I just got charged $1302.00 for PCS Data. Help!!!

[tqpolo]

I bought the a new Samsung A900 for my gf(share account) last month. I just got this month bill and they charged a crazy $1302.00 on that account. I called Sprint and they insisted that we've used the phone as a modem and download a bunch of data for $0.02/kb. It's ridiculous because that phone has never been hooked up a modem, we dont' even know how to do that. I really need help on this issues.

The account previously had the regular Vision but not Power Vision because we rarely used the Vision. The only thing we've used on this new A900 phone is go on the wireless web to check movie time and watch the free channels TV that comes with the phone.

[NINO63004]

well i know that what u did will cost you money if you dont have a Power Vision Pack...but i couldnt believe it to be that much though...


Nino

[viperboy]

i would suggest that you call up sprint again and tell them you'll pay the monthly vision rate, and they may take it off. but if you call vision (1-866-818-1858) talk to them. cause they can tell how you have been using your phone. they could probally help. good luck

[EDGE23]

1302.00? thats f*&^$@% ridiculos!! :irked: if that happens to me ill be on the phone complaining, if they insist on charging ill just plain tell them to :ranting1:

[statepkt]

If you used the phone as a modem you are screwed. I believe the phone has newer software which will automatically notify Sprint if you use it as a modem.

[phale]

Wirelessly posted (Samsung MM-A880: Samsung-SPHA880 AU-MIC-A880/2.0 MMP/2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 Samsung-SPHA880 AU-MIC-A880/2.0 MMP/2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1)

With the a680 I had I could be on a call and the Modem mode would come up as if I was hooked up as a modem,and it wasnt,couldnt be,because I was in a call.Took me 2 months to prove to Sprint that it would appear on its own.The tech told me that I was using Data way to much and "Suggested) in the notes on my account to change the phone out.

[tqpolo]

I have to be clear here. We've never used the phone as a modem, not once, never connected.

[laursifer]

If you used the phone as a modem you are screwed. I believe the phone has newer software which will automatically notify Sprint if you use it as a modem.


He said he didn't do that, doesn't even know how...

[lgmayka]

The account previously had the regular Vision but not Power Vision because we rarely used the Vision. The only thing we've used on this new A900 phone is go on the wireless web to check movie time and watch the free channels TV that comes with the phone.
As far as you know, does the line have a Vision pack or not? If you specifically declined Power Vision, the rep that activated your phone might have erroneously removed the regular Vision (because Sprint managers tell reps that "regular Vision is [technologically] incompatible with Power Vision phones," which is a lie).

If indeed the rep removed your regular Vision, then those "free" TV channels might well amount to an incredible charge, given the exorbitant Casual Data rate of $0.02 per kilobyte.

[phale]

Wirelessly posted (Samsung MM-A880: Samsung-SPHA880 AU-MIC-A880/2.0 MMP/2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 Samsung-SPHA880 AU-MIC-A880/2.0 MMP/2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1)

I have to be clear here. We've never used the phone as a modem, not once, never connected.

I never used my phone as a modem either.

[tqpolo]

As far as you know, does the line have a Vision pack or not? If you specifically declined Power Vision, the rep that activated your phone might have erroneously removed the regular Vision (because Sprint managers tell reps that "regular Vision is [technologically] incompatible with Power Vision phones," which is a lie).

If indeed the rep removed your regular Vision, then those "free" TV channels might well amount to an incredible charge, given the exorbitant Casual Data rate of $0.02 per kilobyte.


I bought and activate the phone at the Sprint store, and yes, they did cancel my regular Vision after I activate this phone. What can I do if those "free" TV channels account for $1302 worth of charges?

[The SPCS Guy]

File a complaint with the FCC, FTC, ETC, WTC, ETC...someone/anyone who will listen, because Sprint reps are lying to their customers when they tell you that regular Vision will not work with the new PV phones.

JE

[imtravis]

I bought and activate the phone at the Sprint store, and yes, they did cancel my regular Vision after I activate this phone. What can I do if those "free" TV channels account for $1302 worth of charges?

That sounds like that might be part of it right there. The "free" TV channels use the internet to recieve the data (using PV or regular Vision depending on the model phone). If you've been watching the "free" channels, then you've been using (most likely), PV. If you use any of the features where it says "Activate Power Vision now" when you go into (for the first time at least, sometimes if you choose always, it doesn't prompt you any more), then yes, it's PV. I can't remember if the TV prompts you or not, but it does use the PV to transfer the data. If you've been watching it, then I could see how the rates could rack up that high (depending on how much you've watched it). I'd ask for a detailed explination of fees, including dates/times of data transmission if possible.

