Unlimited bandwidth discussion. - EVO 4G General

So this has been coming up a lot and I want to make something VERY clear to a few members on here who wish to back up Sprint/Evo whenever possible without looking at the facts.
Most of the members on here flame other people who complain about the extra $10 a month charge. I have been here, I have seen it and from day one I have been against the extra fee. Members have been so harsh and irrational as to say "Idiot you signed up without reading the contract?" or "Obviously said an extra $10 you don't HAVE to get this phone" etc etc etc.
Fine. You win. We didn't have to get this phone nor Sprint etc.
But let me make something VERY f*****g clear.
Sprint outlined that we pay an extra $10 for a "richer data experience" and "truly unlimited bandwidth". Now, the same logic applies to Sprint. So when I see users such as fachadick going off on how WE are stupid for downloading whatever we want yet he criticizes people for not wanting to pay the extra $10 a month it makes me question his line of thought. Clearly we pay an EXTRA amount for nothing other than Sprint to capitalize on their 'new iPhone killer'.
Lets face the facts:
Sprint clearly outlined our Evos to have unlimited bandwidth usage and that is the bottom line on the deal. A lot of members need to get off Sprints nuts and realize they are a mega corporation just like anyone else. If they had the iPhone they would be hijacking their prices and capping their bandwidth just to make extra cash too. This is how companies work.
If you need more evidence look into computer hardware. Currently, AMD is considered the best price/performance valued CPU on the market. There are a TON of AMD fanbois going around saying "we support AMD because they are an amazing corporation that does not cheat their customers like Intel does"
Bull****. When AMD was on top they were selling their native quad cores @ 1,000 when Intel was selling theirs for ~ 400. These server markets were untapped and AMD had the performance advantage. Now the tides have turned and people support AMD for the other reason.
The point I'm trying to make is there is a lot of FANBOISM going on in these forums. I have accepted it with phones but when people start to do it with carriers it just pisses me off. Carriers don't care just like any other corporation. Members here have to understand there is no difference between Sprint/ATT/Verizon/Criket/Metro etc besides their prices and the phones they offer. In the end, ALL of us are being f****d by their ridiculous prices and horrible customer support. Other industrialized countries have far better speeds and much cheaper prices than we do.
All in all, if Sprint cant back up their 'truly unlimited extra $10 a month b***hit' then let them fail - that is how capitalism works. The consumers get shafted with ****ty prices but we also get the best that the producers are willing to offer at the time.
Viva la download.

Dude, most of the people that don't agree live in the UK and frequent these boards.

What came first, the fanboi or the anti-fanboi?

nebenezer said:
What came first, the fanboi or the anti-fanboi?
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.. same goes for religion.. .. LAFF

I did argue with the sales man about why should I pay extra for 4g because I'm a two hour drive from the nearest 4g coverage.

Oh Noooo! I never realized I was paying an extra $10/mo.
My goodness, that's almost 34 cents a day!!
I'm gonna have to give up 2 trips to Starbucks every month.

werxen said:
Carriers don't care just like any other corporation. Members here have to understand there is no difference between Sprint/ATT/Verizon/Criket/Metro etc besides their prices and the phones they offer. In the end, ALL of us are being ****ed by their ridiculous prices and horrible customer support. Other industrialized countries have far better speeds and much cheaper prices than we do.
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No, the service is much different. CDMA is much stronger here than GSM. I have, many times, seen ATT/T-Mobile phones drop coverage completely while I wouldn't even loose data on my EVO. Metro isn't in my area, but Cricket is sh!t and not just in my area, everywhere. Dropped calls everywhere, hidden charges, ect. Also, I have had FANTASTIC customer service with Sprint and terrible customer service with ATT. I have not used Verizon or T-Mobile in a long time so I cannot comment on their customer service.
Honestly, yes we are paying MORE than the service costs, otherwise why would they provide that service? It costs about $6/month to provide service to a customer for the major carriers, possibly less. The point of ANY business is to convince the consumer that what they are buying is worth more that it actually is, which they have successfully done. It is worse in the wireless industry because there is much less government regulation, which is slowly changing. Other countries DO NOT have far better speeds on wireless networks, the US has the most robust 4G network in the world, though it is still weak. Wired connections are a different story, but we are not talking about that.
As bad as it may sound, our economy is based on deception of the consumer to maximize profits, that is just how capitalism works. Also, I really don't mind paying the $10 surcharge, 5 EVOs on Sprint (or EPICs) would cost $240/month while Verizon would cost $300/month and ATT would cost you $245/month (note that is for 2GB per phone and not unlimited) and T-Mobile costs you $250/month. And those prices are for the lowest minutes possible, while on Sprint we get any mobile. Now, I'm not going to say Sprint is the end all for all carriers, it is possible for any of the carriers to change their policies and prices. I have changed carriers 3 times, Verizon to T-Mobile, to ATT, to Sprint and have never been more satisfied with my service. That is partly due to the increased footprint of all networks, not just Sprint, but not only reception, full service.

@OP,
While this is a good topic for discussion, please try to keep the tone of your language down a bit. Thanks.

Is this argument still going on? It's a service. The company offering the service puts a price on it. If you find the service worth the price then you should buy it. If you think it is overpriced for the value you will gain out of it, then you should not buy it.
I personally find it worth $10 to have access to any city-wide Wimax hotspot as well as uncapped 3G data. That's why I bought the phone and the associated plan. Either way it is cheaper than similar Wimax-less and capped plans on Verizon or AT&T.
If you don't use a ton of data or Wimax then maybe you should buy one off contract and then activate it or maybe pick another phone/plan.
The world isn't perfect. Most things are a compromise. Ultimately the minutiae of high end wireless data plans and devices is a first world problem and I prefer to save my energy for other things.
Your mileage may vary.

egzthunder1 said:
@OP,
While this is a good topic for discussion, please try to keep the tone of your language down a bit. Thanks.
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I disagree. OP starts threads looking for emotional reaction far too often for me to take this thread seriously.

Ha, dude, get over it. If you think other countries have better service and cheaper prices, then GO THERE...and to another forum.
One less winy, self-righteous individual clouding up the forums with their worthless rants.

dont feed the troll people...

werxen said:
So when I see users such as fachadick going off on how WE are stupid for downloading whatever we want yet he criticizes people for not wanting to pay the extra $10 a month it makes me question his line of thought.
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Should I reply or shouldn't I? Ok, I'll bite.
werxen said:
So this has been coming up a lot and I want to make something VERY clear to a few members on here who wish to back up Sprint/Evo whenever possible without looking at the facts....
snip
But let me make something VERY f*****g clear.
Sprint outlined that we pay an extra $10 for a "richer data experience" and "truly unlimited bandwidth". Now, the same logic applies to Sprint. So when I see users such as fachadick going off on how WE are stupid for downloading whatever we want yet he criticizes people for not wanting to pay the extra $10 a month it makes me question his line of thought. Clearly we pay an EXTRA amount for nothing other than Sprint to capitalize on their 'new iPhone killer'.
Lets face the facts:
Sprint clearly outlined our Evos to have unlimited bandwidth usage and that is the bottom line on the deal. A lot of members need to get off Sprints nuts and realize they are a mega corporation just like anyone else. If they had the iPhone they would be hijacking their prices and capping their bandwidth just to make extra cash too. This is how companies work...
snip
The point I'm trying to make is there is a lot of FANBOISM going on in these forums. I have accepted it with phones but when people start to do it with carriers it just pisses me off. Carriers don't care just like any other corporation. Members here have to understand there is no difference between Sprint/ATT/Verizon/Criket/Metro etc besides their prices and the phones they offer. In the end, ALL of us are being f****d by their ridiculous prices and horrible customer support. Other industrialized countries have far better speeds and much cheaper prices than we do.
All in all, if Sprint cant back up their 'truly unlimited extra $10 a month b***hit' then let them fail - that is how capitalism works. The consumers get shafted with ****ty prices but we also get the best that the producers are willing to offer at the time.
Viva la download.
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I'm a fanboi because I think the $10 charge is legitamate? OK, let's go over it again. Devices that have the premium data fee do give you a richer experience. If you just want unlimited data, get yourself a Hero or Moment, and avoid that extra $10 fee. What does the $10 get you? Well, Sprint charges $29.99 for the hotspot feature on the evo and epic, but without the EVO or Epic, you would need the Overdrive from Sprint to acheive the same functionality, which would cost you $60/month. The extra $10/month on the Evo/Epic gives you access to this same functionality for half the price.
The $10 also gives you access to devices with a front facing camera, which gives a much better experience with video chat applications, and lets not forget the access to nationwide wimax access (which just opened up where my office is, and I'm consistently pulling 7mb down. Again, if you don't feel that those items are any type of enhancement, or worth $10, go with a hero or moment, or hell, even the i1 - those are all android devices on sprint where you can get unlimited data without the $10 fee or access to what that $10 gets you.
As far as abusing the unlimited data goes, it's not that people are using the unlimited data that is causing the issue - by all means, use that data, after all, it's included in the plan. What will eventually screw us all over is the fact that people are using the unlimited data, and abusing the prohibited network usage clause in their contracts while doing so.
You're right, Sprint is just another big corporation. That's the whole point. Now that people are abusing the probited network usage clause, and not only using wireless tething for free and using it their main connection to the internet at home, but are also using it for things like torrents, and just to see how much they can actually download for the hell of it, there becmes a point where it no longer makes financial sense for them to offer unlimited data so cheap (compared to the other carriers) - and then we all lose out.
edit - and I never called anyone stupid, either.

