) =800min+ Base700 => 1500 minutes
@ $100=($50 more 10x$5) =1000min+Base 700 => 1700 minutes
No GPS
FF 700 vs. Everything Plan (EP) @ the same cost:
1. $70 —>FF (1100 minutes) vs. EP (450) => 650 minutes short!!
2. $90 —>FF (1500 minutes) vs EP (900) => 600 minutes short!!
In other words only after I exceed 1700 minutes, do I break even with the
$100 Everything Plan!!
For the record I have never exceeded 800 minutes in a cycle over an twelve year period!
Hope this helped drawing your own conclusion, why one would feel taken hostage when forced to give up a Plan to get the flavor of the day choice, i.e. an Instinct, Pre, S30 or Hero!
Thank You
@igor
I will post from my phone if it works out. I will post from my computer if I end up sending the phone back. I really like the hero but $30/month for 500 minutes and unlimited data,text and pic is too hard to give up in this economy.
@f1
Exactly what I had in mind. It is too much to switch. They are basically telling us ” Hey loyal customer, pay us more for the same service you have been getting from us and we won’t even fix our customer service or train our technicians to be on the same page like verizon does with their techs, We just want more money and don’t care too much about you, the customer”.
@JJ
The irony is that due to greed Sprint is pushing us and wants us to switch plans, which we will,except we will end up switching carriers !!
Again, great job on the BBB & FCC action you took, maybe you could also send a copy to the appropiate committees @ the U.S. Congress & the U.S. Senate. I think they are in the process of reviewing current Industry wide practices.
Thank You
F1, unlimited data was $15, unlimited text was $10 and 6pm n/w’s is another $5. Looks like you got it good because all you have should come to $80, I suggest you convey all that you have to Sprint and get some recurring discount and if AnyMobile doesn’t help some bonus minutes too. There is no huge difference between the prices, unless you get the amenities free, the only legacy plans that these new plans don’t benefit are fams and SERO
@GP
As you said above:
“We are long-term customers and Sprint is not recognizing that they are using too much force on the pry bar, and instead of moving us to a new plan, they are moving us to new carriers”.
Exactly my sentiments:
The irony is that due to greed Sprint is pushing us and wants us to switch plans, which we will,except we will end up switching carriers !!
Thank you!
@ Don Louis
Actually, I get a Pro-discount, so I added the $7 insurance, which makes the coverage free for me, at a bargain of $55 including tax.
However, I have a Palm Pro with WM 6.1 the nightmare O.S. I was considering the Hero, if not possible, I will buy an iPhone from VZW when available, maybe flash it on Sprint and keep my plan until 2011.
Thank You
I was reading a forum on sprint and one of the guys said that he called telesales and was able to get the Hero on his Sero plan with no problem. However he got the phone today, and once he called to activate the phone, he had to switch to an EPRP.
here is the link to the forum:
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/21760;jsessionid=AECD4367F2C4BF7C8D62D79BE71DADD0.app1jive1?start=135&tstart=0&reqsorting=dec
the guy I am talking about is ‘ogdenous’
He wrote some posts back on October 9th about how he got the phone, but today’s post stated that he had to change his plan.
@ Don Louie
You are missing the point, too.
It is not about what woulda, coulda, shoulda … it is about what ‘IS’! And what ‘IS’ is this … we have plans that we were promised certain things and Sprint no longer serves us what they promised!
In fact, 5 months after I got put on my plan (late in 2007), I wanted to add a line of service on the plan (which is part of the plan), however they told me that I couldn’t. Why I asked? They said that the code was removed from the system … we aren’t talking about 5 years … only 5 months and their promises were broken. I even went to a Director level in the retention call center and was told that she couldn’t get access to the code. Now remember … this code is currently in use, because it is what my account is currently on. So, in my case, Sprint is knowingly refusing to serve on their promises. The code does exist, they have simply removed it from the CS and Retention Reps available choices.
@F1
I am with you … currently I am using the Palm Pro … I am going to have re-flash my OS this week in order to get Bluetooth working correctly again – keeps dropping the BT connection while on calls. And also like you if the Hero was available for me, then I was going to give it a go, if I have to change plans then I will head to Verizon if they get the iPhone. Might consider the Pixi if they let us have it.
Flashing the iPhone to Sprint to keep my plan would be great … not holding my breath on that one … might be too much trouble doing all the jailbreaking that will likely be required.