Good Luck.

[a_c_s]

the bottom line is that this customer left the store under the impression that he bought a new phone and still had his old vision pack, which would cover 100% of any and all data charges...us grandfathered users all know this to be true since I use EVDO on an old vision pack myself and have not been charged a penny in 4 months...the rep in the store erroneously removed the customers vision pack without telling him...that is NOT the customer's fault...

to the OP, I would email eCare and explain that you have NEVER used the phone as a modem, and if they want to claim you did, they will need to prove it...what happened is that data usage racked up while you watched TV and the amount of data was probably so much higher than regular browser usage on a phone, they assumed you were using it as a modem when you were in fact not...ask eCare to credit back these erroneous charges and add vision (not power vision) back to your line...your old vision code will work with the new Power Vision network and won't cost you extra, so don't pay more money for a power vision plan if you don't have to...

if Sprint continues to play hardball after your email, I would try talking to executive services...you can find the number somewhere here on the forum...

and if all else fails, eventually you should file a complaint online with the BBB...Sprint takes those very seriously and your issue will hopefully get resolved to mutual satisfaction...

[nenne2000]

My mother has a boring old samsung free phone, and shares a plan with my brother who has the 8300. She got a bill this past month that was 795.00. They claim it was all data usage charges(text messages and downloads). Well she told them she was not paying that and that it was impossible for either of them to have made $700 worth of text messages in a month. They informed her that they would do an investigation...turns out that someone had linked her account to theirs or something like that, and had been running up charges on her bill...Sprint is real lax with their security!

[RavenTBK]

After reading this, I think I need to check my bill again.

What has happened to the OP is my worst fear. Cause I have been using data like mad.. tethering and all. (albeit at 1x) Two CS reps confirmed I've still got my old vision tagged on my plan and not a PV trial. Knowing how my luck is, if I dont triple check this, next month Sprint will have me by the short and curlies with a $1000 bill as well.. :deal:

[a_c_s]

Raven, don't wait a month...if you tether a lot and are worried you might get caught, call Sprint once a week and just make a generic inquiry about ANY charges to any of your lines...just pretend you are checking up...don't ask about data specifically because you don't want to raise unnecessary flags...if you do tether a lot you do run this risk of being caught and losing your plan though (not to mention being hammered with charges)...

[lgmayka]

I bought and activate the phone at the Sprint store, and yes, they did cancel my regular Vision after I activate this phone. What can I do if those "free" TV channels account for $1302 worth of charges?
I think your best bet is to call and emphasize that your regular Vision was deleted through the salesman's misunderstanding. The salesman gave the impression that Power Vision was an extra optional service, and so you declined it, but you assumed you were still covered by your regular Unlimited Vision. The salesman erroneously removed your Unlimited Vision because he had been told that Unlimited Vision is incompatible with Power Vision phones--and he neglected to tell you that he was doing so!

Frankly, don't even bothering trying at this point to get your Unlimited Vision back. The best you can hope for is a waiver of the enormous charges in exchange for a subscription to Power Vision. A month or two from now you can cancel Power Vision if you wish, but then you can't watch TV or access the Internet in any other way on your phone at any reasonable cost.

[james2K]

sounds like a case where a spending limit would have been a good thing.

that sux man, I'm fighting sprint over roughly $90 in data charges on my GF's line where the rep said he was going to add vision free for a month and I said yes but then the data charges show up, I call sprint, and the notes say I decined because it wasnt free. Good luck.

[Niklaus]

OP! :ohcrap:

PM ME NOW BEFORE I GO HOME FOR THE DAY!

[Niklaus]

I've seen $3,000 in data charges... It'll be ok. just pm me so I can have a look.

Just to lighten things a little I've also seen a $16,000 late fee. :lol: I told that guy he was gonna have to try to pay his bill on time from now on... he agreed :lol:

[RavenTBK]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (MobilePhone MM-9000/US/1.0) NetFront/3.1 MMP/2.0)

16000? Holy Crap! :o

[tqpolo]

Thanks for all the comments guys, this forum is quite helpful. After talking to 5 different Sprint reps, one finally understood my situation and got her supervisor to reverse all the Data charges. She said the credit will show up in 3-5 days so we'll see if this is finally resolve.