dmc971989 said:
dont feed the troll people...
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I really just can't help myself sometimes.

fachadick said:
I really just can't help myself sometimes.
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except for you, you can feed the troll...

dmc971989 said:
dont feed the troll people...
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+1
Why do people even complain? Don't like the pricing or how the company is setup, pick up your crap and go to the next carrier. I don't pay for anything I don't find value in
/thread

If you weren't aware of the $10 charge or didnt pay attention cuz you were too excited about getting your new phone, THATS YOUR FAULT! Not Sprint's. Just like what's been said before, Sprint offers other Android phones that don't come with an extra $10 fee. If it bothers you that much, sell your EVO on Craigslist or eBay and buy one of them.

fachadick said:
I'm a fanboi because I think the $10 charge is legitamate? OK, let's go over it again. Devices that have the premium data fee do give you a richer experience. If you just want unlimited data, get yourself a Hero or Moment, and avoid that extra $10 fee.
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You know...I don't "like" paying an extra $10, but I feel it is fully worth it.
As of a week ago, I have an add a line with a hero. First android phone for my gf, and she has been on the thing constantly. Guess what? Light usage for me and I have used three times the data in an identical time frame. The two ROMS I downloaded were on 4G so they don't add to the total.

dglowe343 said:
If you weren't aware of the $10 charge or didnt pay attention cuz you were too excited about getting your new phone, THATS YOUR FAULT! Not Sprint's. Just like what's been said before, Sprint offers other Android phones that don't come with an extra $10 fee. If it bothers you that much, sell your EVO on Craigslist or eBay and buy one of them.
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Yeah ok... I was never told about it when I purchased. Also.. signing the contract was digital so I saw nothing on any fees or pricing. Hell I didn't even know about it when I went on this forum. Again. I'm not really mad about paying for it.. not at all... but not everyone was told about it.. I gave him my info. Was told to sign twice on the electric pad and picked the 69.99 package. Turned my phone on and activated, printed out the contract form and told me thanks for joining sprint.. so you tell me when I was told about it. The package says unlimited data. I asked a Rep at the store and its for 4g service and owning a premium smartphone. Nothing about unlimited data? I was told I could go to blackerry and have same plan and have "unlimited 3g" so again its for 4g and owning the already paid for phone. I rather pay 10 bucks even if not here if it helps get it faster in Wisconsin. But don't say its for the unlimited data crap.. or they told you.. because not everyone was told about it.
Edit: the printed contract was stuff in the bag with the evolution box as soon as it printed and handed to me thanking for choosing sprint. So again never seen a contract.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

martyzidek said:
Yeah ok... I was never told about it when I purchased. Also.. signing the contract was digital so I saw nothing on any fees or pricing. Hell I didn't even know about it when I went on this forum. Again. I'm not really mad about paying for it.. not at all... but not everyone was told about it.. I gave him my info. Was told to sign twice on the electric pad and picked the 69.99 package. Turned my phone on and activated, printed out the contract form and told me thanks for joining sprint.. so you tell me when I was told about it. The package says unlimited data. I asked a Rep at the store and its for 4g service and owning a premium smartphone. Nothing about unlimited data? I was told I could go to blackerry and have same plan and have "unlimited 3g" so again its for 4g and owning the already paid for phone. I rather pay 10 bucks even if not here if it helps get it faster in Wisconsin. But don't say its for the unlimited data crap.. or they told you.. because not everyone was told about it.
Edit: the printed contract was stuff in the bag with the evolution box as soon as it printed and handed to me thanking for choosing sprint. So again never seen a contract.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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I never mentioned anything in post about "contract". I'm not trying to argue or call you out, I'm simply saying the tiniest bit of research of the phone prior to purchase would've revealed the extra $10 charge. It was displayed on Sprint and BB's websites. I never saw a contact or was ever told by the Sprint rep that sold me the phone either.
Sent from my SUPERSONIC

Related

Perhaps a legitimate reason for the $10/mo EVO fee

Just a thought I had today, but since the $10 fee did seem to come out of no where, but sometime after they said the 4G would be free at CITA, and since they haven't expressly said it was for the 4G data...
Perhaps, they knew the first batch of phones were going to have the screen problem, as well as other problems, but they found out after they had several thousand/hundred thousand made, thus knowing they were going to have to replace a hell of a lot of phones within a month or two and with this so-called "Prem Data Fee" they could regain some of the money for replacing all the early adopters phones.
I don't have the screen problem...yet, but I'm going to be exchanging mine because the speaker is half blown or something in the earpiece.
Any takers on the idea?
Doubt it, but it's definitely an excuse to pad their pockets a bit more, since Sprint has the lowest margins across all post-paid providers.
I was thinking more along the lines of the stupid amount of data we are going to be using on these phones with 4g. on 3g alone i've used 350mb in 3 1/2 days (i love it) Honestly this 3g is really fast, faster than verizon and t-mobile thus far (speed test prove it). I get better signal is area that my verizon phone does, but that might because its a storm 2 ()
Interesting theory, but I think it's a bit far fetched. I truly think the $10 is for unrestricted data usage, which I am thoroughly enjoying.
I for one hope they plan to use the extra money to strengthen and expand the 4G coverage.
It is a little bit far-fetched, but you never know. Last minuet stuff always happens and companies might make drastic measures to compensate themselves.
It was just a thought, especially since they've never actually said the fee was for the data, it's for the phone experience, which directly links it to the phone, if you go by what they say the fee is for.
why is everybody obsessed with this fee
the reason the fee exists is because the market will bear it.
whether that makes you happy or sad is on you
strung said:
the reason the fee exists is because the market will bear it.
whether that makes you happy or sad is on you
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Strung you are boosting the IQ of the forum with answers like these
Lord knows we need all the help we can get since I'm on here bringing us down
Probably the same ideology as to why AT&T ditched the unlimited data plan right before or when the iPhone 4 was announced.
Sprint needs customers and since the EVO is going to be one major source of income and/or data usage...they probably decided to implement a fee for unlimited 3G/4G data usage while keeping the unlimited plan available. When you think of Sprint, you immediately think "SIMPLY UNLIMITED EVERYTHING!"
What I say or think really doesn't matter...the $10 fee is mandatory so there is no use in trying to fight it or be sneaky about trying to get out of paying it.
I am glad I have this fee and no soft cap. I have used 1GB+ in the last 6 days. I get to laugh at ATTs new customers about their 2GB cap hahahaha.
engagedtosmile said:
I am glad I have this fee and no soft cap. I have used 1GB+ in the last 6 days. I get to laugh at ATTs new customers about their 2GB cap hahahaha.
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But why? According to AT&T, a majority of its customers wouldn't even come close to the 2GB cap and do not need unlimited data
I was always under the assumption for the charge that you can hook the evo up to any computer via usb and use it for internet access.
eck0728 said:
I was thinking more along the lines of the stupid amount of data we are going to be using on these phones with 4g. on 3g alone i've used 350mb in 3 1/2 days (i love it)...QUOTE]
That's exactly what Dan Hesse said the fee was for.
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Well, just an update...
The Sprint store said that my speaker was wacko for sure, and when I checked the other two phones we have tonight, both of their screens are raising up. What find strange is, mine got 10x the usage over the last week than the other two did and mine doesn't have the screen problem...yet.
Anyhow, I guess Sprint will be sending us 3 new phones.
i am rooted using wifi tether and i dont feel the least bit bad for it.. they are going to screw me for an extra 10 bucs a month im going to get my monies worth..... take that sprint.
I plan on returning my Evo tomorrow. I don't care how much data you use, they shouldn't offer a unlimited data plan if they don't like you using unlimited data. I have filed a complaint through the FCC and encourage everyone here to do so as well. This is deceptive advertising, and an unlawful fee. The name of the fee is "premium data plan" but other than the 6 people that live in a 4g network, it is a "right to own the Evo fee". You DON'T have to pay it, you SHOULDN'T be paying it. I am never passionate about anything ever, but this one really puts me over the edge. http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
Thank goodness I don't pay it... well not really. 10$ off from the IO conference.
bigough13 said:
I plan on returning my Evo tomorrow. I don't care how much data you use, they shouldn't offer a unlimited data plan if they don't like you using unlimited data. I have filed a complaint through the FCC and encourage everyone here to do so as well. This is deceptive advertising, and an unlawful fee. The name of the fee is "premium data plan" but other than the 6 people that live in a 4g network, it is a "right to own the Evo fee". You DON'T have to pay it, you SHOULDN'T be paying it. I am never passionate about anything ever, but this one really puts me over the edge. http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
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Why did you buy a 4g phone if you don't live in a 4g area?
rutter9 said:
Why did you buy a 4g phone if you don't live in a 4g area?
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I got the phone for the hardware, and android. I want to go to T-Mobile for the HD2, but it lacks the 8mp camera, no WiFi tether, and WinMo, yuck. I understand the fee in 4g areas, but they can't justify the fee for any other area. Call/email them, they sound like idiots trying to explain why we're being charged $10. "Rich data experience" (3g network?), "1ghz processor", "YouTube hd", "android operating system" are all the reasons I have gotten. I can provide email proof. The fee is a scam, not premium data.

