Could Sprint legally start charging for Power Vision for GF'd Users?

[joeyboxers]

To all these people that are getting Power Vision for free now:

Do you see a problem contractually if one day Sprint simply said "Now that we can monitor Power Vision usage, people that use it will be charged .02 kb". Could they do this? Could all this come crashing down?

The reason I ask is that I would love to simply due an ESN swap and start using Power Vision without any changes to my retention plan like you folks have SO FAR. But to be honest, I am still a little nervous. I know I've read at least 100 people who have said that this is their second billing cycle and there have been NO CHANGES to their bills. But why could Sprint not just sucker as many people in as they could (to get us off our old plans) even if it meant leaving that carrot (PV) out there dangling for a few months after the first month free period? It would make sense. After all, everyone says the only money left to be made is with data, correct?

I guess what I am saying is that everyone breathed a sigh of relief that they made it to their second billing without any charges, but what would happen if January 1st Sprint simply said "If you use it, you pay casual usage prices - period!" How could you refute that? What would your argument be?

My existing grandfathered plan states the minutes I get each month and the free VISION (not Power Vision) that I get. How can I argue that I should get Power Vision for free when I knowingly went out and bought a Power Vision phone?

Let’s take this one step further. This would make sense because who in their right mind would want to pay .02 a kb. If left no other choice (and assuming the customer wants to stay with Sprint) they would be calling Sprint in a New York second to sign up for anything they could get that would free them from paying casual usage fees.

And one more point: Isn’t the default for Power Vision phones Power Vision? If you’re in an area that you can access both, won’t it automatically go to Power Vision? So even if you had a grandfathered Vision plan, you would be stuck paying casual usage rates (if they did start charging everyone).

I know I have read there is a way to disable PV on some phones. But let’s be honest, the only people that would do that are the people that follow these forums. I can’t see my grandmother doing that. She would fall right into Sprint’s hands and simply change her plan to one that included Power Vision which is exactly what Sprint wants to see happen anyway!

[ziggy4500]

well the old saying, nothing ventured, nothing gained. might kind of have to roll the dice on this one.

but i suppose they could legally start charging. they would give you an option to leave the contract without a fee, but then after, impose the new charges

[joeyboxers]

well the old saying, nothing ventured, nothing gained. might kind of have to roll the dice on this one.

but i suppose they could legally start charging. they would give you an option to leave the contract without a fee, but then after, impose the new charges


To play the devil's advocate: Why would they give you an option to leave the contract?
Whatever plan your on, even if you are out of contract, doesn't say anything about getting Power Vision so why should they let you out of your contract? Why wouldn't they simply say "If you don't want to pay for it - Don't Use It!"

Just a question. I am as confused as everyone about what their policy is.

[Sprintdaddy]

Well they could, if they really wanted to. You are basically getting the EVDO for free right now. But Sprint did invest millions and millions of bank on a seperate high speed network. I'm a little biased based on me working for Sprint but still. I know everyone wants to get things for free but you can't do that all the time.

[joeyboxers]

I am curious to see what people think. I figured out how to add a poll. Please cast your vote "now". :-)

[joeyboxers]

Well they could, if they really wanted to. You are basically getting the EVDO for free right now. But Sprint did invest millions and millions of bank on a seperate high speed network. I'm a little biased based on me working for Sprint but still. I know everyone wants to get things for free but you can't do that all the time.

You're right, we all (even Sprint employees) love free things whether its minutes/data, a donut or a beer at the local pub. From my understanding these ESN swappers never ASKED for Power Vision, so could they be legally obligated to pay for it? Just a question.

[fatboy]

When I did my ESN swap they told me I needed a PV plan, I told them I had friends with PV phones and no PV plan, she said they would be very upset when they got their bills.

[ziggy4500]

well the reason i say they give you an option is because for instance my plan has vision hardcoded in atleast one line(the main line). that vision or internet is part of the plan price. if i changed phones or they decided to take away my internet, then my plan has changed on their terms, so the least they would do is give me the option of getting without a fee.

[SL-10]

I am not even going to try this EVDO P.V. grandfather deal, and which could screw up my plan in the process. No way, Jose!

