Considering Sprint? Read This First!

[timm9]

I have been searching all of the forums for the last two weeks regarding the TP2 and Sprint service, which on the surface sounded good. I purchased a brand new (in the box advertised as not requiring a contract) TP2 and called Sprint to port my number and was informed that even providing my own (paid for) hardware, they will not activate service without a 2 year contract. I'm stunned! Even Verizon will allow activation of your own handset without a contract. I called the CS line and was told that they will not activate without a contract. I guess I will sell this one and go with Verizon. No wonder Sprint has been loosing customers!

[eenieMINI]

I think once you've fulfilled your initial contract you can activate phones without renewing. I've done so. Too bad they're not allowing new service with the same status.

[timm9]

It's a shame as I really like the phone, and was looking forward to trying Sprint's service. I don't sign contracts with anyone including Direct TV, etc. and have been with my current provider for 7 years without a contract. Needless to say, I was quite surprised at Sprint's policy. I'm very loyal, but prefer my loyality to be based a mutual satisfaction, and not based on a contract and the threat of termination fees.

[eenieMINI]

Did you try escalating your call to a supervisor?

[OMJ]

I've been a Sprint customer for 8 yrs now. I had this same issue when trying to add a line w/ my own hardware. A few yrs ago I managed to only sign a 1 yr contract, but recently I added a line & they said it required a 2 yr agreement. I hung & called retentions & complained, they activated w/ no contract. Now I'm not sure you would have the same success if you're not already a customer, you have no leverage, but you could try calling retentions directly & plead your case.

877-775-4886

good luck

[timm9]

The CS person I spoke with did (who was very polite) put me on hold and supposedly spoke with a supervisor, but the answer was the same. We do not have GSM service in our area, so my only option is to get rid of this phone and go with Verizon. At least I know they will activate my equipment without a contract. It will be interesting to see if the legislation currently being considered by Congress will also include regulation over some of the policies of the cell carriers...

[gullzway]

You could look into taking over someone's Sprint Plan i.e. Transfer Of Liability. Just make sure it is one that is out of contract. There used to be a lot of people selling $30/month SERO plans for cheap, although I just checked EBAY and didn't see any.

[elephant007]

So let me see if I understand you

you currently have Sprint as your cell phone provider
you purchased a phone from someone and want to have it activated to your account
Sprint wants you to sign a 2 year contract in order to active this phone to your account
they won't activate your phone unless you do sign a 2 year contract

If that is the case, login to your online account and active your phone yourself
If you're swapping phones, you should be able to do this
If you're adding an additional line to your account, yes they will ask you to sign a 1 or 2 year contract if you're switching plans.

[OMJ]

it sounds like he is not yet a Sprint customer

[timm9]

That is correct, I am not currently a Sprint customer. At this point I have returned the TP2, and have gone with Verizon without a contract. On another site a post indicated that the 'contract required' is no longer legal based on litigation, but it's not worth my time and energy to fight over it. Like my wife said, "After all this, why would you want to do business with Sprint"?

That about sums it up...