There has been a lot of chatter about Sprint in the tech blogosphere the past couple of days. In light of recent news, we thought it might be a good time to revisit what Sprint might be planning for HTC EVO users.
First, it seems that Sprint is making some changes for the worse. In case you haven't heard, the Sprint Premier loyalty program has ended for new customers, effective immediately. Current Premier customers have until December 31, 2011 to enjoy their remaining benefits, and Premier Gold customers will have until the end of 2012 to use their annual upgrades.
This means that it will no longer be possible for long-time Sprint customers or big spenders to be eligible for yearly upgrades. In addition, Sprint is no longer offering one year contracts or early upgrade discounts of $75. Instead, all Sprint customers across the board will be eligible for the standard $150 upgrade discount after 20 months (formerly 22).
These program cuts come in addition to increased upgrade fees of $36 per line (formerly $18), and a new 14 day exchange and return policy (formerly 30 days), effective tomorrow. In the most recent Sprint playbook, which details all of these changes to Sprint employees, these cutbacks are positioned as a way to "invest in areas that matter to our customers" while creating "parity with the competition" and continuing to "satisfy the needs of customers."
So what are these "investments" that Sprint alludes to, and what areas does Sprint think really matter most to its customers?
To put it bluntly: yes, these changes suck right now. But Sprint is a business, and it has to do whatever it takes to remain competitive against the likes of AT&T and Verizon. Sprint is also well aware that customers are quickly becoming disillusioned at a network that is increasingly bogged down and overloaded. So if these changes are a means to cutting operating costs and using the savings to improve their ailing network, then I'm not necessarily opposed to them.
And I think that is exactly what Sprint is doing.
I don't think that the the timing of these changes is a coincidence, especially since Sprint is planning a big announcement in just a few weeks on October 7, when supposedly everything will become clear. Indeed, some sources are even claiming that part of this big announcement will include the conversion of Sprint's entire 3G coverage area to EVDO Rev B, a technology that will provide 4G-like speeds that are comparable to to WiMAX, but at a much lower cost for Sprint.
That would certainly make sense, given the fact that the upgrade would, for the most part, only be a simple software update. Additionally, the HTC EVO 3D does have Rev B compatibility right out of the box. With speeds of up to 9Mbps down and 2Mbps up, Sprint could very quickly advertise that 4G speeds are available across most of its network, similar to how AT&T and T-Mobile are marketing HSPA+.
A quick deployment of Rev B could also buy Sprint the time it needs to work with Clearwire and LightSquared in building out their brand new LTE network, perhaps even jumping ahead in the game and heading straight to LTE Advanced. As was just reported yesterday, it seems LightSquared finally has a plausible fix for their GPS interference issues. So with Sprint's new cost-saving measures that I detailed above, there's really nothing stopping it from jumping fully on board with LightSquared, and possibly even purchasing Clearwire.
Of course, take all of this for what it is: pure speculation, and a hope that Sprint's new cutbacks are due to bigger and better things that are in the pipeline. But if this actually pans out the way I think it might, things are really looking up for HTC EVO users – as long as we can cope with these growing pains for a little while longer.
[Android Police | Gizmo Fusion | CNET]
I really hope your right and most of what you said comes true. Verizon lte is looking better and better with Sprints price increases and takeaway of perks. I love htc and Sprint low prices but if their network data speeds continue to suck unlimited data doesn’t do anything for me.
once I got my evo4g… (now rooted)… I’m just not that interested in upgrading to a new phone prior to my 2 year contract anyway. That’s because I want to “keep” my evo, even after I upgrade latter to the latest technology. =) If I understand it right, if you upgrade, you have to give up your current phone in order to get a newer phone? I may be wrong. Either way, I’m good with all this. As long as my cost don’t go up right now, I can live with the changes. (that really don’t affect me)
You don’t have to give up your phone to upgrade, unless you take part in Sprint’s buyback program, which is completely separate from their upgrade program.
Great breakdown. Bummed about losing about losing the Premier membership as I just hit my 10th anniversary on august. At least I’ll have till the end of 2012 to get a new phone.
