Sprint 5GB internet cap

[InvincibleLiving]

ok so has anybody received a letter yet from them regarding this change? I'm sure someone's billing cycle has ended recently... they said the would mail them out with the next bill correct?

May 20, 2008, 8:14 PM

A number of Sprint mobile broadband users have shown their over an internal memo that indicated the company has placed a cap on its mobile broadband service.
In an e-mail and phone correspondence with BetaNews, Sprint officials discussed the reasoning behind its decision to implement a 5 GB per month overall use cap, and 300 MB per month for off-network roaming.


"Sprint is continually working to ensure a great customer experience that is available to all of its customers. Efficiently managing our wireless network is a big part of our commitment," a Sprint spokesperson told us. "The use of voice and data roaming by a small minority of customers is generating a disproportionately large level of operating expense for the company. We are enforcing the existing terms and conditions for phone plans. We are placing a limit of 300 MB per month on the amount of data use allowed while roaming off network as well as a 5 GB per month limitation on total wireless data usage for Sprint's connection and phone as modem plans."

"This limit is well within the range of what a typical customer would normally use each month." Sprint declined to disclose the amount of data a "typical customer" uses per month.
Unconfirmed reports earlier in the day inaccurately stated Sprint put the cap in place to help make a transition towards the future, in which it plans to launch its WiMAX 4G network before the end of the year. Assuming its Xohm WiMAX network can launch in Baltimore and Washington, DC as scheduled, Sprint will beat out both Verizon Wireless and AT&T, which plan to launch their 4G networks in 2009.
The company is now making an "extensive effort" to inform its customers about the pending changes, and to allow them to "change their usage habits before exploring any available options under the terms and conditions."
Existing customers are being notified about the change through messages attached to their bills that Sprint began mailing three days ago. The changes take effect 30 days upon receipt of the note. Starting in June, company officials will call customers to ensure they understand the changes made and to help better identify when they are roaming.

[schettj]

Originally Posted by nautica2450

ok so has anybody received a letter yet from them regarding this change? I'm sure someone's billing cycle has ended recently... they said the would mail them out with the next bill correct?

It was not in my April bill - may bill due in 3 days

[maggyban]

I don't believe this applies to PPC/cellphone type data usage. This is for broadband datacard usage.

[InvincibleLiving]

Originally Posted by maggyban

I don't believe this applies to PPC/cellphone type data usage. This is for broadband datacard usage.

This applies to tethering as well, not just datacard usage...

[blue4shizzle]

Originally Posted by maggyban

I don't believe this applies to PPC/cellphone type data usage. This is for broadband datacard usage.

lets use a bit of common sense... lets just say for instance that it was only intended for broadband cards... dont you think if they decide to limit data cards from goin over 5 gigs, why the freak would they allow cell phones to do it? especially when data cards are the ones who use up the most data by far?? not a very good hypothesis maggyban

-its like saying the speed limit for cars is 60 mph, but then you see a bunch of golf-carts on the highway going 99mph and the police jus turn their cheeks the other way..

[steps]

Originally Posted by blue4shizzle

lets use a bit of common sense... lets just say for instance that it was only intended for broadband cards... dont you think if they decide to limit data cards from goin over 5 gigs, why the freak would they allow cell phones to do it? especially when data cards are the ones who use up the most data by far?? not a very good hypothesis maggyban

-its like saying the speed limit for cars is 60 mph, but then you see a bunch of golf-carts on the highway going 99mph and the police jus turn their cheeks the other way..

Well seeing as golf carts cant go 60mph not a very good example. PPC/Cells phone data is WAY different then a data card...the average user wont use the ppc for teathering so why not just cap the data cards? Capping data cards would make sense seeing as their sole purpose is for internet access and the point of a ppc is office on the go...no one will be able to use 5gb a month via a ppc unless you include teathering then there MIGHT be a slight chance of overage. I have never used more then 200 or 300mb a month on my ppc if that. I dont know what the big deal is. No one will go over 5gb unless you are DL HUGE files. Plus folks with SERO shouldn't complain since its FREE.

[blue4shizzle]

Originally Posted by rstoyguy

From what I hear, it will apply to "Simply Everything"...even employee plans...

actually it doesn't affect employee plans sir, but it does with sero

Originally Posted by steps

Well seeing as golf carts cant go 60mph not a very good example. PPC/Cells phone data is WAY different then a data card...the average user wont use the ppc for teathering so why not just cap the data cards? Capping data cards would make sense seeing as their sole purpose is for internet access and the point of a ppc is office on the go...no one will be able to use 5gb a month via a ppc unless you include teathering then there MIGHT be a slight chance of overage. I have never used more then 200 or 300mb a month on my ppc if that. I dont know what the big deal is. No one will go over 5gb unless you are DL HUGE files. Plus folks with SERO shouldn't complain since its FREE.

my point DID make sense if you wanna really get into it, technically if you "tether" a golf cart then one could get it to go 99mph- sorry you didn't really catch the sarcasm but regardless you COMPLETELY missed the whole point in my post.. my POINT was that regardless of whether its a freakin data card or an effin power vision phone, they don't want you going over 5 gigs.. no exceptions, if golf carts "were" able to go 99mph then the speed limit WOULD apply to them as well; yall really trip me out sometimes i swear

[rstoyguy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rstoyguy
From what I hear, it will apply to "Simply Everything"...even employee plans...

actually it doesn't affect employee plans sir, but it does with sero

That was my wager actually...I'll bet you .5GB of data that's what it will be until they decide to give it all back.
Like MMS is coming again...soon...My rep was blindsided by me questioning him about it. Even when he called his boss in sprintland. "Uhh...that was just a memo...we haven't even had a meeting on it yet..."

[maggyban]

Originally Posted by blue4shizzle

lets use a bit of common sense... lets just say for instance that it was only intended for broadband cards... dont you think if they decide to limit data cards from goin over 5 gigs, why the freak would they allow cell phones to do it? especially when data cards are the ones who use up the most data by far?? not a very good hypothesis maggyban

-its like saying the speed limit for cars is 60 mph, but then you see a bunch of golf-carts on the highway going 99mph and the police jus turn their cheeks the other way..

Response appreciated. I am not here to argue with others.

[nebula]

Dear Mr. Patel,

Thank you for responding to the commercial featuring Dan Hesse, the new CEO for Sprint.

The 5 GB cap for internet usage will be in effect on 7/13/2008. I apologize for this inconveience. We do try to provide quality products for our customers. If you have any further concerns, please respond to this email.

Thank you for you time and understanding.

Sincerely,
Erin S.
Sprint
(757) 223-3289