F1, that same discount will apply to the current plans too. Continue waiting for hearsay because you’re afraid of change but to each thier own
I talked to another Sprint Rep today, and they told me something interesting. He told me that the reason we can’t keep our old plans for these new phones is because these new phones run on a 4g network. Basically what we are paying for is an older service. In order to have one of the new phones you need a particular type of service. He even compared it to DVD’s going into a VHS. I asked if the existing customers would have some sort of transition, and he said no. I still think that it’s on fair to have to pay more for the same services I already had but now that I am playing with the HTC Hero in my hand and experiencing the 4g, I can’t say I’m unhappy with my decision to just switch and get the phone. At least my employee discount is still in effect.
KS, you were misinformed/lied to. The HTC Hero is not 4G. It uses the same 3G EV-DO network that older phones have, and newer Windows Mobile phones continue to.
Maybe instead of training employees, Sprint just teaches them how to lie on the spot. Most (not all) representatives have absolutely no idea what they are talking about, and come up with lies because they don’t even know the real reasons. I had a representative tell me that you need unlimited data to get the Hero, when i said that I have unlimited data, the representative told me that its a different data and that my data is not compatible. First of all
– I didn’t realize that there are different types of data, but lets assume that there is,
– he didn’t even know that my plan has data, so how can he know what kind of data I have.
These representatives don’t know the truth, and will come up with any reason that sounds legitimate (and some that don’t) just to get you to stop bothering them.
@ Igor
Agreed about the Sprint reps being ill-equipped to handle their job. In fact, one of the reasons that Sprint went to a standard interface on their non-smartphones is because it was easier for the store reps to train new customers. They only have to teach the reps the one interface for dumb phones. This is clearly not the only reason for the standard interface but it does support your observation.
Honestly, this whole argument is pointless. You want new phones like the Hero on your older plans. Well, its not gonna happen. I am not against that idea at all. But you guys think calling and complaining is going to change something when it clearly isn’t. Its a take it or leave situation. Most of you seem like your unhappy enough to leave. So leave. I think it will be the best thing for all involved.
If switching carriers is what you need to do to make yourself happy, I encourage you to do it.
I also want to say that NO ONE is denying that data on SERO is different than data on an Everything plan. There is no technical reason why the Pre or Hero would not work on a any plan that has data included in some way (be it built into the plan or as an extra add-on code). Sprint might give some silly reason like only Everything Data plans can use visual voicemail or something, but thats obviously not true at all. I know it, you know, and they know it.
Is it due to greed? Yes.Absolutely its a greedy thing to do.Greed, as Gordon Gecko said, is GOOD. A business that is not greedy is not a good business. But, what about greedy customers? How many SERO users want free this, and free that, and work discounts, and loyalty discounts? Just as bad as what Sprint is doing IMO.
@ Sprint Tech
You said that you were going to stay away and not comment anymore. Is this another example of how Sprint doesn’t follow thru with what they say and promise?
Congratulations … I am sure that you have alienated more customers with your brazen approach to presenting Sprint. Great companies try to retain good customers not tell them to leave. Great work … I am sure that Dan Hesse would be proud of your efforts here!!! Why don’t you send him a link to this web page … let’s get his thoughts on your efforts.
And about Gordon Gecko … he did say that about greed … he also went to jail! … and he was also a fictitious character!
I forgot to mention when I had the old Family Power Pack, after a few reps messed up my 2000 minute plan, was discounted and those discounts transfered over easily. Sure, I felt the same way you all feel but have since gotten over it and in time you all will too or maybe not
@Sprint Tech- You are unbelievable. You have just agreed that sprint is using the “bait and switch” method. If you really are a sprint employee (a bad one at that) you just admitted that sprint really has no reason for forcing an everything plan on newer phones and they are breaking their on contract terms. That makes the case against sprint even better now. You really are simple-minded. I really wish your supervisor or manager knew how you handle business. Your lucky no one on this forum knows what sprint store you work at, if you even work for sprint, because you would have a lot of angry customers complaining how bad of an employee you are when it comes to handling complaints and customer issues. You amaze me more every time with every comment you post. Good luck to you and sprint if you are an example of the employees that sprint currently hires.
for all you people willing to lay down and take anything a company wants to do fine, you’re probable the same ones that are ecstatically happy with your health insurance company where you need a 2nd job to pay the premiums. I do have a choice as to my wireless carrier, if not how/who i pay for my health insurance, and i choose not to be reamed in the a@# by sprint. i’ve been with them for 6 years, paying an average of $112 a month, and i don’t need to upgrade my data plan. my old unlimited data plan for $10 a month has been doing fine for me. this phone is available elsewhere, or soon will be, and i will get it elsewhere. f&*k sprint.