[Sprintdaddy]

well the reason i say they give you an option is because for instance my plan has vision hardcoded in atleast one line(the main line). that vision or internet is part of the plan price. if i changed phones or they decided to take away my internet, then my plan has changed on their terms, so the least they would do is give me the option of getting without a fee.

If they put it like "you must get a PV pack if you buy a PV phone" then you would be the one that changed. I don't know if they say that or not right now, but it might be coming.

[imtravis]

My thought is, they can't charge you without notifying you first. So if they do decide to charge for casual usage, they'd have to notify the grandfathered people who are using PV, of the change.

[a_c_s]

I suppose they could start charging but they would run into several issues...firstly, the people using vision/powervision tend to be higher end loyal Sprint customers, and they would not want to alienate us when the recurring revenue they get from us is still a lot more than somebody on a low end plan with Powervision (ie they are still making more on somebody with an $85 plan and free EVDO than somebody on a $40 plan with a $20 EVDO pack)...secondly, they sold a lot of PV phones without any pre-existing conditions regarding the need to ever switch plans or be forced into an upgrade to PV, so they would have to figure out how to disable PV or face some lawsuits...lastly, Sprint spent a lot of money upgrading the network from wireless web to vision itself years back, and many of us were grandfathered for free, so why should this be any different?

I suppose there are some people that have been saying for the past 3 years that Sprint could start charging us grandfathered vision users for casual vision usage, but it NEVER happened...this PV transition might work the same way...as of now, my plan is exactly the same as before I bought a PV phone, my first month's bill was normal, and 5 days into my second billing cycle, there are no new data charges accumulating...this does not portend Sprint's future intentions, but so far so good...

the fact of the matter is that most people who get a PV phone will upgrade to a PV plan to enjoy the free content included...those of us doing the ESN swaps through P2K are a very small minority of Sprint's overall customer base, and I highly doubt we are a key focus area for Sprint in terms of how to force us to change plans...

I guess some people will never take the chance on a PV phone upgrade for fear of losing grandfathered goodies, but many of them are the same people who are still using wireless web because they were worried about vision in the first place...

the real key here is speaking to people/reps who actually understand the system, not tier 1 phone or store reps...I personally was assured by a supervisor that my old plan coding could work through the P2K system, and sure enough, to date she has been true to her word...

as for the future, who knows...we'll all just hope for the best...

[MsRandall]

I dont have a problem with paying for evdo...my problem is I dont want to pay for something I will not use like the multimedia stuff...I dont have time to watch my plasma so I know tv on my phone will not be used.

One of the reason I was able to go from a 5600 and a940 phone with external memory was I didnt have time to watch the movies I had loaded on the card anyway. Back to my point. If Sprint had a basic evdo plan for $10 that allowed me to keep my grandfathered text messaging...I would have it.

I have a problem with making me change to a $20 evdo service charge then PAY FOR unlimited texting too ...a change that would cost me about $35 extra on my primary...plus $17.50 for 2 subs...a $70 change for my whole account...

[hope]

I think if Sprint would hace left Text Messaging included or unlimited for $5, things would be a lot less dificult. Also, if they started the plans at $10 and not $15. Like MsRandall, some people don't use any multimedia yet they are being charged for it. Its not that Sprint users expect things free, its that we except good prices for the services we use. Sprint has always had the value feature when comparing to other companies. With all the changes, value is becoming less and less apparent. I'll pay for EVDO but I'm not going to pay 3 times as much as what I'm currently paying.

Anyway, same boat as many people here. I want to upgrade 2 phones on our account and add 2, all powervision. But, I don't want to pay for these ridiculus PowerVision plans. I want to keep my plan and I don't want to be screwed. Its really frustrating how this whole thing is a luck of the draw king of affair.

[a_c_s]

Anyway, same boat as many people here. I want to upgrade 2 phones on our account and add 2, all powervision. But, I don't want to pay for these ridiculus PowerVision plans. I want to keep my plan and I don't want to be screwed. Its really frustrating how this whole thing is a luck of the draw king of affair.

I would argue it's not really a luck of the draw thing...it's more about doing the research, understanding your options, and then most importantly, being sure you are dealing with a competent rep that has P2K access...also, we have not heard of many, if any people that used a rebate on a new phone successfully grandfathering old plans...and if at all possible, do not deal with store reps for PV stuff...most do not have access to the right systems, nor do they have an understanding of how complicated it can be screwing with coding on old plans...always better safe than sorry...