Niklaus,
If Sprint don't credit me in 3-5 days, I will PM you. Thanks for the help.

[Niklaus]

Thanks for all the comments guys, this forum is quite helpful. After talking to 5 different Sprint reps, one finally understood my situation and got her supervisor to reverse all the Data charges. She said the credit will show up in 3-5 days so we'll see if this is finally resolve.

Niklaus,
If Sprint don't credit me in 3-5 days, I will PM you. Thanks for the help.


GOOD! 3-5 days is EXACTLY what would have happened with me too.

that's a VERY large credit and only ONE preson in my bulding can do it. it would be the same time-frame.

If it does not get adj. let me know... I'll be watching :Popcorn2:

[Zeeshan]

holy crap!!! thats insane, get on the phone and yell and scream and dont give up until they charge it back.....or take it to corporate.

[Niklaus]

holy crap!!! thats insane, get on the phone and yell and scream and dont give up until they charge it back.....or take it to corporate.

if you read the thread, you'd see he got it fixed... :Popcorn2:
well, tenatively :fingers:

[88jr]

I've been totally screwed as well. I need to call Sprint but I'm waiting until I have a few hours. I know I'll be on hold for about 3 hours and have to call probably about 28 times until I get this solved. I've already called 5 times!

I purchased a 940 straight up for $400 to replace my a800 because I thought it was a cool phone and I NEED bluetooth. I asked 2 or 3 reps and they told me that I could simply do an esn swap and everything on my account would stay the same. INCLUDING my unlimited vision and text messaging. So I called, did the esn swap, rep said NOTHING about removing those options. So...here we are nearly 2 months later and BAM!!! a $2000+ CELL PHONE BILL!!!! HOLY CRAP!!! I'm at wits end. I'm not paying a shnike load of cash to get all those options back, just so I can have the a940. So basically, I'm screwed. The first REAL time (48 previous almost's) that Sprint has me biffed and confused!

[Vesuvius]

I just recently upgraded to an A900 from a standard vision phone. I was on a plan that included the unlimited grandfathered vision with unlimited text messaging. In purchasing the new phone the rep told me that the system gave him an error when he tried to upgrade me to the a900 with a grandfathered vision with unlimited text messaging. So instead I purchased the Power vision Plus pack and 500 text messages.

This thread has me a bit scared that using my phone the way I used my old phone is going to cost me some big bucks. I'm basically just sending text messages, pictures messages, and using the internet occasionally to find a number or address. With a Power vision pack am i going to recieve these .02 cents/kB charges?

Thanks,
Danny

[imtravis]

I just recently upgraded to an A900 from a standard vision phone (#). I was on a plan that included the unlimited grandfathered vision with unlimited text messaging (#). In purchasing the new phone (#) the rep told me that the system gave him an error when he tried to upgrade me to the a900 with a grandfathered vision with unlimited text messaging. So instead I purchased the Power vision Plus pack and 500 text messages (#).

This thread has me a bit scared that using my phone the way I used my old phone is going to cost me some big bucks. I'm basically just sending text messages, pictures (#) messages, and using the internet (#) occasionally to find a number or address. With a Power vision pack am i going to recieve these .02 cents/kB charges?

Thanks,
Danny

You'll only get charged if you go over 500 messages, and/or tether your phone I believe. I'm soo glad I spend the extra $60 for a fourth line that's the unlimited data card for my laptop. Great insurance just in case.

[lgmayka]

With a Power vision pack am i going to recieve these .02 cents/kB charges?
No (unless a billing error occurs). The exorbitant charges typically result from a rep who has been told that the old Vision packs are "incompatible" with EVDO phones. (And indeed, the provisioning system that many reps use does not allow that combination.) So, the rep confusingly asks the customer, "Do you want Power Vision or not?" The customer assumes that he can simply keep his old Vision pack, and hence says No. The rep then leaves the customer's line without any Vision or Power Vision pack at all! Hence the exorbitant charges.

The rep should make absolutely clear to the customer: "Our system will not let me leave your old Vision pack while activating this EVDO phone. Your only choices are to accept a Power Vision pack, or to pay absurd exorbitant charges for every kilobyte of data you transmit or receive. Please believe me, these per-kilobyte charges will quickly eat up the entire down payment on a house. So do you want a Power Vision pack?"