@GP Well, I was gonna stay away but people were asking me questions. I know I come off as a little pompous an uncaring. Its not that I don’t care. I do, honestly. I just dont like to sugar coat things. There is no point in wasting time trying to sugar coat things. But, Sprint has laid down the policy and I support that. I just am so tired of this argument about SERO plans and newer phones. I mean, there is nothing you or I can do about it. Its just not going to change and no amount of ranting is going to change that. I don’t want to alienate customers, but there seems to be a bottom line that people refuse to look at.
@JJ I never said they are bait & switching actually. I never denied that the data was same. I am agreeing with you about that. Why does that make me simple minded or a bad person? As for this “case” against Sprint. What case? Are you taking Sprint to court? My posts on here are just my honest opinions. I don’t hate customers. Well, thats not entirely true. There’s a good batch of them I actually do hate because they are idiots. But, obviously, they are only a small portion of our customer base. And, I deal with angry customers all the time, due to being a tech. I have to explain to them why I cant replace their water soaked phone in store. But, I hardly ever deal with SERO customers complaining about needing to change their plan to upgrade to a Pre or Hero. I rarely even ever see someone on a SERO plan come into my store. SERO customers are smart enough to figure stuff out on their own and not really need to go to a retail store to resolve any issues. Retail is more for the average customer. And I can tell you that they don’t mind changing plans to upgrade to these devices.
I truly believe that the SERO customer impact to Sprint as a whole is not as big as its made to be. Yes, on forums and sites like this, there’s gonna be a lot of SERO users. But, this is a geeky site that attracts those kind of customers. SERO is a small island in the ocean of Sprint customers.
I do apologize if I have rubbed you guys the wrong way. I am sorry for that. Again, I just dont like to sugar coat things so I may come off as harsh.
@ Sprint Tech
There is a point that you are sweeping under the table, or at least trying. The only way that things get changed is when enough people complain -or- when the media has enough information to completely embarrass someone, or a company, with the facts.
You might be right that all the complaining in world may not change things with Sprint on this issue, but if we don’t share our thoughts and feelings as customers, then I assure you that nothing will change.
Do you know how many times that I have been told that something can’t be done by multiple Sprint employees, only to find someone who could make it happen. Not because I was complaining, but because I did enough of the hard work to find the right people.
You keep commenting on the SERO plan … what about people, like me (not a SERO customer), who have been promised things, in writing, only to have something not happen. Now to add insult to injury, I call Sprint for assistance and get someone like you, who tells me that I am not a customer worth keeping, so please just take your business elsewhere. I am not emotional about this … these are facts … they have happened and are provable.
We are back to the original issue again … that trust, and respect, is what keeps customers. I haven’t left Sprint yet, but when my technology needs exceed my need to keep costs constrained, then I will have little allegiance to stay with Sprint. You would understand my dilemma if you knew my plan.
And about your apology … I will accept it. Let me ask one last question … Would you be willing to listen and support the customers in the future, rather than beating them over the head with the Sprint stick? Think compassion! I realize that you support Sprint, but so did the followers of Jim Jones at Jonestown … right up until they drank the Kool-Aid … watch out for the Kool-Aid.
If SERO is such a small class of customers, I’ll posit it again, why cut them off from Instinct, Pre, and Android?
I’ll answer my own question, Sprint is putting money before allegiance. They know they will make an extra $1,000 per year for each SERO customer that defects to an Everything plan. Lets say there were at some point 250,000 customers on SERO. I’d say that’s a little high, but let’s use that number again.
(And now, yes, I am repeating entirely what I said in previous posts).
125,000 (half of SERO’s customer base) defect to Everything Plus from SERO. That’s a profit of $2,000 each over the course of a 2-year agreement, times 125,000 = $250 Million in profits.
The real question is, is Sprint creating $250 Million in negative PR, by not making good on their promise to hold SERO in parity with Everything plans on smartphones? Nobody can deny they made that explicit promise (because, well, they said it to me in writing).