[joeyboxers]

...Sprint spent a lot of money upgrading the network from wireless web to vision itself years back, and many of us were grandfathered for free, so why should this be any different?

I would respectfully disagree.

Wireless web used cellular minutes. Remember when they came out with free nights and weekends and everyone cheered because they could surf the wireless web all night long without running out of minutes (4-5 years ago)?

Not questioning your memory, maybe mine is off, but I do not recall ANYONE getting grandfathered into Vision. Maybe I'm wrong, I just don't remember seeing anyone claim that. I was on a $74.99 plan that included 3 lines (still have the brochure) and when I got my upgrade to Vision, it completley changed my plan (to what I have today + add-ons).

Who knows? Cruz made a good point in Howard's that maybe they woud simply shut Power Vision off. Which led to my question: If they just shut your Power Vision off, would regular Vision still work?

Anyone?

[SL-10]

After talking to Sprint today, tier 2 and E.S. on an unrelated subject. I found out that people who had gotten EVDO P.V. thru just ESN swaps via P2K will thru internal audits be forced to upgrade to a P.V. plan. So, I guess those folks with the so-called grandfather EVDO will have to upgrade at a later date. YMMV here just quoting what was told to me today. True or false? Time will tell?

[a_c_s]

I would respectfully disagree.

Wireless web used cellular minutes. Remember when they came out with free nights and weekends and everyone cheered because they could surf the wireless web all night long without running out of minutes (4-5 years ago)?

Not questioning your memory, maybe mine is off, but I do not recall ANYONE getting grandfathered into Vision. Maybe I'm wrong, I just don't remember seeing anyone claim that. I was on a $74.99 plan that included 3 lines (still have the brochure) and when I got my upgrade to Vision, it completley changed my plan (to what I have today + add-ons).

Who knows? Cruz made a good point in Howard's that maybe they woud simply shut Power Vision off. Which led to my question: If they just shut your Power Vision off, would regular Vision still work?

Anyone?

I think it is just symantics...my point was that I have vision coded into the actual plan on my primary line, which extends to my subs...I have free vision and extras on all of my lines...I currently am using EVDO on my main line with all my old extras, and vision on the other two subs with the extras...

[a_c_s]

After talking to Sprint today, tier 2 and E.S. on an unrelated subject. I found out that people who had gotten EVDO P.V. thru just ESN swaps via P2K will thru internal audits be forced to upgrade to a P.V. plan. So, I guess those folks with the so-called grandfather EVDO will have to upgrade at a later date. YMMV here just quoting what was told to me today. True or false? Time will tell?

Guess we'll have to see...given the ineptitude in Sprint's billing and CS, I would highly doubt they could even carry this out effectively...nor do I understand why they would even bother given what a small % of people probably got grandfathered anyway...

in addition, they cannot force me to change plans while I am under contract with specific terms...I was never told I would have to upgrade or change my plan when I purchased my 9000 through telesales...quite the contrary, I was told by a Sprint supervisor that I would not have any issues using EVDO with my old plan...if Sprint wants to force the issue, they can either figure out how to disable EVDO on my phone (while leaving vision enabled) or buy back my phone at full price...if they really piss me off, I'll take my high end plan and 3 lines elsewhere...that way instead of getting $130+ a month from me they will get NOTHING...it's not like Sprint offers me anything I couldn't get with Verizon if I had to pay for all my currently free extras anyway...

no way I will give up free RL/SMS/Pics/Vids on all of my lines to upgrade to an EVDO plan...viva la revolucion!!!