Seen this site yet? Explainthefee.com

stumbled on this tonight. maybe you've seen this site already, but it's someone's attempt to get some clarification on the $10 premium data fee.
check it out.
http://explainthefee.com
What is to clarify? The$ 10 fee is for completely unlimited data. This has been beaten to death. If you don't want to pay the fee then don't get the phone.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk
donatom3 said:
What is to clarify? The$ 10 fee is for completely unlimited data. This has been beaten to death. If you don't want to pay the fee then don't get the phone.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk
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i'm already paying for unlimited data.
Then quit Sprint and go to another carrier.
FYI, the new Samsung Galaxy phone will have this $10 fee as well. So it's just going to be Sprint's way of doing things.
healthpellets said:
i'm already paying for unlimited data.
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no your not... every other device that uses 4g has a data cap...the only device with NO CAP is the evo (look it up and get informed)... hence the 10$
but speaking generally now, some people are natural born complainers...
i vote for this thread to get deleted or locked!
healthpellets said:
i'm already paying for unlimited data.
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All the new plans have a 5gb cap. This removes that cap. None of the old unlimited plans are compatible with the Evo.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk
healthpellets said:
stumbled on this tonight. maybe you've seen this site already, but it's someone's attempt to get some clarification on the $10 premium data fee.
check it out.
http://explainthefee.com
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Explainthefee is completely justified in "complaining" about being lied to. Sure sprint has the best overall plan prices and the evo is a great phone, but that doesn't justify adding additional charges and lying to your customers. I thought us "smart phone" users pride ourselves for not being like iphone users and believing everything steve jobs tells them...now we criticize one of our own for attempting to bring out the truth...you guys are pathetic. If you would visit explainthefee dot com, then you will see how bogus this additional fee is. If sprint is trying to make an extra buck, then id rather them come out and say that rather than lie to us and say that the fee is for "premium unlimited data", thats not included in our "non-premium unlimited data plans"
It's not the fee that pisses me off, its the principle...
donatom3 said:
All the new plans have a 5gb cap. This removes that cap. None of the old unlimited plans are compatible with the Evo.
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Sounds like marketing BS to me.
- With my Hero I had an Unlimited Simply Everything Plan and Sprint admitted that phones do not have the 5GB cap whereas the 4G laptop cards do.
- Then Sprint makes supposed new plans that have a cap.
- Evo is then suddenly not compatible with the old plans.
- Sprint adds a $10 fee to remove the cap from the new plans.
Personally I am not bothered by the $10 fee. What bothers me is that all of these explanations are completely transparent BS.
Sprint just needs to say that we are paying for the extra bandwidth and for them to create the 4G network around the country and stop making up stories.
Edit: And they better rename the Simply Evenythng Plan pretty quick. Obviously it isn't "Simply Everyting"
What do you guys want obviously they ran some numbers and realized more people will use a lot more bandwidth with the Evo than phones past and figured that unlimited data on the Evo is a lot more than unlimited data on something else.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk
aldo37 said:
Then quit Sprint and go to another carrier.
FYI, the new Samsung Galaxy phone will have this $10 fee as well. So it's just going to be Sprint's way of doing things.
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i JUST got off the phone with a call center supervisor. want to know why you're paying the extra $120 a year?
you have a snapdragon processor
you have two cameras, one is 8MP
you can video chat
you can download apps
you have LIVE WALLPAPER
you have a TOP OF THE LINE PHONE
swear to God...those are the reason i was given for paying the extra $10 a month.
you don't think it's ridiculous to pay what amounts to a $10 a month leasing fee for using a "top of the line" phone?
It's obvious Sprint threw on $10 to capitalize on the hype of the phone. They are just trying to figure out how to justify it. It's obvious it doesn't make sense. Their own employees can't even explain it. No one sounds convincing.
It's like having a solution in search of a problem.
Great site BTW, the guy that writes the articles sounds very sharp. Possibly a lawyer? Good arguing skill.
healthpellets said:
i JUST got off the phone with a call center supervisor. want to know why you're paying the extra $120 a year?
you have a snapdragon processor
you have two cameras, one is 8MP
you can video chat
you can download apps
you have LIVE WALLPAPER
you have a TOP OF THE LINE PHONE
swear to God...those are the reason i was given for paying the extra $10 a month.
you don't think it's ridiculous to pay what amounts to a $10 a month leasing fee for using a "top of the line" phone?
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yeah, i don't mind the $10/month if they came out and explained the reason for it; when you click on the $10 premium data, they explain it by saying the phone has a wicket fast processor, oversized display, and some others; so in essence, the $10 fee has nothing to do with data; it is just for the hardware, even though we pay $199 with 2 year contract for the hardware;
yeah, the $240 for 2 year is pretty much like we are leasing the phone and have to pay them monthly for the phone
Edit: i also talked to reps from Sprint Corporate office and they didn't even know how to explain the charge; the guy was saying stuff like the fast processor, large screen, 8mp camera, video conferencing, youtube, watching movies, kickstand and such; he was pretty much stating all the features of the phone, but couldn't explain the fee at all; it's not like if the $10 fee wasn't there, some of those features would be disabled
in case you want to see it, here's Dan discussing 4G, and how it's cheaper to "produce" a GB of 4G than a GB of 3G.
"because we're not charging customers more but we're giving customers more..."
http://anitasdesk.spruz.com/videos.htm?a=&act=view-video&id=D64850B4-4482-42EA-9E22-DC9E507987D9
Return the phone and stay with a hero or blackberry...you're still within your 30 days. They're very nice phones and you can save $120 a year. No one has twisted your arm on this one. I don't like the answer to why the fee is there..but its there.
healthpellets said:
stumbled on this tonight. maybe you've seen this site already, but it's someone's attempt to get some clarification on the $10 premium data fee.
check it out.
http://explainthefee.com
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OMG dude, how late are you to the partee??
LordLugard said:
OMG dude, how late are you to the partee??
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apparently very, very late.
Freelancerx said:
no your not... every other device that uses 4g has a data cap...the only device with NO CAP is the evo (look it up and get informed)... hence the 10$
but speaking generally now, some people are natural born complainers...
i vote for this thread to get deleted or locked!
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Are you ****ing serious? With an attitude like that you should own an iPhone. The bottom line is that Sprint saw a way to capitalize on the hype and make some extra cash. All these bull**** excuses they give are just that, bull****. I don't mind paying the extra $10.00 because I've figured out what it is for myself. I would have much more respect for Sprint if they just admitted what the charge is really for.
We live in a world of corporate double-speak where people are just either so ignorant or beaten down that they just take these guys at their word.
Good point we should go to ATT where 5gb of data costs $55, and unlimited text is $20. That's $5 less than an Evo with its $10 charge, of course you still need to add in the base voice plan and the fact that doesn't include roaming, or the fact it's only 3g on a network that has nowhere near the 3g coverage of Sprint.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk
clocker6633 said:
Are you ****ing serious? With an attitude like that you should own an iPhone. The bottom line is that Sprint saw a way to capitalize on the hype and make some extra cash. All these bull**** excuses they give are just that, bull****. I don't mind paying the extra $10.00 because I've figured out what it is for myself. I would have much more respect for Sprint if they just admitted what the charge is really for.
We live in a world of corporate double-speak where people are just either so ignorant or beaten down that they just take these guys at their word.
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lol the reason why i DONT own an iphone is that i actually think about what i buy (not just listen to the ramblings of a deranged tyrant) (or their equally deranged fanbase) as well as being an informed customer i also look at what i purchase from various points, and whether or not a whole package justifies my purchasing of said device, the evo does, i happen to really like 4g and i use it a fair amount of time so to me the 10$ is very much justifiable. I think we live in a world where people think that standing on top of their high chair and banging their kettle drum is going to change corporate business practices, they need to make money and the fact that iphone is such a prolific device speaks volumes to the average intelligence of consumers. As far as im concerned the more people buy a 4g the faster they will improve 4g service as well as support our device better. So frankly i dont give a damn if they started calling the 4g "magical" just like steve jobs, or for that matter whatever other corporate lingo they need to justify covering expenses. i hope they keep selling more and more
They need to stop saying it is for Hardware. We all know that is a complete joke. I paid for my phone flat our for $449. Why is there a "rental" fee of $10 to use the hardware I already purchased? And for crying out loud why does the name of that fee include the word "data"?
Do they take us for Morons?
Sounds like the original explanation for this fee was for 4G, and then some intern pointed out that 4G doesn't exist everywhere. So apparently all of the Sprint PR department has quit and the Janitors are coming up with the explanations (no offence against Janitors).
I swear it is all a little too retarded for a corporation as big as Sprint.
The Hero was a top of the line phone that does 90% of what they say we are paying for. Why was there no fee for that?
*sigh*