I personally think those 125,000 customers (regardless of if they keep SERO or not) can easily tell ten people each “hey, Sprint burned me, and yeah I’m on some grandfathered plan, but don’t go with them.” Bang, 1.25 million potential family plans lost by Sprint by the casual recommendations of SERO plan holders. Sprint just made $250 Million and lost easily $2.07 Billion in potential revenue in the process.
You guys make valid points, but if its as bad as you make it seem, even Sprint couldn’t be THAT dumb and risk that much. I think the vast majority of SERO customers won’t be going anywhere. I honestly dont think trust has anything to do with SERO customers. It plays a part with other customers, but when it comes to SERO, people will not give up such a good plan even if it means they cant get the Hero, Pre, etc. SERO customers are a very loud minority, but they aren’t going anywhere.
Now, people of F&C and F&F plans are getting screwed over. No doubt about that. I don’t know what the best solution is, but it sure seems like Sprint is not going to budge on their position. If anything, they will step up their efforts on these new plans. They keep doing it, so it must be successful, right?
Also @GP, please don’t compare Sprint employees to a cult, that just sounds really silly. I always will show empathy with customer issues, but this isn’t some kind of issue where there is middle ground. Sprint has a set policy and there is zero wiggle room. I feel for you, but what am I supposed to do? Call Dan Hesse and beg him to rethink his strategy? Its the kind of thing that you either accept it or move on. The horse is dead man. Stop beating it.
Even Sprint couldn’t be that dumb? This is the company that didn’t follow basic business management when handling the Sprint Nextel merger.
When you have two different production operations, you do not immediately consolidate. You operate them as separate operations while testing a consolidated path. Any idiot could tell you that, and yet on Day One, iDEN and CDMA were supposed to magically chirp together. Oh, wait, chirp… right…
Sprint has yet to answer why they didn’t keep the SERO Smartphone Promise. I think it’s quite fair for Sprint to at least own up and admit that they made the promise, and why they can’t keep it. I think it’s one of many reasons why Dan Hesse is afraid to sit down with people like me for a frank, real interview.
Apples & Oranges?
To me, this was the funniest post of the day:
“I Like Dan Hesse on October 11th, 2009, 9:02 pm
@sprint tech
Excellent points on Hesse and Sero requiring $30 extra for BB data.”
BB, has had it’s own “Email Data Network”,they did NOTchange the rules mid-game! RIM unlike SPRINT is not commiting “reverse discrimination”, against it’s own established accounts.You want to change anything, change them for the new accounts,not by forcing your loyal core accounts, now that would be more sensible business model, agreed?
@ Don Louis
Don Louie on October 12th, 2009, 1:54 pm
1.”F1, that same discount will apply to the current plans too.”
FYI, actually, the discount does not apply to “the $7 insurance fee” or the $99 Everything Plan.
2.” Continue waiting for hearsay because you’re afraid of change but to each thier own”
What does this sentence mean??
Sorry, this is not the first time I am having difficulty understanding your writings.
I am paying $55, including the tax & insurance, for everything I listed above, would you drop this plan??
Besides, I am seriously concerned about potential health issues with this technology, no more long conversations with bluetooth or wihout, for me!
Thank You
In the end we will see what happens. Like Christopher Price said, there must be a lot more sero customers then people think if sprint is trying to force them out this badly. I think with enough complaints something might change. In the end lets hope the consumer is the benefactor. Isn’t that who matters in the end sprint? The person that continues to pay for your services? We will see today when my phone comes in. It is on the ups truck heading to my house. Wish me good luck! I definetly won’t be going to a sprint store for help-I don’t want to get someone like sprint tech assisting me-
F1, the hearsay you’re waiting on is the iphone on another network and if you currently don’t have an unlimited plan now what would be the purpose of going to one now, thought you didn’t use the minutes you have now?
@ Sprit Tech
Wow, I didn’t realize that I needed to explain things so completely for you to understand the nuance. I didn’t compare Sprint employees as a whole to following someone blindly. The comparison was only aimed at you … not Sprint employees in general.The rhetoric that you have used throughout your comments on this blog mirror a soldier following orders without regard to anything else -or- similar to the Jones followers when you say that you will follow Dan Hesse. I have met many Sprint employees that would NEVER act as you have in this comment section.