[Deval]

Technically, you can be told to transition over, since power vision was a seperate service, kinda like picturemail and such...I think everyone who got free vision with picturemail included was just lucky, because alot of people were forced to add picturemail later on...I think it just becomes a point of jumping onto the EVDO bandwagon ASAP, before the curtain comes down on it

[a_c_s]

Technically, you can be told to transition over, since power vision was a seperate service, kinda like picturemail and such...I think everyone who got free vision with picturemail included was just lucky, because alot of people were forced to add picturemail later on...I think it just becomes a point of jumping onto the EVDO bandwagon ASAP, before the curtain comes down on it

Deval, the "separate service" was not a condition listed when purchasing my EVDO phone, so they cannot force me to pay for it, especially when there are supervisors telling customers that they will not have any problems using EVDO on old plans...they can disable it through a firmware update and there is not a lot I can do to stop them, but they will not force me off of my $85 AT plan in order to get EVDO...they can buy back my 9000 and I'll switch back to my 5600 in a heartbeat...as for pic mail, nobody was forced to add it later on...people might have been told they would have to pay for it if they wanted it, but it was not forced on people, so not sure the analogy holds...

what's your view of this rumor about a P2K audit? Is nickle and diming high end customers over a few bucks worth pissing people off and losing clients? Remember that I am probably in the minority in that I have vision free on all of my lines...most people with the older plans are paying $10 for vision + perks...so we are really only talking about an incremental $5 in Sprint's pocket if you assume people get the $15 EVDO plan...of course this does not factor in the loss of freebies like unlimited SMS, Pics, RL, etc, which is the thing that would really drive costs way up and force people to pony up or tell Sprint to F off...

[Deval]

Deval, the "separate service" was not a condition listed when purchasing my EVDO phone, so they cannot force me to pay for it, especially when there are supervisors telling customers that they will not have any problems using EVDO on old plans...they can disable it through a firmware update and there is not a lot I can do to stop them, but they will not force me off of my $85 AT plan in order to get EVDO...they can buy back my 9000 and I'll switch back to my 5600 in a heartbeat...as for pic mail, nobody was forced to add it later on...people might have been told they would have to pay for it if they wanted it, but it was not forced on people, so not sure the analogy holds...

what's your view of this rumor about a P2K audit? Is nickle and diming high end customers over a few bucks worth pissing people off and losing clients? Remember that I am probably in the minority in that I have vision free on all of my lines...most people with the older plans are paying $10 for vision + perks...so we are really only talking about an incremental $5 in Sprint's pocket if you assume people get the $15 EVDO plan...of course this does not factor in the loss of freebies like unlimited SMS, Pics, RL, etc, which is the thing that would really drive costs way up and force people to pony up or tell Sprint to F off...

honestly I think it is bound to happen...and yeah, I know people who had the older vision codes, but were still forced to sign up for picturemail when they got the error message...though looking at it now, yeah they werent "forced" but if they wanted to continue to use it, they would have to pay for it, kinda like paying for EVDO speeds. For now, I think most of the forum members who purchased EVDO phones are good to go, but sooner or later, there will be a cut off date.

remember the debates when MO-SMS came out, and everyone was wondering if their unlimited vision would include it, and then there was that cut-off date?...same idea

[a_c_s]

Deval, what do you mean when you say "it is bound to happen"? Do you mean the free ride will end for early adopters, or that Sprint will close the EVDO loophole in P2K and nobody new will be able to make the free ESN swap to PV phones?

I agree about the old vision and SMS stuff, and to my point and I guess to yours as well (since I think we are in agreement), the early adopters on vision, pics and SMS were fine for the most part...I guess we are all hoping the same will hold true for early adopters of EVDO...otherwise Sprint will piss off a lot of high end customers over something trivial to them in the grand scheme of things... :fingers:

[joeyboxers]

....most people with the older plans are paying $10 for vision + perks...so we are really only talking about an incremental $5 in Sprint's pocket if you assume people get the $15 EVDO plan...of course this does not factor in the loss of freebies like unlimited SMS, Pics, RL, etc, which is the thing that would really drive costs way up and force people to pony up or tell Sprint to F off...
That's exactly true: For most people (other than E_V_C and myself and others in the same great-grandfathered plan), you're only talking about a $5.00 increase if users opt for the basic EVDO plan.

Your last point I think is the marketing part that I think Sprint is trying to focus on: That selling them higher speeds and services is only $5.00 more, and NOT mentioning that all other freebies have to be added back on at a cost. Leaving that out of the sales pitch may not pull in all the new adopters, but it will grab some.

In sales I don't always try to scrutinize and deduce What they say, I try to look at WHAT they don't say.