Sound like the iPhone is official now
Yes, that too!
But the way I look at it, that’s even more motivation for Sprint to improve their network, right?
That’s a pretty positive spin on the situation… Let’s hope it pans out, even if the specifics aren’t exactly the same. Sprint does need to start developing it’s 4G infrastructure more, AT&T’s finally about to launch their own LTE network soon (with or without T-Mo) and if Sprint falls behind them and VZW in market penetration (as far as 4G) things could get very ugly.
Personally, I’m bummed, but I’m not gonna claim I’m looking to jump ship already, because truth be told I’m not. I think if this is the compromise that Sprint had to make to A) keep unlimited data B) put itself in a better position to strengthen it’s network or C) get the iPhone, then it was a good compromise. I’d rather have a better network or unlimited data than more upgrades, at least as long as they don’t start raising the prices (still cheaper than AT&T & VZW by a significant amount); and the iPhone will invariably drive more customers to Sprint which will put them in a better position.
Honestly, w/the way Sprint doled out upgrades we were really getting way more upgrade opportunities than anyone on any other carrier… Even if you didnt’ qualify for one of the official upgrade paths, you coul often cry to retention and theyd toss you one. If they had to choose between sacrificing unlimited data, pricing, or this, Id say they made the right choice.
Besides, if you’re smart and you buy/sell at the right time you can still end up selling your old phone for pretty much the cost of a new one… Even their own BuyBack program is pretty convenient (if you can’t be bothered w/Ebay/Craigslist), they were buying the EVO4G for $150 after the 3D had already launched, they’ll still buy it for $125… $150-250 will make a pretty good dent on the price of a phone outside of contract, for those of us that must absolutely upgrade every year-ish.
I guess Sprint Giveth and Taketh Away!
Wonder what will be next?
Guess Sprint has to dig deep to find the Millions to pay Hesse…
Slowly but surely, Sprint will take away so much that parity will soon be had with the other carriers. Maybe a Data Cap will be next?
Btw, I didn’t even know Premier Benefits were being taken away. Thanks for the the heads up.
It feels like yesterday when they made 2 different tiers regarding Gold & Silver….
I’d rather have the faster 3G with better battery life and just use 4G for large files personally, so after reading this article I’m less grumpy about the changes. 20 months isn’t bad either.
It was even better than it seems. When I upgraded to a 3D from my EVO 4G, they gave me $150 for my 4G and sitting on the display counter right behind me was a brand new 4G they were SELLING at $99. Basically, they handed me $50 more than what they were asking for the same phone new. Crazy.
My only real gripe with this story is that after listing all the things they’re changing for the worst, they tossed out the “to maintain parity with our competitors.” Yeah, well, that’s not the kind of parity I want Sprint keeping with their competitors.
And, for what it’s worth, I see the iPhone as the cause for all of this stuff. I think if the iPhone were not heading to Sprint next month, most of this stuff wouldn’t have happened.
I am just at my ten years this month. When I got my EVO I loved it so much that I could of kept it for twenty months but I was due for an upgrade so I got the 3D beause Sprint bought back my EVO for 150. So if I have till the end of 2012 and if a better HTC phone comes out and they buy back my 3-D and I get the new one at a good price I will get it. Then I’ll wait my twenty months. Im not happy at what there doing but I won’t leave Sprint. I’m happy with my 3D for a long time and if it had not of come out them u would still be happy with my EVO 4G. But I’m sure next year a quad core better EVO will be out.
As long as they do something about the 3g speeds and keep unlimited data I’ll be fine with the changes. I was glad to hear that the 3d has Evdo rev B capabilities because the network is just horrible in a lot of spots that I frequent. If lte is actually deployed in the near future for my area I’ll use the upgrade I have on my second line. I love the evo line and I’m not about to pay well over $100 dollars for a 450 min 2gb smartphone plan on Verizon. I had an 3rd party employee line with At&t without a contract or cancellation fee and they have me in collections for over $500. When I first disputed the charge they said I could only handle it thru my At&t rep who never showed his face at the Radio Shack I used to work at. All I know is I’m tired of having an amazing phone and unlimited data that I can only enjoy on strong wi-fi networks.