New Explainthefee.com Blog Post!

http://explainthefee.com/2010/10/22/do-you-really-need-premium-data/
Sums up everything so far. I fully believe that the fee really is for nothing that Sprint can actually back - it's like he says, just "smoke and mirrors".
Flame away. ¡
Another one of these? If you dont like it switch companies or get another phone. I can't wait until all these other companies put out and start charging for 4G so everyone can stop complaining.
Sent from my Evo beeesshh
DirtyShroomz said:
Another one of these? If you dont like it switch companies or get another phone.
Sent from my Evo beeesshh
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Okay, well since you're pretty close to being the number one guy on these forums defending this fee, explain it yourself. You work for Sprint, if I recall correctly.
yea like we need another one of these post lol last one was crazy
I don't defend the fee nor agree with it but I also speak with my money and don't pay or buy things I don't agree with. There are plenty other options out there, G2 is one of them.
Sent from my Evo beeesshh
Go to T-Mobile.
It's pretty obvious what the fee is for. It's for 4G. If you don't have 4G in your area then it's 1) to have access to it at all because you still can get 4G service if you go to a 4G covered area, and 2) it's to cover the ongoing expansion so that'll eventually reach your area. They don't say this because people expect instant gratification; don't like it? Well, then don't get a EVO or Epic.
Its for uncapped evdo and wimax. Wireless service is a commodity these days so when someone charges more than you want to pay you can shop for a better bargain. Problem is that the others all charge more and cap. Regardless of how poorly they advertise it there really isn't much better a deal out there than sprint if you have coverage. If you don't have coverage then you shouldn't even consider them. Assuming you do then its just capitalism. Companies charge what they need to make a profit as long as people will pay it. If I got a better deal elsewhere I would change carriers. Since I don't I will keep paying for sprint. Whemy do so many people not understand this?
I don't know why Sprint doesn't just tell the truth.. It's to help offset the enormous royalty they surely paid to be the only carrier with the BADDEST phone in the US..
$10/mo is well worth it, imo
I don't defend the fee- I just don't care. It's ten bucks. It's not worth arguing with the theorists like it's not worth arguing with non-tippers. You wont change 'em.
I used to tend bar years ago, and was always amused by people who would complain about the price of a gallon of milk while drinking a three dollar beer.
Even with the fee and insurance, its cheaper than cheapest Verizon plan. No way in hell would I be complaining. Phone is already badass without 4G imo.
Sent from my Evo
Sigh . . . I'm loathe to keep pumping life into a thread like this, but I have to make a couple of points.
1) It's not a 4G fee. It's an extra fee imposed upon users of high-end smartphones that will probably be using a lot more bandwidth than other users. It's basically another tax that can be used to increase infrastructure and expand service, so someday we'll ALL have 4G (or whatever Sprint decides to use in the end). Call it unfair, call it pointless, call it a good thing, whatever . . . just don't call it a 4G fee. You might as well say it's a 4.3" screen fee.
2) When you say something like "$10 is nothing to complain about" you sound like a total douche. To some people, $10 is something. Some people are responsible and keep to a budget. Some people don't have their daddy paying their cell phone bill. Heck, some people are quite well-off but didn't get that way by throwing money around with no thought. I personally switched from T-Mobile to a Sprint family plan and I'm paying almost 40% less for my Evo and my wife's Hero than I was for our two calling-only plans and texting packages at T-Mo. For me, $10 is something, but I'm better off than I was before, so it's worth it. That's not to say I'm making a decision to spend that $10 extra so I can have my Evo, but I understand that it was a choice I made. Maybe $10 is nothing to you, but that's either because you've got plenty of money, have somebody else paying the bill, are on an allowance from your parents (or a trust fund), or you just don't understand how to manage your money - in which case you probably won't have that problem for long.
3) If you have an Evo, pay the fee. If you don't want to pay the fee, don't get an Evo or any other new superphone from Sprint, because they'll all have the fee from here on out. If you want to write something, write to Sprint and petition them to waive the fee in exchange for limited bandwidth or something.
Ah . . . mountain pine.
DirtyShroomz said:
Another one of these? If you dont like it switch companies or get another phone. I can't wait until all these other companies put out and start charging for 4G so everyone can stop complaining.
Sent from my Evo beeesshh
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So instead of Sprint users paying the extra fee, you want everyone else to do also?. "Don't punch me in the stomach, but if everyone else gets punched also, then it's cool." Non thinking selfish tard.
alero said:
I used to tend bar years ago, and was always amused by people who would complain about the price of a gallon of milk while drinking a three dollar beer.
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This is the most quotable phrase I have heard this year. I hope you don't mind if I borrow it.
There is nothing wrong with not wanting to be ripped off, but if your using a 400 dollar phone + 100 dollar service plan and can't afford it, then maybe you should start there instead of *****ing about the price. Its about bang for your buck, and while Sprint isn't exactly cheap, vs. The "Other 3" you certainly get better bang for your buck. I have yet to have anyone show me internet speeds on their phone that are even close to mine. Not to mention they have just upgraded the $7 dollar insurance plan.
SilverZero said:
Sigh . . . I'm loathe to keep pumping life into a thread like this, but I have to make a couple of points.
2) When you say something like "$10 is nothing to complain about" you sound ike a total douche. To some people, $10 is something. Some people are responsible and keep to a budget.
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If $10 is something to you then you shouldn't be buying a high end phone. It like buying a desiel truck and then complaining because desiel is $0.50/gal higher than gas. You should have known that before you bought it.
SilverZero said:
1) It's not a 4G fee. It's an extra fee imposed upon users of high-end smartphones that will probably be using a lot more bandwidth than other users. It's basically another tax that can be used to increase infrastructure and expand service, so someday we'll ALL have 4G (or whatever Sprint decides to use in the end).
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Oh, so it is a 4G fee because that's exactly what you explained. You have access to 4G, maybe not in your area but in others. And you're also paying for the 51% buyout of Clear and it's pending 4G infrastructure roll out so that 4G will eventually get to your area. How is that not a 4G fee?
..and to your second point, you're not being forced to pay for anything. Just don't get a 4G phone. Don't like the fact that all high end phones are 4G? Then go to another carrier. You see how that works? You're not even forced to use Sprint.
The only point I'll add to this thread is that the fee is NOT for uncapped data (as someone mentioned earlier), the uncapped data is built into the unlimited data plans. The fee just gives you access to the 4g network, not how much data you get on that network.
Sent from my blah blah blah blah
Its a big bull**** fee for sure - these white knight Sprint zealots are mentally incapable of processing some things.
First argument:
Don't like the $10 don't get an Evo.
- Sure this may sound easy and expected but it boils down to more than this. The Evo and the Epic are pretty much the only decent smart phones that Sprint has. We can buy an outdated Pre or Hero but will be limited in our web access and experience. Not only are these phones hardware restricted which will prevent future Android updates, but are also limited in their current capabilities. Correct me if I'm wrong, is the Hero still rocking 2.1? All things considered when Android is open-source, someone is making bank off just supplying PHONES.
Second argument:
Don't like the $10 go with "x" carrier.