[88jr]

The rep should make absolutely clear to the customer: "Our system will not let me leave your old Vision pack while activating this EVDO phone. Your only choices are to accept a Power Vision pack, or to pay absurd exorbitant charges for every kilobyte of data you transmit or receive. Please believe me, these per-kilobyte charges will quickly eat up the entire down payment on a house. So do you want a Power Vision pack?"

Wow...exactly what happened to me. And now, here I sit, singing a tune about a freakin' $2000 bill!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

[ubiquityman]

I got grandfathered in. They told me I couldn't keep my old vision plan, but in the end, they let me.

So far, so good. No additional charges for using vision!

[tqpolo]

It's been 4 days but I still don't see the credit to my account. I'm gettting worry, hopefully they'll come in tomorrow.

[silvertongue206]

okay, okay...don't slam me, users. it's been quite some time since i've been on these forums, stoked about a new phone...i'm talking when the 7400 first came out in november of '04. but what does "tethering" mean? i'm trying to know as much as i can about this power vs. vision deal, and if i could get grandfathered in with my current vision plan. i just purchased the ppc 6700, and i'm now wondering if i made a mistake? i don't pay for vision...it's included in my oldschool 2000 minutes plan...$5 for unlimited text. how will i manage to stay above water without getting screwed? any suggestions?

[Niklaus]

okay, okay...don't slam me, users. it's been quite some time since i've been on these forums, stoked about a new phone...i'm talking when the 7400 first came out in november of '04. but what does "tethering" mean? i'm trying to know as much as i can about this power vs. vision deal, and if i could get grandfathered in with my current vision plan. i just purchased the ppc 6700, and i'm now wondering if i made a mistake? i don't pay for vision...it's included in my oldschool 2000 minutes plan...$5 for unlimited text. how will i manage to stay above water without getting screwed? any suggestions?

1st: tethering your laptop with phone for internet access
2nd: 6700 not a mistake
3rd: grandfathering your old vision, 'nearly' impossible to do. :fingers: hopefully they left it alone
4th: unl. text for $5 is good, if they changed your vision plan, it won't be $5 anymore
5th: vision is simply a slower connection speed to the power visions speed :wavey:

[Niklaus]

The rep should make absolutely clear to the customer: "Our system will not let me leave your old Vision pack while activating this EVDO phone. Your only choices are to accept a Power Vision pack, or to pay absurd exorbitant charges for every kilobyte of data you transmit or receive. Please believe me, these per-kilobyte charges will quickly eat up the entire down payment on a house. So do you want a Power Vision pack?"

personally I tell my customers if they use the internet without the plan in place "they will have to sell their kidneys to pay the bill!" :ohcrap: then I ask if I've made my point clear. :tu:

[The SPCS Guy]

I just hope some current employees can educate their fellow team mates on the job about this. It's up to your guys to show the newbies and those who don't know how the ropes and help them help us!

This is how great CS comes into play.

You don't have to tell everyone, but I'm sure you know the employees who won't talk and blab their mouths, and who generally want to be helpful. HELP them help the customers!

JE

[silvertongue206]

thanks for the info!! well, i should get it in the mail this week, and we'll see what happens when i do that esn change...

[Dan Souza]

It's definitely a lie that they don't work with regular vision, when there's no EV-DO available, the phone defaults to regular vision.

[88jr]

It's definitely a lie that they don't work with regular vision, when there's no EV-DO available, the phone defaults to regular vision.

That could NOT be better said! AMEN!

[rquinn19]

I'm worried now...I did an ESN swap to my 9000. I havent been charged yet but after reading this post i went and looked and it says i have the pcs vision multimedia pack. Does that mean i still have a vision plan or am i gonna be seeing some huge bill soon?

[Redhed]

You have an old school Vision pack. You theoretically should be fine.

[Niklaus]

I'm worried now...I did an ESN swap to my 9000. I havent been charged yet but after reading this post i went and looked and it says i have the pcs vision multimedia pack. Does that mean i still have a vision plan or am i gonna be seeing some huge bill soon?
is that the $30 pack? :wavey:

you're covered for usage. but the multimediapack came with lots of stuff! :tu:

[rquinn19]

Wirelessly posted (MM7400: Mozilla/4.0 (MobilePhone MM-9000/US/1.0) NetFront/3.1 MMP/2.0)

i think i got it for less than that but yes it came with alot...sprint tv picture mail and video mail and i only pay 5 for unlimited text which s really want because i usually have more texts than the amount of minutes i use

[FishNET]

I used the PowerVision services without the subscription, had $281 in data in a few hours. I used my phone as a modem today for 2 hours (8MB) and havent gotten any "casual data" charges, I'm assuming my phone looks like IT is using data rather than my laptop, giving me free data... or am I going to find huge charges later?

