Are you going to cancel Sprint EVDO because of 5GB cap?

pakkman781 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 11

I sent an angry message off to sprint, and the reply I got was interesting...

dima · EVDO User Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 91

Forcefed · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:31 pm Post subject:

The other irony is, the excuse being given by Sprint of ensuring reliable service to all users makes no sense (though we know that is just company spin anyway, they won't ever give the real reasons for any change). If this was there goal, a TOTAL bandwidth limit per month does not really accomplish the goal. It would just mean that the service at the beginning of the month would be god awful, when every user still has bandwidth to use, and more users online. But by the end of the month the user base will drop way off.

If they were really trying to ensure reliable service at all times to their customers, that is only accomplished by enforcing a bandwidth limit at all times. By limiting the load by all the users all the timer, THEN you could better guarantee reliable service for more users. But again, it's at the cost of crippling the EVDO service anyway.

So don't believe the reason given by Sprint, since the change being mentioned will not accomplish that goal. This change has nothing to do with ensuring bandwidth for all their loyal customers, it has everything to do with some dollars and cents.

Kevin

heathriel · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 19

I'm already on the $99 a month unlimited North America data plan and haven't heard anything about this.

Sprint is the only carrier I'm aware of that offers Canada, US and Mexico unlimited data, and that's why I picked them. I'm on a boat, and my only options are Sprint or Mobilsat (http://www.mobilsat.com/marine-satellite-internet-andTV/Marine-internet/). I'd like to avoid the extra $200 a month as long as I can.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

throwing more fuel on the fire....I have spoken with Sprint at several levels and they have stated that the 5 GB cap will apply to New Accounts Only, if you are currently on a unlimited plan this will not affect you. ..I could see why, they don't want to have a swarm of canceled accounts on their hands with no ETF's...
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xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 1970

In the end, only what's written in the updated TOS matters. Verbal replies or emails from anyone from Sprint carries no weight until it's in official contractual writing.

Tigerwolf · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 2

Having only the 2 poll choices of 'I'm outta here', and 'I'm not affected' is pretty worthless.

Most of us are likely in the 'I'm outraged, but I don't know if it really will affect me.' category.

Because there's not been any meter to tell us just how much we *have been* using in order to judge, it's pointless speculating about whether leaving is an worthwhile option. Likewise, what's the point of leaving if you know you need more, since no major provider offers any real alternative. People say they'll move to Verizon because of (supposedly) better coverage, but Verizon's draconian TOS makes virtually anything *useful* against their rules.

I use very little-to-none on an average daily basis, but for 5-6 weekends per year, I move massive amounts of data while traveling in different major cities around the country. I simply don't *know* or have much way to tell if 5 is enough to cover during those times, and it is that very purpose that I have the service.

Regardless, I'm furious over being put into the 'meter's running' category that CEO 'Dan' acknowledges in the TV ads is a major annoyance.

If you want a useful poll to show to Sprint, add the following (in no particular order):

- I'd leave in a heartbeat if there was anywhere else to go.
- I'm furious, but don't know yet if I'd leave. We'll see.
- I feel betrayed, but I'll likely stay if my usage is under the
limit.
- I'll certainly leave if I can find an alternative.
- I might be affected, but I'll just cut back on use if I have to.
- I *can't* leave because the service is essential to me. I feel
trapped.

Llama · EVDO Junkie Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 182

nickjacket · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject: The Ferengi Plan

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

Definitely discontinue any auto payment via credit card, debit card or direct bank access to prevent the loss of all of your funds.

twotriangles · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 10

heh. I had verizon and cancelled within the return window because of the limit. I got sprint a week ago, and now I have to cancel that. Alltel is next.

operknockity · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 2:49 am Post subject:

operknockity · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 2:55 am Post subject:

One thought, though...

I currently have a PCMCIA Pantech PX-500 card. If I ever get a laptop that doesn't have a slot for it, I will swtich to using my Linksys 3G Router (which now is only used occasionally). But what happens when I have to get a new card (perhaps when the PX-500 dies)... Does that trigger a new contract, and hence the cap, when I'm currently grandfathered in??? It would suck big time if I had to get a new contract with a cap. 'course by then WiMAX might be finally deployed and that presumably won't have a cap.

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

One interesting attitude in all of the "I am going to quit posts" is the assumption that anyone cares if you do or worries about the threat made.

Maybe we should start a poll "Do you care if the bandwidth hogs quit your carrier?"

heathriel · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 19