I completely and totally agree. (great Franks think alike maybe?)
I am more than happy with my inexpensive monthly plan, unlimited data, and my unlimited mobile-mobile calls. The need to upgrade every year or when something better comes out is a flaw of humanity. I have been perfectly happy with my Evo 4G since launch day. Who knows, I might not even upgrade when April 1st rolls around. I’ll have to see whats out and whats going to come out.
That was the last drop. I am outa Sprint. Bad cell coverage, overloaded 3G towers, nonexistent 4G coverage. No premier upgrades. Next is teared data plans. I will be looking toward incoming Sammy phones on Verizon.
as a Sprint employee, I’m really surprised at all the positive, understanding responses to this change except for 1 person who says he’ll cancel lol. It gets harder and harder to take calls when so many changes take effect in a short time and you run out of perks that differentiate the company from everyone else. If it makes you all feel any better, employees are losing yearly upgrades too
Ultimately, I think it was going to happen sooner or later but it’s still saddening…but you can’t be in 3rd place and give out equipment discounts twice as much as everyone els, so it makes sense. I’m hoping October 7th announcement will make everyone happy and not care about these changes! 
“I’m hoping October 7th announcement will make everyone happy and not care about these changes!”
Well if we’re all getting ponies I guess that would be OK. We are getting ponies aren’t we?
Myself I’ll just wait and see how things unfold over the next couple years. As long as unlimited data remains on the shelf,plan prices stay competitive and Sprint continues releasing cutting edge phones (read HTC)I don’t see any reason to bolt. BUT DON”T PUSH ME!!!!
Wish I could get out of these contracts.. Hating Sprint
I’ll likely be moving to Verizon in October/November unless something drastic happens.
My bill (I have 4 lines) has went up ~$50 since in the last 18 months due to nothing but phone upgrades (4G tax) and sprint pricing changes.
If I upgrade the last two lines on my plan to 4G phones, my bill will be directly comparable to what I could get on Verizon. There is no 4G in my area and 3G data speeds have taken a significant step back. Verizon is currently the best bang for my buck.
It’s okay. I’m still happy with Sprint. Heck – when the EVO 3D came out all I had to do is ask and they gave me upgrades for both the EVO’s that I already had. Even though I only had them for 11 months. AND they gave me a buy-back of $150 each!
Our EVO 3D’s are great – the service is pretty good – would love 4G in the area but if a REV B upgrade is a possibility I think we will do okay.
Well like many have said when “Unlimited” goes I go. As to where, if unlimited is gone I would rather be on the best network in America which is Verizon. If I have no reason to stay with Sprint I would rather be on a network with home type internet connection speeds. It comes down to which is less crappy. I might even think of going to MetroPCS as they have LTE in my area, even though they cap it at about 2MB/sec Down & Up. And they call this capitalism?! If we as a people, up and left the big four and all went to MetroPCS for at least 1 month the world would be a better place as all the big carriers would drop their prices and have great deals. Man I wish someone could initiate something like that?!
I hope you’re right, because 3G or 4G really suck at my area right now! I’m in NYC, the 3G speed is most of the time under 1mb! 4G is really unstable in my house or my work area. If it keeps like this and if the unlimited is gone, I’ll be gone too….
I wish I could say it was under 1Mb and that was the end of it…mine is usually under .1Mb! It gets a little frustrating at times…
I seriously hope if Rev B is being deployed Sprint is adding it to places that lack Wimax coverage first.
Under .1Mb!? Where the heck are you? Have you called Sprint and asked for a credit or something for the crappy 3g speeds?
I just get no luck with stuff like the VIP. I get in, and then before I’m eligible to use it, they change it. All well.
I don’t like the parity thing. I just worry above the unlimited data going away. The way I use the phone, if I was on AT&T, I would get bent over big time.
Recent Speedtest.net for 3G
Upload : 748kps Download : 417kps
Upload : 429kps Download : 214kps
Sprint 3G is Alive & Well LOL!
See my Speedtests below. An F’n Joke!