[kylej]

I bought and activate the phone at the Sprint store, and yes, they did cancel my regular Vision after I activate this phone. What can I do if those "free" TV channels account for $1302 worth of charges?

There is nothing free about them. They're included free with Power Vision, which you declined. Furthermore, you were checking movie times and such as well. Did you think that was free too, having known that you cancelled vision?

As such, you pay the casual rate of .02 per kilobyte as stipulated in your agreement.

[lgmayka]

I used the PowerVision services without the subscription, had $281 in data in a few hours. I used my phone as a modem today for 2 hours (8MB) and havent gotten any "casual data" charges, I'm assuming my phone looks like IT is using data rather than my laptop, giving me free data... or am I going to find huge charges later?
Are you on a Vision or Power Vision pack now?

[FishNET]

Yea, now I have unlimited PowerVision for a month for free, then I'll just pay the $20/mo if i keep getting away with this free modem thing. I still dont see any charges added for using it as a modem today, and based on the data I used, I would've passed my $125 limit already... So it seems like I'm getting free modem by having PowerVision, according to someone I know, they cant tell if you're using data or just the phones internet, so by his theory, they'll never notice.

[rbarrie]

is any one having an 905 error attribute mismatch when you try to send ring tones through the portal?

[Saylor]

Yikes, I just received a text message from Sprint telling me that if I wish to use the phone as a data modem that I must subscribe to that package! I already am a PowerVision subscriber with my A900!

[GQmacguy]

Yeah everyone is getting that text right now. Guess they are going to start implementing a more strict procedure.

[rbarrie]

yeh i just got that too....those bas#@rds!

[hazlgreen]

Yeah everyone is getting that text right now. Guess they are going to start implementing a more strict procedure.


Does this mean that they are going to start charging people? :confused: Or are they already charging people not on the plan for it? And which plans include using our phones for data?

I have a Nokia 6225, and read on some other threads that people have used them for data "tethering" (thanks to the person who gave me this term above in the thread).

I'm on a Sprint PCS VisionSM Pictures Pack now, but don't know if that includes data rights. Can anyone tell me if it does? I can definitely get on the internet, I use it to get to my yahoo email and check movies times, etc. I know that it uses minutes from my plan, so I try only to use it off peak. But I don't if it would include data used from tethering. If it did, I'd use it sometimes with my notebook.

Oh, BTW, this is my first post!

thanks in advance

[lgmayka]

I'm on a Sprint PCS VisionSM Pictures Pack now, but don't know if that includes data rights. Can anyone tell me if it does? I can definitely get on the internet, I use it to get to my yahoo email and check movies times, etc. I know that it uses minutes from my plan, so I try only to use it off peak. But I don't if it would include data used from tethering. If it did, I'd use it sometimes with my notebook.
Vision (#777) never uses minutes from your plan. (The older Wireless Web, #2932, usually did.) However, the Pictures Pack does not give you the 'right' to tether. Time will tell as to whether and how Sprint enforces its tethering rules.

[FishNET]

Does #2932 still work? And can it be used with weekend minutes? That could be interesting, especially since my phones connection speed is over 5Mbps ;)

[rbarrie]

the 411 today i was on the phone waiting to talk with a rep for about two hours after that little text i recieved and i asked him the question about using the phone with the laptop even if i have the power vision he said its a whole different animal...and if you do that without getting the data package you will probably get charged ..and they might wait to spring the whole cost of the total amount of tethering that you have accumulated. which we all know could be mighty expensive.

[lgmayka]

Does #2932 still work? And can it be used with weekend minutes? That could be interesting, especially since my phones connection speed is over 5Mbps ;)
The old Wireless Web (#2932) had a maximum speed of 14.4kbps. :td: It cost $0.39/min unless you were subscribed to Wireless Web, which only cost $5/mo but which is probably no longer available at all, except perhaps to legacy customers who have had it all along.

[Kambei]

I received that text message this afternoon also. "A Phone-As-Modem data plan is required to connect your phone to a PC for Internet connectivity....". According to the Sprint rep I just spoke with, Sprint is rolling out a PAM program. If I want to use my phone to connect my laptop to the Internet, I have to pay 0.2 KB (or kb?), even though I have Power Vision Plus. Or get a $40 data plan, but she said then I wouldn't be able to use my phone as a phone.

