Is Sprint’s New Deal Actually Better? It Certainly Costs More

Over the last few years, Sprint has been making a name for themselves as the cheap and cheery postpaid phone carrier.  Its network isn’t as comprehensive as the competitors, but it does make up for it with absurdly cheap plans and good family deals.  But with 5G just around the corner and some fresh investment from its Japanese owner, Sprint is hoping to step into the ring with the bigger carriers.  What does that mean?  Plans with more features and better service, but it also means that there are going to be some price hikes.  Which can be expected right?  I mean, you’re getting a better service, so why wouldn’t you pay more?

It’s being reported that Sprint has been testing new unlimited plans in a handful of markets over the last few weeks.  The plans feature new promotional pricing, premium features like additional hotspot data and a $5/line price hike in comparison to their current pricing model.  The plans themselves vary a little depending on the specific market, but there are some constants that are worth noting.  In Atlanta, Phoenix, New Orleans and St. Louis, Sprint is offering some kind of introductory deal (with some caveats) that lowers pricing to $35/month for four lines.  After 12 months, customers will pay $65/month for the first line, $45/month for the second and $25/month for the third and fourth lines.

This is kind of significant though, as it’s a $5/line increase over Sprint’s current pricing nationwide.  While the overall numbers remain the same for four lines, this would actually punish users with smaller accounts.  Which doesn’t exactly seem fair, does it?  It’s also kind of condescending for single people.  I think, in general, “single” people get punished financially when it comes to certain product offerings.

This happens a lot and isn’t right.  I have received calls from my cell phone provider, and they will make me some kind of offer for a second line.  They always frame it in a way that suggests there’s something wrong with me.  “Could we add a second line for your spouse?” If I respond with “no”, they tend to push, so I end up having to tell them I’m not married.  Then they switch gears – “is there anyone in your household who you would want to add to the account?”  Still no. But I’ve gone off topic here, so let me get back to it.

While the new plan does include a price hike, Sprint is going to offer all of it’s customers some perks – including free Hulu subscriptions, a six month trial to the music service Tidal, and 15 GB of hotspot data.  There are also going to be some new global roaming options.  Sprint spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy confirmed the details of the trial plans, and said in a statement that “Sprint periodically trials different pricing options to ensure that our service continues to provide customers with the services and features that they need, while also staying competitive within the industry.” What do you think of the changes?  Will this make you want to switch to Sprint?  Or are you generally happy because these changes mean that there will be better services?