Sprint is in a position now that everything coming down the pipe is an add-on. Many new add-ons will ONLY work if people switch to EVDO. Marketing says - have people focus more on Sprint TV, Sirius radio, mapping, etc, (even though that may not use it that much), and take the focus OFF of the things they do use and have mostly gotten for free like messaging, pc mail, etc.

It would be interesting to know how many people who switched to an EVDO plan gave in after years of using text messaging and said, "the hell with it... add it back on (even at a cost)". We get use to something and we want to continue using it. I see allot of money to be made by Sprint here in the short term by marketing finesse more than technical upgrades and innovation.

Stay tuned.

[SL-10]

I am one of those few lucky people that got video mail grandfathered and never even ask for it. But, EVDO is a separate service upon itself and has different services attached to it that regular vision doesn't have i.e. music store, MMS, etc. Point being here is with all the competition dwindling cuz of these mergers do you really think Sprint would care if they lost a few grandfathered people cuz of EVDO? I, for one don't want an EVDO Rev. 0 phone I would rather wait and get a EVDO Rev. A phone anyhow. EVDO Rev. A will improve voice and data on the same channel and digital roaming may be expanded then with analog phasing out hence that would be a good reason to upgrade to a plan, with a phone that would be a benefit to myself.

[a_c_s]

IPoint being here is with all the competition dwindling cuz of these mergers do you really think Sprint would care if they lost a few grandfathered people cuz of EVDO?

I would hope that they do not want to lose any customers, particularly higher end customers that have been with Sprint for 5+ years...guess we'll see what the future brings...for the timebeing I'm going to ride the tide with my old plan and free EVDO... :headbang2

[FlxiblePhantom2]

I would respectfully disagree.

Wireless web used cellular minutes. Remember when they came out with free nights and weekends and everyone cheered because they could surf the wireless web all night long without running out of minutes (4-5 years ago)?

Not questioning your memory, maybe mine is off, but I do not recall ANYONE getting grandfathered into Vision. Maybe I'm wrong, I just don't remember seeing anyone claim that. I was on a $74.99 plan that included 3 lines (still have the brochure) and when I got my upgrade to Vision, it completley changed my plan (to what I have today + add-ons).

Who knows? Cruz made a good point in Howard's that maybe they woud simply shut Power Vision off. Which led to my question: If they just shut your Power Vision off, would regular Vision still work?

Anyone?

When Vision was first launched, it was free with certain F&C plans. I remember grumbling because Sprint made me start paying $10 a month for Vision because I switched to a plan with more minutes.

Of course, I also remember going to the Sprint PCS store to get the firmware update that gave my Nokia 6185 access to the Wireless Web.

[SL-10]

I would hope that they do not want to lose any customers, particularly higher end customers that have been with Sprint for 5+ years...guess we'll see what the future brings...for the timebeing I'm going to ride the tide with my old plan and free EVDO... :headbang2
Just remember that the world doesn't also adapt to us, we must adapt to it. Enjoy the EVDO ride. :)

[SL-10]

When Vision was first launched, it was free with certain F&C plans. I remember grumbling because Sprint made me start paying $10 a month for Vision because I switched to a plan with more minutes.

Of course, I also remember going to the Sprint PCS store to get the firmware update that gave my Nokia 6185 access to the Wireless Web.
Those were the good ol' days. *remembers the old 6185 well* :)

[BEERbelly]

So, I got my a900 yesterday, I paid the full $349 +tax through telesales… I called and activated the phone last night, the rep never once mentioned switching me to a powervision plan. After reading up on here I was worried I was going to get charged for connecting etc. so I called in and told me I had to switch (I also have the unlimited vision “grandfather plan”). So, I told the rep not to touch my plan, and I am just going to use my phone like I normally do (while keeping a close eye on my bill).

It sounds like they are trying to get people to switch by telling them they have to. My feeling is that if you have unlimited vision and that’s all you are interested in, if possible LEAVE YOUR PLAN ALONE. If you want new content… then consider upgrading to powervision. It seems VERY unlikely that Sprint would not honor or even legally be able not to provide its customers with a service they have already agreed to provide at a certain cost.

Time will tell!

[a_c_s]

If you want new content… then consider upgrading to powervision. It seems VERY unlikely that Sprint would not honor or even legally be able not to provide its customers with a service they have already agreed to provide at a certain cost.