So the primary advantage of EV-DO is pretty much shot for me. I could care less about the streaming TV or Sirius Hot Hits.

Apparently this change (or clarification) of policy is rolling out over the next week or so.

I don't know if I'll be blindly charged if I try to connect my computer, or whether I'll get a warning message of some sort.

[FishNET]

What about using the phone with an internal browser like OperaMini? Can they really tell if you're using modem / internal browser?

[Niklaus]

What about using the phone with an internal browser like OperaMini? Can they really tell if you're using modem / internal browser?

Not sure. But I've noticed when using the phone as modem, without the plan, it comes into the system in blocks that cost between $50 and $150 each :scare:

[lgmayka]

What about using the phone with an internal browser like OperaMini? Can they really tell if you're using modem / internal browser?
Sprint has always made clear that any data transfers on the phone are covered by the regular Vision and Power Vision packs. For example, on some phone models Sprint sells MobiTV, a Java application which is obviously using the same Application Programming Interface (API) to transfer data that Opera Mini or any other Java app uses. MobiTV is essentially a Java version of Sprint TV Live, and transfers enormous amounts of data if you watch it for long periods.

Indeed, I have often thought that if a customer subscribes to any of the Sprint TV versions, or to MobiTV, he may transfer prodigious amounts of data "legally." How can Sprint reasonably deduce tethering from any particular amount of data transferred, when the customer may simply have been watching Sprint TV every day while commuting on the train? (Unless and until Sprint has a mechanism for classifying tethered data separately.)

[Niklaus]

:good: :wiggle:

[17Hz]

wow! yes good posting

I've read every post in this thread, I've been thinking about getting the7500, and I have my son on my account (8300) and the removal of vision because of misinformed reps and two different visions EV-DO and regular vision will really confuse them

I'll hold off

[boduke5051]

I beg to differ from those who say that the "Old Vision" plans will work for the new EVDO phones. Technically, yes, it will "WORK" in the aspect that the phone will be allowed to access the web because it still has the plan code IP BASIC which defines web access. Where this run's into trouble though is that in the phone actually accesses the web at a much higher speed, using a lot more data and bandwidth. While yes, it will "WORK", the problem comes in when the billing department catches on to the fact that the usage has been going on, and there is not an EVDO plan on the account, which usually runs approximately $5 more than the comparable "Old Vision" plans. It boils down to this. If you're doing more with the phone, then you're probably expected to pay more for the service. For those who have been doing this, and getting away with it, I would highly reccomend calling in, and getting your plan updated soon. When they do finally catch on, the price could be very high, and they're going to be very hard, if not impossible to negotiate with on this point.

[lgmayka]

If you're doing more with the phone, then you're probably expected to pay more for the service. For those who have been doing this, and getting away with it, I would highly reccomend calling in, and getting your plan updated soon. When they do finally catch on, the price could be very high, and they're going to be very hard, if not impossible to negotiate with on this point.
You misunderstand several points:

1) A customer running an EVDO phone on an old Vision pack did not break into Sprint's billing computer, nor did he deceive a Sprint rep (even though heaven knows that the reps lie to us all too often). Rather, such a customer simply purchased a phone and called Sprint to activate it. A duly designated Sprint rep activated the phone as is without a change of Vision pack.

If you think that the rep erred or acted contrary to Sprint policy, you are more than welcome to file a complaint against him. But you have no right to blame the customer for the rep's alleged mistake. The rep, not the customer, is supposed to be the expert on Sprint's policies and procedures.

2) If you imagine that Sprint's Terms and Conditions do not permit the customer to get EVDO speed on an old Vision pack, you are very mistaken. The latest T&Cs are from September 2005

http://www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/popLegalTermsPrivacy.html

and contain no such provision. If Sprint were to add such a provision, that would constitute a materially adverse change in the contract, giving customers the right to cancel without a termination fee.

3) If you imagine that an EVDO phone is technologically incompatible with an old Vision pack, and that Sprint therefore has the right to suspend the phone or the pack in order to protect its network, you are again very mistaken. Sprint's engineers clearly and deliberately designed Sprint's network and phones to transition seamlessly and automatically between 1xRTT and EVDO, regardless of specific Vision/Power Vision pack subscription. Both the network and the phones automatically choose the faster speed whenever available, without customer input or even a (documented) override mechanism. This was Sprint's own deliberate design.