As far as beating a dead horse … again, I can’t tell you how many times that Sprint employees have told that something couldn’t be done only to find out that they were wrong. That something can be done. It is through persistent efforts that decisions can be changed. I will continue my communication of what I consider Sprint’s bad decision making to anyone who will listen … when appropriate, of course.
This country was founded on the principle of fighting for what you believe is right and fair. When you are promised something, you should expect to receive. So, I will fight for what I believe is fair and right.
The more I read your words the more I am determined to tell my story about Sprint. You keep missing the point that your communication is rallying the troops.
@ sprint tech
The reason people are so upset is because, no company has forced people off their plans in this way before. Through out the cell phones industries life, newer phones and newer plans have always come out and people switched plans due to some kind of benefit to them.
Some people stay with the same company just because they have been with them for so long and are loyal to the provider (the provider has been good to them). Some people have switched plans due to their needs changing (need more minutes, switched from single to family plan, need data). Some people switch companies because a phone they want is not offered with their current company (switching to ATT to get the IPhone.)
It is unprecedented for a company to tell its current customers that even though you have an account in good standing that has all of the features in order to get this phone, we will not give it to you just because we want you to pay more.
I know people who have had the same plan for over 7 years. The plan they have does not exist anymore and they are paying less than the average current plan, but just because they do not need more minutes and don’t need data, they have not switched — and nobody has forced them to. They renew their contract, get a new phone that they like and have no problems what so ever.
Sprint is not the only one to introduce favorable plans in order to attract new customers. But they are the only one to pull the plug on that plan and say we are no longer honoring it and if the customers want new phones they will have to switch plans.
Also you are right, there are SERO customers that will take all of the crap that Sprint throws at them only because they are getting a good price. So what does that mean for Sprint… they still didn’t get people off the SERO Plans, but now have pissed these people off. Therefore these people will continue to have a favorable plan but will no longer refer people to the Sprint network. Way to go Sprint mission accomplished.
@Sprint Tech,
I understand this is not your decision, and nobody even asked you for input on the matter. I can appreciate the fact that you are trying to be understanding of where we are coming from, but some of the things you say just don’t make sense. I understand that you are a sprint employee and feel like you need to support them in the corporate initiatives, but you also need to think for yourself, and if you don’t agree with something, don’t just keep repeating the corporate memo just because.
You might not go to a corporate exec and say “Hey I think these policies are stupid” but you can at least not argue with the sensible arguments posted here, especially considering that you have anonymity since Sprint Tech is obviously not your name (and you are not the only tech that Sprint employs.)
Aww poo.. Well I was on a family plan and disconnected my line for the group and added the everything data 450 plan to get the Hero phone. Granted I am totally against the fact I will be paying $25 a month more for the same services I had. One thing that I am on the fence about is I don’t know whether the Hero is worth paying that much more a month for it after playing with it just for one day. I was previously using a Diamond which I changed the rom and programs to fit me. Don’t get me wrong, the phone is nice, but eeehhh.. I don’t know. I do know that if changes are made to accomodate the exisiting customer to have these newer phones applied to their plans I will indeed be switching back to my family add-on and will be taking lawful messures if Sprint tries to prevent me from doing so.
@KS, your right. I don’t think for me it would be worth it to pay extra just to use the hero. The phone looks cool and all and Im sure it might be a lot more stable then windows mobile but like you I have the diamond with a custom 6.5 rom which has made it worthwhile. If in the end after exhausting all possible channels to get hero on sero I will settle for the tp2. I have a business account and will only pay 199. so that will be worth it.
If things don’t work out for you with the hero I hope sprint lets you get back on your old plan. They told me once I got out of it Icouldn’t get back on it. Good luck. Again I will let you guys know what happens when I get my phone today. I’m counting the minutes.
@jj,
how did you get a business account. Did you call and give them a tax-id or is there paperwork involved? does it cost extra? Would I be able to move my current SERO plan to a business account sero?
@igor, you have to use tax id and provide tax id paperwork from irs. Also provide some type of letterhead with your company. They said it would work with sero. All it does is put the account under a business instead of a person. Of course the paperwork is still being looked at and they will let me know in a couple days after its all done.
So if SERO and Sprint are so evil and bad and treating you so bad….Why don’t you just switch to AT&T and get an iPhone or go the Verizon and get a storm or go to T-Mobile and get some G1 action?? I’m sure they would love to take more of your money and give you worse service then sprint!