Time will tell!

I would not recommend grandfathered users upgrade to a PV plan unless forced, even for new content...look at it this way...I currently have FREE EVDO/Vision, Pics, Vids, RL, and unlimited SMS on ALL 3 of my lines...you can guess what it would cost to add a lot of the features back if I upgraded from my currently imbedded vision plan (on the old $85 F&C plan) to a powervision plan...instead, I just did an ESN swap and a few days back subscribed to Sprint TV Ultimate for $7.95 a month (minus my $5 vision credit at the end of the month)...I get the premium content I want but still keep my old plan with all the freebies...best of both worlds for now...

[urge]

Some of us still have those free vision plans. so far i feel like im the only one in the forum that has it free AND hardcoded. (non high rate plan) In some twisted way Sprint might actually like and value their Grandfathered people. In a world of customers coming and going its probably nice for sprint to look over their shoulder and see us who have been there since the early 90s. in many ways we are Sprints base. I finished my first billing cycle and i am in the clear of charges. I was expecting the new activation charges because the rep who switched my phone kept asking if it was a new "new" phone i bought or a used handset (of course before i told him the ESN). The only charge on my account is the extra 9.99 for Sprint TV that bought.

Coming from a Treo 650 i dont see what the big deal is. I am able to do everything i could do on my old sanyo but faster. everything else is bassically a commerical or a sample to get you to buy a subscription. one radio station, and trailers (which the movie studios probably paied sprint some money to have them). In other words i dont see how sprint has much to worry about when the real money is in the subscriptions....at least for grandfathered foke. i miss my treo but my bluetoothed T3 still serves me well.

[a_c_s]

Some of us still have those free vision plans. so far i feel like im the only one in the forum that has it free AND hardcoded.

What does that mean? My vision plan is free and coded into my primary line's plan, so it extends free to all of my subs...I assume I am hardcoded as well...I'm sure there are plenty of others as well unless I am misunderstanding your use of the term hardcoded...

[joeyboxers]

[QUOTE=urge]Some of us still have those free vision plans. so far i feel like im the only one in the forum that has it free AND hardcoded. QUOTE]

What is "hard coded"? Where did you ever come up with that term?

I doubt you're as special as you think you are. All my phones get free Vision (no, it's not $10 either). So am I hardcoded? lol.... :)

[urge]

we are all special. I dont think i was the first person who has used the term hardcoded in this thread. The way i see hard coded is when its not an add on pack like most of those on those 1000 minute plan or higher. I have never looked at one of those plans and i dont exactly know how sprint writes the plan description. i wonder how much of an impact it play with how our plans are worded. "hardcoded" vs add on pack. I highly doubt there are a lot of us out there. It probably looks like a lot because most of us are on this fourm but doesn not represent the rest of the sprint population :) Im sure when most of us talk about our plans to fellow co-workers or friends they are amazed there was such a plan in existence at one time. also i was just commenting on how some sprint plans did indeed include vision free based on some comments earlier in thread.

calm down guys :)

edit: i also never heard of anyone grandfathered from wireless web to vision. first ive heard of it.

[colk]

What phones support evdo right now I have a MM-8300

[laursifer]

What phones support evdo right now I have a MM-8300

Sanyo 9000, Samsung A900, A920 & A940. A quick visit to sprint.com would have answered that question.

[joeyboxers]

Has anyone else been following this thread over in HU Forums?

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=783397&page=2&pp=15



Posted by Ngeorge:

"Well, since a previous poster mentioned a "billing" server, I would assume it would be similar to a proxy; if you connect the phone to a cable, the phone will be programmed to pass all data through the "billing server" (or maybe a specific port), which would count all data going through it from your "tethered" bucket. When not tethering it uses a "free" port, or no proxy. I would think it would use your regular login info, but since your phone would automatically pick that port/server when you plug a cable into it, any useage under your login would be billed."