Sprint certainly could have designed EVDO to be a separate service feature, just as Picture Mail is, with a gatekeeping program to require extra payment for the new service. But Sprint deliberately chose not to do that. If Sprint now regrets its design choices, that is Sprint's problem, not the customer's.

4) If you suggest that Sprint will fraudulently add fictitious charges to the customer's account in order to extort him into subscribing to a higher-priced service, I have to hope that you are mistaken! Sprint's lawyers, at least, are duty-bound to point out the illegality of such fraud.


If Sprint is genuinely concerned about this issue, it is always free to take the obvious course of action: Lock out EVDO from customers who have not subscribed to a Power Vision pack--with prior notification of the two acceptable alternatives, either subscribing to Power Vision or forcing the phone into 1X Only Mode.

[FishNET]

Does 1x only incur charges per KB like EVDO does when using data access without a PowerVision plan? Or is this a free loophole?

[lgmayka]

Does 1x only incur charges per KB like EVDO does when using data access without a PowerVision plan? Or is this a free loophole?
1xRTT, like EVDO, incurs exorbitant charges ($20 per megabyte) when accessed without a Vision or Power Vision pack.

[Chad711]

Using your phone as a modem??? What does everyone mean by this? Do you mean connecting to the internet?

Also, what is tethering?

[autoprime]

they charged me 180 my first month for data usage... after complaining they credited my account double what i was charged. i dont have to pay a cell phone bill for awhile now and I also have the sero plan... yay!! :)

[Niklaus]

You misunderstand several points:

1) A customer running an EVDO phone on an old Vision pack did not break into Sprint's billing computer, nor did he deceive a Sprint rep (even though heaven knows that the reps lie to us all too often). Rather, such a customer simply purchased a phone and called Sprint to activate it. A duly designated Sprint rep activated the phone as is without a change of Vision pack.

If you think that the rep erred or acted contrary to Sprint policy, you are more than welcome to file a complaint against him. But you have no right to blame the customer for the rep's alleged mistake. The rep, not the customer, is supposed to be the expert on Sprint's policies and procedures.

2) If you imagine that Sprint's Terms and Conditions do not permit the customer to get EVDO speed on an old Vision pack, you are very mistaken. The latest T&Cs are from September 2005

http://www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/popLegalTermsPrivacy.html

and contain no such provision. If Sprint were to add such a provision, that would constitute a materially adverse change in the contract, giving customers the right to cancel without a termination fee.

3) If you imagine that an EVDO phone is technologically incompatible with an old Vision pack, and that Sprint therefore has the right to suspend the phone or the pack in order to protect its network, you are again very mistaken. Sprint's engineers clearly and deliberately designed Sprint's network and phones to transition seamlessly and automatically between 1xRTT and EVDO, regardless of specific Vision/Power Vision pack subscription. Both the network and the phones automatically choose the faster speed whenever available, without customer input or even a (documented) override mechanism. This was Sprint's own deliberate design.

Sprint certainly could have designed EVDO to be a separate service feature, just as Picture Mail is, with a gatekeeping program to require extra payment for the new service. But Sprint deliberately chose not to do that. If Sprint now regrets its design choices, that is Sprint's problem, not the customer's.

4) If you suggest that Sprint will fraudulently add fictitious charges to the customer's account in order to extort him into subscribing to a higher-priced service, I have to hope that you are mistaken! Sprint's lawyers, at least, are duty-bound to point out the illegality of such fraud.


If Sprint is genuinely concerned about this issue, it is always free to take the obvious course of action: Lock out EVDO from customers who have not subscribed to a Power Vision pack--with prior notification of the two acceptable alternatives, either subscribing to Power Vision or forcing the phone into 1X Only Mode.

:clap: :good: :clap:

[kurze]

You misunderstand several points:

1) A customer running an EVDO phone on an old Vision pack did not break into Sprint's billing computer, nor did he deceive a Sprint rep (even though heaven knows that the reps lie to us all too often). Rather, such a customer simply purchased a phone and called Sprint to activate it. A duly designated Sprint rep activated the phone as is without a change of Vision pack.

If you think that the rep erred or acted contrary to Sprint policy, you are more than welcome to file a complaint against him. But you have no right to blame the customer for the rep's alleged mistake. The rep, not the customer, is supposed to be the expert on Sprint's policies and procedures.

2) If you imagine that Sprint's Terms and Conditions do not permit the customer to get EVDO speed on an old Vision pack, you are very mistaken. The latest T&Cs are from September 2005

http://www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/popLegalTermsPrivacy.html

and contain no such provision. If Sprint were to add such a provision, that would constitute a materially adverse change in the contract, giving customers the right to cancel without a termination fee.