- This again is stupid. Sprint is the only carrier that gives service in my area. Need I say more? I had T-mobile prior and was getting 1 bar and constantly dropped calls.
Third argument:
Its for 4G.
- Great. Even removing the fact that MOST of us with Evos don't have 4G and probably won't get 4G - the service itself has proved not to be 4G. You might get lucky but after reviewing Engadgets speed averages Sprints 4G is comparable to ATTs fastest 3G but with a 1mbit upload cap. Nice.
All in all - if the $10 was actually justified aka I could see results from it I would have no problem. So far I have seen a medicre phone with good service and lousy 4G performance. I don't think its justified but seeing as how its Sprint or nothing I don't really have a choice.
Lastly, everyone will say oh well its STILL cheaper. Big deal. Just because America is more ethical than Saudi Arabia does it mean that we do everything ethical? No. I can smell better than a homeless person it does not mean that I don't still smell like ****. The amount of logical fallacies that are present in the arguments of the Sprint white knights is absolutely breath taking. On one hand we have average people asking wtf and getting flamed on the other hand we have people like DirtyShroomz who works for Sprint and pays $0 a month for this crap *****ing about people who actually HAVE to pay for this phone.
Get over it - I'm right you're wrong. Its not a matter of maturity its a matter of education.
werxen said:
Its a big bull**** fee for sure - these white knight Sprint zealots are mentally incapable of processing some things.
First argument:
Don't like the $10 don't get an Evo.
- Sure this may sound easy and expected but it boils down to more than this. The Evo and the Epic are pretty much the only decent smart phones that Sprint has. We can buy an outdated Pre or Hero but will be limited in our web access and experience. Not only are these phones hardware restricted which will prevent future Android updates, but are also limited in their current capabilities. Correct me if I'm wrong, is the Hero still rocking 2.1? All things considered when Android is open-source, someone is making bank off just supplying PHONES.
Second argument:
Don't like the $10 go with "x" carrier.
- This again is stupid. Sprint is the only carrier that gives service in my area. Need I say more? I had T-mobile prior and was getting 1 bar and constantly dropped calls.
Third argument:
Its for 4G.
- Great. Even removing the fact that MOST of us with Evos don't have 4G and probably won't get 4G - the service itself has proved not to be 4G. You might get lucky but after reviewing Engadgets speed averages Sprints 4G is comparable to ATTs fastest 3G but with a 1mbit upload cap. Nice.
All in all - if the $10 was actually justified aka I could see results from it I would have no problem. So far I have seen a medicre phone with good service and lousy 4G performance. I don't think its justified but seeing as how its Sprint or nothing I don't really have a choice.
Lastly, everyone will say oh well its STILL cheaper. Big deal. Just because America is more ethical than Saudi Arabia does it mean that we do everything ethical? No. I can smell better than a homeless person it does not mean that I don't still smell like ****. The amount of logical fallacies that are present in the arguments of the Sprint white knights is absolutely breath taking. On one hand we have average people asking wtf and getting flamed on the other hand we have people like DirtyShroomz who works for Sprint and pays $0 a month for this crap *****ing about people who actually HAVE to pay for this phone.
Get over it - I'm right you're wrong. Its not a matter of maturity its a matter of education.
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You're points are completely.... I can't even find a word for it.
It's as simple as many have said "you are not forced to Sprint, get another phone or switch carriers". Don't have any other carriers in your area, well then damn, you really are in a ****ty position at this point - deal with it, I'm sure there is a reason you live there (and it's not because of a phone). It's almost like that car commercial said "if your winters are tougher than this, you don't need a new car, you need a new place to live."
Asking questions to be educated is completely acceptable but constantly complaining about something you have complete control over (meaning you have CHOOSE something else) is not - it's just a stupid business decision on your part purchasing something you don't agree with. What you're doing is high-fiving your best friend for sleeping with your wife.
werxen said:
Its a big bull**** fee for sure - these white knight Sprint zealots are mentally incapable of processing some things.
First argument:
Don't like the $10 don't get an Evo.
- Sure this may sound easy and expected but it boils down to more than this. The Evo and the Epic are pretty much the only decent smart phones that Sprint has. We can buy an outdated Pre or Hero but will be limited in our web access and experience. Not only are these phones hardware restricted which will prevent future Android updates, but are also limited in their current capabilities. Correct me if I'm wrong, is the Hero still rocking 2.1? All things considered when Android is open-source, someone is making bank off just supplying PHONES.
Second argument:
Don't like the $10 go with "x" carrier.
- This again is stupid. Sprint is the only carrier that gives service in my area. Need I say more? I had T-mobile prior and was getting 1 bar and constantly dropped calls.
Third argument:
Its for 4G.
- Great. Even removing the fact that MOST of us with Evos don't have 4G and probably won't get 4G - the service itself has proved not to be 4G. You might get lucky but after reviewing Engadgets speed averages Sprints 4G is comparable to ATTs fastest 3G but with a 1mbit upload cap. Nice.
All in all - if the $10 was actually justified aka I could see results from it I would have no problem. So far I have seen a medicre phone with good service and lousy 4G performance. I don't think its justified but seeing as how its Sprint or nothing I don't really have a choice.
Lastly, everyone will say oh well its STILL cheaper. Big deal. Just because America is more ethical than Saudi Arabia does it mean that we do everything ethical? No. I can smell better than a homeless person it does not mean that I don't still smell like ****. The amount of logical fallacies that are present in the arguments of the Sprint white knights is absolutely breath taking. On one hand we have average people asking wtf and getting flamed on the other hand we have people like DirtyShroomz who works for Sprint and pays $0 a month for this crap *****ing about people who actually HAVE to pay for this phone.
Get over it - I'm right you're wrong. Its not a matter of maturity its a matter of education.
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Just because you don't see it, means its not justified? I don't know but, your reaching. Its Sprint and every other's carrier's fault that you chose to live in a place where their cell signals can't penetrate? Every marketing strategy is based off of reaching the most people with the least amount of work. They are not going to cater to every remote hick living in the mountains of Alaska, and to even expect that is ridiculous.
The $10 fee is Sprint's cost of doing business (even if its not, that is how they calculate it). Every company strong arms us helpless consumers, and as it has already been pointed out, speak with your money, its what I do. You could go to Walmart and get a $50 phone plan and save back your Cancellation fee in 4 months, and have Cell/test/data. But you would complain about that too.
I do not think that $10 is chump change, but I want the best bang for my buck and a 500kbps download speed for $35-50 is not what I call bang for my buck.... but then I also live in a 4G area. If you don't live in a 4G area or one that would be getting it soon, then getting a EVO or a EPIC was STUPID. You would have been better off with a DROIDX, BUT GUESS WHAT?!?!? Verizon is more expensive. You could have gotten a G2, AGAIN, MORE EXPENSIVE. Get over it, Sprint is not ripping anyone off, anymore than another carrier. But unfortunately if you bought a EVO or EPIC in hopes of 4G (I hope you read up on this phone), then sorry to disappoint. The smartest thing to do would be cut your losses, sell your phone pay off the ETF and move to a different carrier.
FWIW, My mother, brother, sister in law, aunt, and grandmother are with Verizon. They all have recently bought the Droid (Not the X) and they love it. So if you want to be cutting edge and play with the newest toys. THEN PAY FOR IT AND QUIT CRYING!