REply by Haton Cat:
"Actually, the device will (eventually) change its NAI (username) from username@sprintpcs.com to username@mobile.sprintpcs.com"



The reason I ask is because this was one of things that led me to cerating this thread. There hasn't been any talk about a billing server or having PV log in access change over to username@mobile.sprintpcs.com here on this forum But that seems it will do one of two things - lock you out completely from using Power Vison/Vision, or maybe only lock you out of Power Vision. I assume a phone can only have one log in. We can assume now that you people who got PV for free are still using the username@sprintpcs.com login to get Power Vision. I find this interesting what he is stating about a new billing server. With that information, wasn't there a post here where someone was claiming about January 1st Sprint "changing something over" (help my memory - anyone ?)?

Just trying to sort this out like everyone..... We'll see.

[Ruffrydasean]

Sanyo 9000, Samsung A900, A920 & A940. A quick visit to sprint.com would have answered that question.

And the Sanyo 7500.

Anywho, my 7400 was stolen a few weeks back, I had unlimited vision, picture mail, and texting(Free I believe, or the original $10 thing). I was paying for the Readylink too. I'm either gettin a Blade(A900) or the A920 soon(as that seems less buggy). Will They try to "con" me into gettin a powervision plan or something, I shouldn't have to upgrade or anything right?, I'm the 2nd line on a business account.

[SL-10]

we are all special. I dont think i was the first person who has used the term hardcoded in this thread. The way i see hard coded is when its not an add on pack like most of those on those 1000 minute plan or higher. I have never looked at one of those plans and i dont exactly know how sprint writes the plan description. i wonder how much of an impact it play with how our plans are worded. "hardcoded" vs add on pack. I highly doubt there are a lot of us out there. It probably looks like a lot because most of us are on this fourm but doesn not represent the rest of the sprint population :) Im sure when most of us talk about our plans to fellow co-workers or friends they are amazed there was such a plan in existence at one time. also i was just commenting on how some sprint plans did indeed include vision free based on some comments earlier in thread.

calm down guys :)

edit: i also never heard of anyone grandfathered from wireless web to vision. first ive heard of it.
Same here. ;)

[The SPCS Guy]

I sure as hell wasn't grandfathered from WW to Vision. I miss the WW........LOL
I miss palying the old Virtual Pets game Sprint used to have on it, ANYWAY!

Sprint reps are trying to brow beat people into getting OV. They keep saying the old Vision won't work with the new PV Phones. It won't work, and the Computer this, and the Computer that.
They are telling people they will be getting billed for usage.

I for one don't wish to be billed for any casual usage just because I opt to stick with my Vision plan that gives me Unlimited Texting, Pic and Video mail all for $15.

I tried to tell a rep, well, if you can give me Free Unlimited Text Messaginig, plus Pic and Video mail in that Power Vision access pack all for $15, that would be great, but you don't seem to want to work with the customers.

I hope we don't wind up getting charged for it. Hell I hope I don't wind up getting charged, because those reps sure did a number on my head.

JE

[PandaMan]

after having a nice long conversation with a knowledgeable CS rep, here is how things work now. If you try to use a PV phone on a plan with a GFed Vision plan, you WILL be charged per kilobtye. Even though you technically have a Vision plan, it is incompatiable with the PV phone so usage will be billed as if you didn't have a Vision plan at all. This is PV phones connect slightly differently than Vision phones to the Sprint data network, so the server can tell what kind of phone you're using. If you want to continue to use the GFed plan, you must get a NON-PV phone. This basically means none of the cool new phones.

but to answer the original qustion... yes they can legally charge for the use of PV for GFed users if you're using a PV phone without having a PV package.

[mikewest]

Well they could, if they really wanted to. You are basically getting the EVDO for free right now. But Sprint (#) did invest millions and millions of bank on a seperate high speed network (http:///#). I'm a little biased based on me working for Sprint but still. I know everyone wants to get things for free but you can't do that all the time.

Isn't that also true of the 3g (#) network (#) when they built it?

I remember when I had a Sanyo 4900, and switched to a 5300 (both full retail price)...when activiating the 5300 three weeks after the 4900, the CSR rep that activated it offered me Free Vision unlimited for the life of my account, an offer which she stated was only for "select" customers (she further explained that Sprint was having a problem in that they had NO idea how to charge for the service, and that sprint needed people with unlimited usage to monitor how one would use it. By knowing how people use it, it gives them a basis to create a rate schedule)..... I always assumed this was the Grandfathered vision?