What’s that $10 Monthly Surcharge we’re paying for again?
Check the articles, there’s a way to get out of the contract if they have changed your terms and from what I understand, they are changing the terms at the end of the month. Look for the article..
Completely agree regarding iphone being the main reason. Heard this could change some terms.
Would this count as a change in the Terms of Service? I have been trying to cancel without the ETF, but have not succeeded yet. Would this be a good reason to cancel because the Premier service is closing and that is a change, right?
Bottomline people better start realizing that without question sprint has bent over backwards to support customers as well as there flagship device the evo 4g and now the evo 3d. Pay attention to the loads of updates this device has received since day one launch june 4th 2010 and the dev support that exist with this brand. If you want a cellphone go to the other carriers that have nothing thats on the same bar as the evo line. What we have on sprint is a well respected brand within the android community something that HTC supports and provides the best yearly as well as the best updates ever out of any android device on the market. Don’t be fooled sprint knew exactly what they were doing from day one by bringing the evo line to market as well as 4g back in june 2010 it took the third carrier in the US to bring 4g to market it wasn’t verizon and it sure wasn’t ass t&t why couldn’t they do it they had the money and the spectrum???? Don’t fool yourself if you want the best top of the line android devices yearly and you are a current member of the evo brand rather you have the evo 4g, evo shift, evo view 4g or the evo 3d you are part of a family of device that grow yearly and have the best support by the manufacturer as well as the carrier compared to any android device on the market or any current brand on the market. Time has come for all customers of sprint and all current owners of the evo line of devices to support there carrier the one that has supported you whenever you wanted and needed all the things you have recieved. Bottomline Mr. Dan Hesse has done more than well to bring sprint from where they were years ago to where they are now definately respected in the industry. It will be because of sprint that stopped this merger that was suppose to take place now all of a sudden we will see the iphone 4 and iphone 5 on sprint what more can anyone want all the best device on the number three carrier in the US plus all the best dualcore unlimited usage devices trust me you won’t find no carrier better or devices that will or can compare…I own the EVO 3D and had the OG EVO last year so I know exactly what I am talking about. Our network will be completely different from October 7th on and with the technology that came in the evo 3d trust me sprint future proofed that device knowing exactly what they were going to do…
READ UP ON SOME GREAT INFORMATION AND A NICE VIDEO…People will be very happy…http://gizmofusion.com/2011/09/sprint-vision-network-enhancements-evdo-rev-b-1x-advanced-much-faster-3g-speeds-on-the-way/
Obviously you’re full of crap and you don’t work for Sprint or you would know about the employees 6 month upgrade plan…or you are a Sprint emolyee and don’t know what youre doing. Either way AT&T wants you for a top position!
Nice writing Richard. I expected no less from you.
With that being said I have been with Sprint for over 10 years, but that allegiance isn’t written in Blood, and I don’t feel any additional obligation to support any Carrier, other than to pay my MRC.
With the HTC Registration required by HTC for unlocking their devices, as well as Sprint changing some things which are not to their customers advantage, those who have a slight loyalty diminish
In addition, 3G is slow in many areas, and 4G is non
existent in many more. Good for Sprint about their
upcoming announcement, but it is long overdue, and
many customers have been waiting for efficient data services, that is those who haven’t jumped ship yet.
ave been waiting for efficient data services which should have been available long ago.
Some may want to pat Sprint on the back and giv
My texting got all out of order on my Evo.
I wanted to say that some may want to pat Sprint on the back, and give them high praise, but many have been waiting for efficient data services for a long time, and this upcoming announcement, if it pertains to better data services, is long overdue, the efficient data services that is. Hell, many have been paying the $10 Surcharge and don’t even get 4G services. My 4G is service is spotty at best, and 3G is under 1mbps most of the time.
We should have had efficient data services long ago.
Excuses can be made, and services can be taken away, and praise can be given to Hesse, but the loss of Sprints customer base speaks the loudest, and is indicative of the dissatisfaction of many. I hope Sprint makes changes finally which will be good for us all, but Sprint better get moving in a hurry, if it’s not too late, that is.