$10 monthly charge... (Not for 4g)

It's funny, until sprint started in with BS explainations for the charge I had no problem at all with it. I was told when I bought the Epic that the charge was a network charge for 4g. And that was at a sprint store.
As a matter of fact, I was totally cool with it! And cool with it knowing it'd probably be a year minimum until I had the service because I live in a small town about 150 miles from Denver.
When it wasn't cool with me is when they started saying crap like this: http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/53633;
What do you guys think? I'm pretty annoyed by it at this point.
Wasn't it the senator from WV that said "if you're gonna get raped, maybe you should just lay back and enjoy it?"
I like to think of the $10 bull$hit fee as that. Even though it's complete and utter BS, they tacked it on, and if you want one of the power phones, you'll just have to deal with it, so you might as well just pay up and enjoy the awesome phone.
quit *****ing.... its obvious its to build a network that needs to be paid off... you dont want that $10 fee get a different phone
setox said:
quit *****ing.... its obvious its to build a network that needs to be paid off... you dont want that $10 fee get a different phone
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I'm not *****ing FYI. I don't like people that I pay almost $200 a month for almost 8 years piping smoke up my ass.
But then if you'd have actually read the post and the provided link you'd have probably understood that..
jirafabo said:
Wasn't it the senator from WV that said "if you're gonna get raped, maybe you should just lay back and enjoy it?"
I like to think of the $10 bull$hit fee as that. Even though it's complete and utter BS, they tacked it on, and if you want one of the power phones, you'll just have to deal with it, so you might as well just pay up and enjoy the awesome phone.
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I agree %100 with ya. I think they need to call it what it is, like the rep I bought my phone from did.
i was just talking to my friend about this yesterday, Im under his family plan and its crap the **** they are charging for. Between the two of us its 120 each a month. and like 4g we are not able to use it, now if that 10 bucks was being used to expand the network so I could use it, I would be fine with it. But the link says its not for the network...what BS
That might be the dumbest thing I've ever read...
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
I just came from sprint after being away from them for a year with the ass raping big red. Trust me when i say that sprint's plans are way better then a lot of carriers out there. The only reason i left them a year ago is because of service in my area wasn't the best but i have moved and have 5 bars. Anywho, it is only costing my wife and i 129.99 (2 smart phones) a month for 1500 minutes then unlimited everything else plus the $10.00 4g charge (which is labeled that way on my bill and explained to me by every rep in person and on the phone that way.) my verizon bill for 1 smart phone and 1 multi-media phone was 170.00 a month for 1400 minutes.
So if you want to ***** about 10 a month and being ass raped then get a pay by the minute phone and don't buy the latest and greatest thing. This is the problem with our society is that we just want to ***** rather then find a solution. Also, nothing is free and a new technology network needs to be paid for. Prolly when you renew contract after 2 years you won't have to pay anymore and the network will be everywhere 3g is as all phones will prolly be 4g.
So again. STOP *****ING
I think you guys are missing the point... the point is that Sprint is lying about the $10 charge not being for 4g access... If anyone were to call Sprint and ask them about it they will feed you the same BS line they fed me... "its because of the HD content the Epic and Evo recieve , that's its constantly updating and that's its a charge to cover all that extra data"... Which we all know to be pure crap... Now you must ask yourself... "why doesn't Sprint just fess up and say yeah it is for 4g access"... Well let me tell you, if they were to announce that it is for 4g access then they would have to bring 4G access to all markets... Which they have no control over because if you did some research you would find that Sprint 4G isn't really Sprint's... Their entire 4g network belongs to Clearwire, a wireless competitor. Which is why there has been so much controversy over it... in fact a class action lawsuit has already been filed and is widely published on the web... just google Sprint 4g Class Action Lawsuit... Now I've been a loyal Sprint customer for the past 10 years and quite frankly I would be completely fine with paying the $10 if they would just admit to what it is really for and not insult the intelligence of their customers saying that its for the "Premium Content" for the Epic and Evo knowing full well that the exact same content can be found on the Hero or any other non-4g device.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
They really are dude. I spelled it out in the OP so I don't get it.
I've never even considered another carrier. I love sprint's service. As a matter of fact. My wife stil has verizon and I refuse to switch. I've been with them for years and won't do it. So between us we pay almost $400 to verizon and sprint. And we constantly argue which is better,even thoughshe knows sprint is! So I'm a fanboy lol
I dislike being lied to and I dislike being called 'whiny' or '*****y' or being told to 'shut up' when I am merely expressing an opinion. It was my understanding that I was free to post my opinion on these boards. This is the second time this has come up and I am going to re post what I said in the last thread:
raylusk said:
Tell me what law sprint violated. They didn't violate any. Your only argument is that you deserve a good phone. If you can't do better than that you should just let this discussion drop. The fact is that in a competative market companies can charge what they want and we as consumers can chose to pay or go somewhere else. Well if the issue was that important to you go somewhere else. Of course you will still pay more than you pay at sprint.
The other things you cited are also abuses of the courts and the taxpayers. It doesn't make this particular abuse any better. Like I said you have made it clear that you knew about the fee prior to purchasing your phone yet purchased it anyway. What law do you think should allow the government to intervene and change the agreement you made. Would that be the law of fairness? Or how about the law of I deserve a top of the line phone? I am being sarcastic here but would truly like to hear what law sprint has violated. So far no one has been able to answer this. Even the attorney for the case says he is investigating to see if sprint violated any laws.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Actually, recently Verizon as well as many other carriers were sued successfully due to their policies of ETFs being a violation of consumers rights even though those signing up knew about the ETFs. The issue was that someone who had a month left on their contract had to pay the same fee as someone who was canceling a month into the plan and thus was a violation of their rights.
Now I'm going to pull a sly little trick:
The issue was that someone who had a month left on their contract had to pay the same fee to cancel their contract as someone who was canceling a month into the plan and thus was a violation of their rights.
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Watch this!
The issue was that someone who had no 4g coverage had to pay the same fee to use 4g as someone who had 4g coverage and thus was a violation of their rights.
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Oh gosh! By changing just the words of the type of fee its the same circumstance!
Also, part of the reason I'm on Sprint is that my area gets terrible cell reception in general and other cell carriers have actually allowed me to cancel service without incurring an ETF because I could not use the service for which I was paying. I knew I was signing up for a cellular service and they would charge me but because I could not use their service they allowed me to get out of my contract. Again, same situation.
Even if we look at the fact they say its for the extra data you're going to use, I'm paying for unlimited data. So lets go to an analogy: I go to a buffet. I'm a small guy, so they know I probably won't eat a lot. A fat guy comes in behind me so they believe he will eat more than me so they charge him an addition fee to eat at the buffet even though the fee covers "all you can eat." That is a violation of consumer rights.
I understand that Sprint is cheaper but paying $10 a month basically because I chose to buy a better phone is absurd.
In addition, if Sprint were in the process of rolling out coverage to where I live, or even where I will be moving in 8 months, I'd pay. I'd pay oh-so-willingly. I'd be unhappy that they were lying about what the charge was for, but I would pay. But they're not. So I'm being lied to and I'm paying for YOUR service, so I have every god damned right to be ****ing angry about it.
dantichrist said:
I agree %100 with ya. I think they need to call it what it is, like the rep I bought my phone from did.
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They can't just call it what it is, because then there would be a bunch of butthurt people trying to sue them because they cannot use the service they are paying for. Its a lot easier for everyone to understand that its for the 4g, but for corporate to stick to the line that its for the high end devices features. Its obvious its for the 4g service, and even then you have people complaining and calling for class action lawsuits against sprint. I am sure that the Sprint's legal team have figured out that they are safer describing at a corporate level that the fee is for the high end phone and not the high end service. And I am also sure that Sprint has made it known to employees to describe the fee as a 4g charge, so that if any customer complains to corporate, they can just pass it off as some misinformed store employee.
muyoso said:
They can't just call it what it is, because then there would be a bunch of butthurt people trying to sue them because they cannot use the service they are paying for. Its a lot easier for everyone to understand that its for the 4g, but for corporate to stick to the line that its for the high end devices features. Its obvious its for the 4g service, and even then you have people complaining and calling for class action lawsuits against sprint.
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People like you are so hilarious. You're only real arguments are name-calling and immaturity. You present no evidence except opinion and childish insults.
kenvan19 said:
People like you are so hilarious. You're only real arguments are name-calling and immaturity. You present no evidence except opinion and childish insults.
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Wut? I didn't call anyone a name, and nothing I said was immature unless you really want to nitpick my word choice. Would it make you cry less if I changed "butthurt" to "offended"?
muyoso said:
They can't just call it what it is, because then there would be a bunch of butthurt people trying to sue them because they cannot use the service they are paying for. Its a lot easier for everyone to understand that its for the 4g, but for corporate to stick to the line that its for the high end devices features. Its obvious its for the 4g service, and even then you have people complaining and calling for class action lawsuits against sprint. I am sure that the Sprint's legal team have figured out that they are safer describing at a corporate level that the fee is for the high end phone and not the high end service. And I am also sure that Sprint has made it known to employees to describe the fee as a 4g charge, so that if any customer complains to corporate, they can just pass it off as some misinformed store employee.
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Actually no they do not in any way describe it as a charge for 4g, in fact if you were to call customer service they will tell you exactly what was told to me in my previous post, and then if you decided to call them on it they will simply tell you that in order to have that device active on the account you MUST have that particular billing code.... And to even further prove my point, the next day I got a automated call survey about my interaction with customer service... When I rated it low, I received a call afew hours later from a Customer Satisfaction rep and when I explained my issue, guess what she told me.... thats right.... the EXACT same thing.. "Oh, you are getting that charge because the Evo and Epic are cutting edge devices and because of that fact they are constantly connecting to the web and updating apps and what not" at which point I did a facepalm and promptly disconnected the call.
Did you read my post? I clearly explained that Corporate will always stick to the line that its for a high end device, most likely because of some stupid legal issue. The employees at the stores however ALWAYS tell you its for the 4g service. I have spoken to at least half a dozen when I was buying my phone, and EVERY ONE of them described it as a 4g fee.
Also, this is how its described on my online bill.
Premium Data (required for this device)
$10.00
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Then you are lucky to have such honest sales reps in your area... My sales rep didn't even tell me about the charge and I had to find out on my bill... and thus the reason for my frustrating call to Customer Service
Sleeth7 said:
Then you are lucky to have such honest sales reps in your area... My sales rep didn't even tell me about the charge and I had to find out on my bill... and thus the reason for my frustrating call to Customer Service
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Jesus, thats pretty ****ty. I would have been pissed too.
No doubt! And the problem is that it's a your word against his if you complained about it. That really sucks. I'm glad because the reps here are really cool.
muyoso said:
Jesus, thats pretty ****ty. I would have been pissed too.
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And if you are curious about the legal issue as to why they cannot call the charge 4g access or whatever, it's because Sprint has no control over where they can offer 4g access... Their entire 4g network is piggybacking off of Clearwire and for people in areas like myself with 0 Clearwire presence within a 300 mile radius... We are pretty much SOL. So by calling it "Premium Data" and linking it to the phone they can charge anyone with the device... vs calling it 4g Access then people can call up and say "I have no 4g in my area so take it off until it is active here"