I have 5 lines with Sprint with unlimted data, text, and 1500 voice and when you break it down it is just $25.98 per line plus taxes. Pretty sure thats a better deal then SERO! Ohh…Did I mention I avoid paying over $90 in BlackBerry data charges per month by using Sprint??
@Sprint Tech – Stick to your guns!!! Sprint has made great changes and will be successful!!
@i like dan hesse-
The point here is not to switch. It is to fight for something that that was promised. This applies mostly to those that are under the 2 year contract on the sero. Sprint is still held liable to those under contract.
Your point on leaving if you don’t like it is not what living in America is about. But if your a quitter and like letting people run over you then thats your thing. For those who want to fight back for something that believe in then good for them. The main point here is that some people have a plan that has everything that it needs to be able to run a certain phone and last time I checked the only difference is gps, and tv and these things aren’t neccesary for a phone to work. So if you have plenty of money to spend and waste for something that some people don’t need then go ahead. For those who have the guts to stand up for something then good for them.
There is one positive thing abou this no matter what the outcome is: Its good to be able to speak your mind. I’m glad phone news gives us a way to this. I know that messages from these posts has helped me get better service from cell phone providers. So no matter who you are, someone who doesn’t care how cell phone companies treat their customers or someone who feels customers deserve respect from their phone companies keep posting. In the end it shows peoples true colors.
I am so sick and tired of only SERO plans being mentioned in discussions around the forced switch. Only few people care to point out that people with F&C or F&F plans are also being screwed and OUR number is far greater (I believe, Chris touched on this point previously though).
Family plans are especially being hurt. I have $85/mo. 2000 anytime plan that — on ONE line — has all the add-ons that make it a mirror copy of Everything plans except for anytime minutes (don’t use a lot of minutes, so I don’t care) and the newfangled any mobile stuff. The second line is for a person who doesn’t even use text messages (even though I have unlimited text and data on it too). After all the discounts, taxes, and fees, I pay around $75/mo. As we all know, the price of a comparable Everything family plan is $130/mo before taxes & fees.
Why are we not able to combine lines with different features, i.e. Everything features Line 1 and basic features on Line 2? That really bites. I can understand some sort of iPhone-like add-on pack to be added on per-line basis but forcing ALL lines to pay for features we don’t need? Not cool, Sprint, not cool. 🙁
@ I like Dan Hesse
I’m glad you have such an amazing plan. I don’t need 5 lines, and if I did, I don’t think that 300 min / month would be enough for me therefore the plan you have might be very good for you but is not good for me.
I can’t wait for sprint to come up with a new plan and tell you that your plan cant get new phones, and to get a new phone you will need to change your plan and pay $260 / month instead of the $130 that you pay now. I’m sure that when that happens you are going to tell Dan Hesse how much you like him and how you appreciate him making you pay twice as much for the same service.
@ I Like Dan Hesse
The are two main reason that I, personally, am still with Sprint, not speaking for anyone else here – 1) Retention has gone the extra mile for me even though management has put shackles on them, 2) with my current plan I am willing to give up newer phones for $$ saved. When I decide that technology is worth paying the extra money (meaning that Verizon gets a phone that makes paying extra worth it), then I will gladly pay a little more to switch. For now, Sprint employees will have to put up with people like me complaining for three reasons 1) Sprint reneged on promises made, 2) I have every right to voice my opinion, 3) people need to know that Sprint has dissed many long-term customers.
As tired as you are about hearing about SERO customers … we are tired of you thinking that it is only SERO customers who are being negatively affected. Here is a very important point to remember … most of the customers that are being negatively affected are long-term Sprint customers. These are the people that have stuck by Sprint in good times and bad. Treating the long-term customers poorly is sort of like people that treat friends better than they treat family. I’ve never understood that either.
I can’t tell you how disappointing it is to have Sprint employees fighting Sprint customers. Gleefully cheering each other on to stand up against us, the customer. If all Sprint employees conducted themselves in this manner it wouldn’t be long before there would be no Sprint. So yes, you two keep fighting the good fight against the customer … who knows maybe you could alienate even more of us!! Good work!!!
As a thought … maybe you could fight for us!!!!!!!! Maybe you could tell others in Sprint that it would be wise to keep the long-term customers happy. Is it too much to ask to have the employees of Sprint fight for the customer rather than against them? I know silly me for thinking that company employees should be on the side of their customers.