In addition, when activating my Samsung a920, the lady at best buy tried to tell me I had to get a new plan to activate the phone, (for which I also was going to pay full retail price, and she also said I was required to fill out an app for a new line of service?)....I promptly left and went to radio shack where the salesman sold me two a920s (one for my dads account, and one for mine)...He informed me before the sale that I am not required to change plans, and to be careful of sales people at certain stores...I do not have a PV Plan on 5 of the 6 phones on my account...

The newest edition is a SERO plan, which also says vision....There is a general consenus here that sprint does not/possible can not/ or does not see the need to limit PV phones to 3g speeds that are not on PV plans......

[phatguy471]

I have gf vision and have a mm9000 and still have my old plan and didnt have to switch to a new plan. Is the mm9000 an exception to this?? Im about to order a new phone the m610 Im just gong to do what i did last year i hope things have not changed, cause i have 15 dollars for unlimited text pics video, and internet.

[joeyboxers]

after having a nice long conversation with a knowledgeable CS rep, here is how things work now. If you try to use a PV phone on a plan with a GFed Vision plan, you WILL be charged per kilobtye. Even though you technically have a Vision plan, it is incompatiable with the PV phone so usage will be billed as if you didn't have a Vision plan at all. This is PV phones connect slightly differently than Vision phones to the Sprint data network, so the server can tell what kind of phone you're using. If you want to continue to use the GFed plan, you must get a NON-PV phone. This basically means none of the cool new phones.

but to answer the original qustion... yes they can legally charge for the use of PV for GFed users if you're using a PV phone without having a PV package.

Horse pucky!

When is all this suppose to happen? I just paid another bill (ontime like I always have for the past 9 years) and I didn't see any changes.

I am sure that CSR may be clamping down on people who have a GF plan and just NOW are upgrading to a 3G phone, but many of us have been using PV for over a year. So it's suppose to just stop?

If they bill me more than the $97 I pay every month fine, they can find another loyal customer and I will try that porting thing to someone else.

[SprintTDI]

I have been debating how to proceed for awhile.

Most/all I spoke with stated, "You have to pay extra for PV". I have one of the Unlimited almost everything old plans... I have Sprint calling me about 3-4 times per year wanting to get me on a better plan! My reply is "Sure!" let's do that! (each and every time they call)... Then I ask, "what about free Vision, may unlimited text messaging, etc." the answer is always "No!" My reply? How you you quantify this as a better plan? They can only studder and knowingly end the conversation having lost the attempt to get me to change...

Now, this is part of the reason I have stayed with non-PV phones to date... I opted to hold off on the PV phone upgrade because they want to charge me $15 per phone for PV! Well for 3 phones that would be an additional 45 bucks. Not so sure that is needed just yet.

As for purchasing a phone, I noticed in a previous post regarding Best Buy, and I had "other" stores trying the same "change plan" tactic. That always prompted my bidding them farwell and good day!

The Sprint store I visited would only give me a break on "one" phone and wanted to charge retail minus $75 for the second. (I had one for 2+yrs. and one for 1+yrs.) Best Buy gave me "two" discounted phones for more than $100 less than anyone could!!! So it really depends on the level of knowledge possessed by your sales consultant.

Best Buy cell guy Round Rock, Texas rocked! :headbang2
(I would not post names but will gladly point anyone in the right direction...)

Best Buy does not carry wireless broadband cards yet so had to get that from the Sprint store, but of course at no cost due to the 2yr rebate. Not to mention 59 vs 79 for the unlimited data... :clap:

In summary: I have tried on multiple attempts to get grandfathered into PV. I have been repeatedly told that the old Vision is not PV and will not be granted unlimited usage without additional charges.

Thus my reluctancy to upgrade to PV just yet...
I will have to do extensive homework before consenting to a new contract.
:deal:

[phatguy471]

I just bought a m610 and swapped it with my mm9000 which had a old vision plan on it 15 dollars for unlimited pics texts video and web. I called in they sent me over to retentions and offered me 5 dollars power vision which includes unlimited pictures and video and 8 dollars for unlimited texting so im actually paying less by ugrading. Ide advice those who want to get a new phone to call after they swap and get their plan discounted worked for me!