Premium Data "4g tax" lawsuit starting

I've never been one to complain about our $10/mo "Premium Data" add on, but apparently there is a class action lawsuit starting regarding it. The below is the text of an email that was sent out regarding it (and the page at http://www.bursor.com/press/101203sprint4g.html)
If You Purchased a Sprint EVO 4G or EPIC 4G Cellphone, You May Be Interested in a Class Action Lawsuit
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A class action lawsuit was filed alleging that Sprint customers that purchased the EVO 4G or EPIC 4G cellphones are being charged a $10 monthly “Premium Data Add-On” fee, despite the fact that these customers had already paid for unlimited data usage under their existing Sprint calling plans.
Law Offices of Scott A. Bursor, www.bursor.com, is investigating claims that these charges may be improper.
If you purchased a Sprint EVO 4G or EPIC 4G cellphone, we would like to hear from you so we can investigate whether you incurred this charge, how many customers have been affected, and whether there may be valid legal claims for a refund. Please contact us by responding to this email or by calling us directly at (646) 504-7781.
About Law Offices of Scott A. Bursor
Scott A. Bursor, has represented plaintiffs in class action lawsuits against Sprint and other wireless carriers since 2002. Many of these cases are discussed in detail at www.bursor.com.
Contact:
Scott A. Bursor
Email: [email protected]
www.bursor.com
IMO, The only thing this will do is raise our rates as Sprint has additional costs arguing with this guy.
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True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
Old news, but sprint data is cheaper than everyone else anyway.
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thx for the info. calling tomorrow
You are assuming the 10 dollars is for 4G. I've always thought it was for more or less having a next generational phone. Both the evo/epic encourage people to use data in ways none of the other devices do. Because of the specs, everything is faster, web browsing, multtasking, gaming - even if you are on 3G.
Sprint realized that giving an unlimited buffet to a blackberry user is much different than giving an unlimited buffet to someone using these phones.
It would be interesting if sprint ends up having to release some of this data to explain the fee. Those 1tb montly users may come in handy at that time.
Even with the fee, sprint has one of the cheapest and best data plans around.
Trahloc said:
True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
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Trahloc said:
True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
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That boils down to how much data you use..if they go Tiered data like Verizon they could charge you $10 a month per GB per phone...so if you don't use much data thats fine..
In the end each person will get like 5$ settlement and the lawyer will get millions in his own pocket..If only they had a limitation on how much these lawyers can get in 1 law suite >.>
Cause these law suites are a lawyers "All you can eat"...not to mention they will end up fighting it for like 10 years..
Trahloc said:
True it will increase costs. But I doubt my phone bill will be +$40/mo more after dealing with this guy which is what I'm paying for now due to 3 Evo's and 1 Epic. I totally support +$10/mo for 4g ... if it was optional. I have no need for 4g though and am highly annoyed at paying this tax. All I want is an Android phone with keyboard and the rest of the guys wanted big screens, we've given them hundreds of $'s this year for something we don't use or want.
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I live in New Orleans and I think the closest 4G city is 350 miles away (Houston). I too wanted an Android phone with a keyboard that wasn't abandoned by the manufacturer for support.
I think it's the principal of paying for something Sprint isn't giving me an opportunity to utilize that irritates me the most. However, I didn't want to drop Sprint (due to plan costs) and I really wanted the Epic. So I gave in.
diego1985 said:
Old news, but sprint data is cheaper than everyone else anyway.
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That is the kicker, they are the cheapest--even with the 4G charge.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
They now have the samsung transform.
I still see justification for the fee even without the 4G. they are effectively lumping us into a high data tier. In reality, maybe they should just make it actually tiered.
nikon120 said:
I live in New Orleans and I think the closest 4G city is 350 miles away (Houston). I too wanted an Android phone with a keyboard that wasn't abandoned by the manufacturer for support.
I think it's the principal of paying for something Sprint isn't giving me an opportunity to utilize that irritates me the most. However, I didn't want to drop Sprint (due to plan costs) and I really wanted the Epic. So I gave in.
That is the kicker, they are the cheapest--even with the 4G charge.
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Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Tiered would be annoying but livable. Make $40/mo something reasonable with X charge per GB and then past some other reasonable point make it unlimited. But a mandatory charge of $10 for a feature I neither want or use just pisses me off. At least metro pcs had the decency to say "that phone isn't allowed on that plan" when we tried snagging their android phone for the folks using that network. Sprint should do that same, you don't want folks using high end phones on the cheap plans don't allow them on, don't create a fake tax.
Trahloc said:
Tiered would be annoying but livable. Make $40/mo something reasonable with X charge per GB and then past some other reasonable point make it unlimited. But a mandatory charge of $10 for a feature I neither want or use just pisses me off. At least metro pcs had the decency to say "that phone isn't allowed on that plan" when we tried snagging their android phone for the folks using that network. Sprint should do that same, you don't want folks using high end phones on the cheap plans don't allow them on, don't create a fake tax.
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You shouldn't have bought the phone then. Every single person who bought this phone or the evo KNEW that there as a $10/month fee but still bought it because they just HAD to have the newest phones. If the fee is really that big of an issue then you wouldn't have bought the phone. When I bought the phone.I too the cost into consideration and decided that the$10 fee was justifiable and even with it I would still be paying less than ANY OTHER CARRIER for the same plan. People need to stop *****ing just to *****
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Sh0wNuF said:
You shouldn't have bought the phone then. Every single person who bought this phone or the evo KNEW that there as a $10/month fee but still bought it because they just HAD to have the newest phones. If the fee is really that big of an issue then you wouldn't have bought the phone. When I bought the phone.I too the cost into consideration and decided that the$10 fee was justifiable and even with it I would still be paying less than ANY OTHER CARRIER for the same plan. People need to stop *****ing just to *****
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I agree with you right there. Before any ever bought the phone the fees were right there.
I say good luck with the lawsuit. 99% sure you will not get what you want out of it regardless if you win or lose.
Let me clarify one thing... I'm not assuming jack. I read the agreement and I know it's not just a 4g charge. My post was purely informative. Hence "4g tax" in quotations.
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This just end cost all of us more. Some of these lawyers need to be reigned in.
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iil said:
