Overview:
Sprint merged with Nextel in 2005 and ever since then, they have been providing their customers with excellent service in phone, internet and wireless capacities. Through Nextel, they offer data plans for BlackBerry and other PDAs.
Pros: Sprint has straightforward BlackBerry plans that include several different features. They all have voice features, including voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, caller ID block, three-way calling, numeric paging, emergency calls without airtime charges, and non-emergency calls using special charges. The prices are pretty good, as well – much lower than Verizon’s prices and the plans include the same features. You also get unlimited BlackBerry Web and Email on some plans.
Cons: There are only three plans and data charges apply if you go above your allotted charges for the month. Sprint charges $0.03 per KB if you don’t have a data plan. If you do, the charges are $0.001 for each KB of additional data. As well, you must have a BlackBerry phone from Nextel, or the plans won’t work. Text messaging is not included on Sprint’s data plans.
Detailed Provider Information:
Voice Plan Options: For two of the plans, you can get voice calls for $0.20 a minute, and $0.25 a minute for long distance calls.
Data Options: You can get one of several data plans. The first one costs $39.99 and includes 40 MB of monthly usage. For $20 more, you can receive unlimited data per month. If you want voice options with your data plan, you can get the Unlimited Email and Web plan for $49.99. If this doesn’t suit, Sprint offers a 10 MB Email and Web plan that includes Wireless Web Access and 10 MB of data usage per month.
Messaging Options: Text messaging is not included on Sprint’s data plans.
Customer Service: The Sprint website has a page solely dedicated to support – you can enter a search question or browse through their frequently-asked questions to find your answer. If you still don’t find what you’re looking for, you can sign onto the website and participate in a live chat with a representative who will help you.
Contract: If you break your contract early, you will be responsible for an early termination fee of $200. Most phones carry a two-year contract at minimum if you want to get the cheaper price.
Messaging: Text messaging is not included on the data plans; however, you can add it as an additional service.
International Calling and Messaging: You will have to activate international roaming in order to take advantage of international calling and messaging. The number is 1-888-226-7212 – customer service representatives will help you. Sprint bills you for the amount of data you’ve used, normally by the KB.
Roaming Charges: There are charges for when you’re roaming, but the good thing is, there is roaming coverage even outside of Sprint’s network coverage. Some services may not work while you’re roaming – e.g. data services, voice mail, or call waiting.
Activation Fee: According to Sprint’s website, activation charges will be discussed with you when you sign up for a new line. Activation charges vary from state to state.
Additional Features: Text messaging is extra for data plans, as is 411 access ($1.79 per call in addition to airtime charges) and call forwarding ($0.20 per minute).
Insurance: There is a one-year warranty on the phones.
Phones: Sprint offers the BlackBerry 8703e. The website offers you the option of upgrading or replacing your device or buying one with a new plan.
Some Additional BlackBerry Models Available:
BlackBerry 7130e
BlackBerry 8830
BlackBerry 7100i
Coverage Map: The Sprint coverage map tool can be found here. You must enter your zip code to check the coverage in your area.
I purchased the latest Blackberry with all the bells and whistles (the "world" edition) from Sprint. After dropping $300, plus $100 a month, I've had to spend countless hours on the phone with Sprint Customer Service (who has no $%&# clue what they're doing, I've even had them say this to my face). The data service (phone as modem) works pretty well and is fast, but the phone sucks! I can't tell you how many dropped calls or just poor service I've had with the phone. Luckily for them I'm in a 2 year agreement, otherwise my ass would be hitting the road!
I work for sprint (not Corp). I would like to update some off the plans. They have a 30 plan that includes unlimited txt, but doesn't include BES. The unlimited plan for BES is 39.99 not 59.99 and that includes phone as modem. And as for blackberry support they are horrible. I would tell you to go into a store versus calling them up. It would more then likely be a more pleasant then over the phone. Honestly when I have a problem I call my tech guys and only call them to tell them what I need to be done. I have the 8830 I don't get drop calls maybe you need to do a PRL update which updates the service on your phone.
I have a BlackBerry and the new 30 dollar EVDO plan for BlackBerry apes include unlimited GPS text basic TV and basic music channels I am very happy with Sprint and my Pearl
I have the world phone every month I have problems with my bill by sprint one from the customer service is telling me 1 thing and the other is telling me another thing I am paying $300 every month instant of $100 I can't wait to finish my agreement and drop them and go to Verizon and pay that $20 difference each month
i have 8330 wolrd phone and love it.... no problems with bills or service... sprint and verizon are on same network cdma my sprint uses verizo network if i hav no coverage..... and sprint speed puts all other companies to shame been there.... cant wait till curve 8330 comes out
Sprint service is bad. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA but Sprint calls always dropped. Will move bad to Verizon as soon as my cantract ends.