They now have the samsung transform.
I still see justification for the fee even without the 4G. they are effectively lumping us into a high data tier. In reality, maybe they should just make it actually tiered.
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There is no justification without 4G. The reason is you've purchased the phone.... You own it and it's capabilities. It's connection to the internet is a separate issue.
Would you pay more for wired internet service because you have a better graphics card and faster CPU in your home PC?
Tiered pricing?? I don't think Sprint wants that because people will then jump to Verizon or T-Mobile. Both of those carriers still offer unlimited data. TMO might slow down your data speed, if you go over 5GB, but it's still all you can eat.
Sprint's justification for the $10 premium fee is to make a few extra bucks and to cover the cost of what they pay to Clearwire. Clearwire charges $5 per WiMax capable phone Sprint has on it's network. So Sprint had a choice.. Pass the charge along or eat it as part of doing business. Personally, being that Sprint advertises unlimited data, and they're not subsidizing their 4G phones like the other carriers are doing with their top end phones (Have you seen what the other Galaxy S variants sell for on TMO, ATT, VzW, etc?), I think they should have just eaten the $5 (What Clearwires charges them) and also renegotiate their contract with Clearwire to only pay them the fee where Clearwire has service.
Here's another thing. Unlike ATT, Sprint has excess capacity on it's existing EVDO network, so it's not really costing Sprint anything to offer unlimited data on it's 3G network. It just doesn't make sense for Sprint to offer tiered data.
crabjoe said:
There is no justification without 4G. The reason is you've purchased the phone.... You own it and it's capabilities. It's connection to the internet is a separate issue.
Would you pay more for wired internet service because you have a better graphics card and faster CPU in your home PC?
Tiered pricing?? I don't think Sprint wants that because people will then jump to Verizon or T-Mobile. Both of those carriers still offer unlimited data. TMO might slow down your data speed, if you go over 5GB, but it's still all you can eat.
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Verizon plans to go tiered Data as well..as for T-mobile not sure yet..but it might end up all of them going Tiered data...such dumb lawsuit is only going to push them towards tiered data... mostly if Verizon and ATT go that route...
In the end the lawyer will be the only winner...these lawsuits last YEARS...
Sprint's justification for the $10 premium fee is to make a few extra bucks and to cover the cost of what they pay to Clearwire. Clearwire charges $5 per WiMax capable phone Sprint has on it's network. So Sprint had a choice.. Pass the charge along or eat it as part of doing business. Personally, being that Sprint advertises unlimited data, and they're not subsidizing their 4G phones like the other carriers are doing with their top end phones (Have you seen what the other Galaxy S variants sell for on TMO, ATT, VzW, etc?), I think they should have just eaten the $5 (What Clearwires charges them) and also renegotiate their contract with Clearwire to only pay them the fee where Clearwire has service.
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Actually if clearwire doesn't have service sprint doesn't pay them and takes money for themselves..thats what clearwire has been complaining about to sprint...
Here's another thing. Unlike ATT, Sprint has excess capacity on it's existing EVDO network, so it's not really costing Sprint anything to offer unlimited data on it's 3G network. It just doesn't make sense for Sprint to offer tiered data.
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The CEO of Sprint said for now he doesn't see a reason to go Tiered data but if the need arises they will..so take that as you will..
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Overall though the TP2 went for 350$ on sprint...now phones are 200$-250$ top tiered..I say that about covers most of the $10 fee
but what you fail to understand is it is called "premium data":
this includes:
free sprint tv
sprint navigation
unlimited roaming
unlimited data (3g or 4g)
sprint is aware that by owning a 4g capable device (ie epic, evo, shift 4g) that this higher end devices have better capabilities and can actually use 3g faster and better than any other device.
they are also aware that through android (did you think about the fact that all 4g capable devices are android only) there are programs that will allow you to have connection to 3g/4g on your computer via wireless tether or wired tether for free. and instead of filtering out these units, placing caps, or throttling data after it hits a certian point...they give a 10$ fee. instead of going like the other wireless giants and tremendously increasing their rates or placing outrageous caps (seriously a 2 gig cap on the iphone plan att?). and it gives you the ability to connect to 4g whenever you go to a place that has 4g.
so is the charge unfair? i think not.
but then again, this is america, where we can ***** and moan about a hot cup of coffee and make a billion in a law suit.
i honestly believe if you dont like the premium data is "unfair" go to att or verison. seriously, ***** and moan about not getting froyo or something that really matters.
diego1985 said:
Old news, but sprint data is cheaper than everyone else anyway.
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+1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=868877&highlight=lawsuit
Sprint played this dumb from the get go, it's their fault. Dan Hesse said there wouldn't be a 4G fee of any kind. Since they did indeed have to charge a 4G fee, they tried to play customers dumb by saying it's a premium data fee because it consumes more data. True, but then why don't phones like Transform, Hero, Pre and other smartphones get the fee, because I don't see them consuming any less data just because they don't have 4G.
But quite frankly, I think anyone who participates in this lawsuit is dumb and should be banned from signing contracts.
iil said:
You are assuming the 10 dollars is for 4G. I've always thought it was for more or less having a next generational phone. Both the evo/epic encourage people to use data in ways none of the other devices do. Because of the specs, everything is faster, web browsing, multtasking, gaming - even if you are on 3G.
Sprint realized that giving an unlimited buffet to a blackberry user is much different than giving an unlimited buffet to someone using these phones.
It would be interesting if sprint ends up having to release some of this data to explain the fee. Those 1tb montly users may come in handy at that time.
Even with the fee, sprint has one of the cheapest and best data plans around.
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I swear something is wrong with you,what specs?Should a gas station charge you more for regular gas if yo driving bmw instead of honda?Should Audi charge you $100 for "awesomness" of the car that you already paid in full for?
Phones get faster every two months,its only right that they get better specs.Yo dont see Vibrant/Fascinate/Captivate charge 10 dollars for their Cpu being able to process data faster?Epic is the same phone as Vibrant.
When I bought my Epic reps said that extra 10 was for a 4G service that was coming in october,but now when I ask them they say "its for Epics awesomoness and fast CPU",so which one is it sprint?
Charging me for fast CPU that I own,lol,sht is beyond ridiculous.
Remember one thing that Pentium 1,2,3,4(with same eathernet card" and beyond all download data at same speed speed and same thing applies for cell phoned.Do Time Warner charge you extra 10 dollars because you have the latest $10000 computer?No.Just to expain this to all you people that dont know no better or falling for sprints bs.

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