3) If you imagine that an EVDO phone is technologically incompatible with an old Vision pack, and that Sprint therefore has the right to suspend the phone or the pack in order to protect its network, you are again very mistaken. Sprint's engineers clearly and deliberately designed Sprint's network and phones to transition seamlessly and automatically between 1xRTT and EVDO, regardless of specific Vision/Power Vision pack subscription. Both the network and the phones automatically choose the faster speed whenever available, without customer input or even a (documented) override mechanism. This was Sprint's own deliberate design.

Sprint certainly could have designed EVDO to be a separate service feature, just as Picture Mail is, with a gatekeeping program to require extra payment for the new service. But Sprint deliberately chose not to do that. If Sprint now regrets its design choices, that is Sprint's problem, not the customer's.

4) If you suggest that Sprint will fraudulently add fictitious charges to the customer's account in order to extort him into subscribing to a higher-priced service, I have to hope that you are mistaken! Sprint's lawyers, at least, are duty-bound to point out the illegality of such fraud.


If Sprint is genuinely concerned about this issue, it is always free to take the obvious course of action: Lock out EVDO from customers who have not subscribed to a Power Vision pack--with prior notification of the two acceptable alternatives, either subscribing to Power Vision or forcing the phone into 1X Only Mode.


yea that was fascinating. but wait, ok vision is compatible with ev-do? im trying to swap phones and number, the olde phones has the pic pack inc. 100 txts. but was told it was impossible to swap becuase i have a "really nice phone" (a900). if i CAN get vision, what would be the difference between the two services? i would HATE to lose the pic pack becuase its $6 with a $5 credit and got it due to retention.

[Niklaus]

yea that was fascinating. but wait, ok vision is compatible with ev-do? im trying to swap phones and number, the olde phones has the pic pack inc. 100 txts. but was told it was impossible to swap becuase i have a "really nice phone" (a900). if i CAN get vision, what would be the difference between the two services? i would HATE to lose the pic pack becuase its $6 with a $5 credit and got it due to retention.

main difference is 'music store'. but I'm still unclear if sprint bills extra for it. I know that getting on the web from the phone with old vision is, so far, not costing extra. But the question is, with power vision, you get music store, do you get extra charges for it? :confused:

[lgmayka]

ok vision is compatible with ev-do? im trying to swap phones and number, the olde phones has the pic pack inc. 100 txts. but was told it was impossible to swap becuase i have a "really nice phone" (a900).
In general, reps have been told, and are supposed to tell customers, that old Vision packs are incompatible with EVDO phones such as the A900. At least at the moment, this "incompatibility" is simply Sprint's desire to charge more for the EVDO speed, combined with Sprint's lack of foresight in failing to provide any simple way to disable EVDO speed for customers who have not paid for it.

The bottom line here is that if you call customer service and simply say, "I'd like to activate a different phone on my line [or one of my lines]," the rep might simply perform the ESN swap, but the rep might demand that you switch to a Power Vision pack. If the latter, I suppose you can just say, "Well then I'm not interested," and call back again later. But my impression is that Sprint is cracking down on this issue with its reps--you may have great difficulty finding a rep who is willing to perform a simple swap. Also note that you may be charged a $36 Handset Upgrade Fee.

Your chances may be better if (a) the handset is used rather than new, and you say so specifically, and (b) your area does not have EVDO yet, or has it only sporadically. The latter is an argument you can use if the rep insists on Power Vision: "Why should I pay extra for your high-speed service when it's not available in my area anyway?"

In answer to Niklaus, the Music Store is just like other Power Vision features--it is actually tied to the phone model, not to the add-on pack. My MM-9000 was able to access the Music Store in December despite an old Vision pack, and I was even able to download the 5 free songs that Sprint was offering at that time.

[ZAT]

Using your phone as a modem??? What does everyone mean by this? Do you mean connecting to the internet?

Also, what is tethering?

Yes they are talking about connecting to the internet, but rather than using the browser on the phone connecting a laptop or other computer to your phone. The phone merely acts as a modem for your laptop, but instead of connecting to your regular ISP you are still connected to the SPCS Vision servers. Tethering is the same thing, just different word.

The reason why SPCS can not simply cut off Vision access for those who have spent money on the latest and greatest gadget is because Power Visino isnt nation wide yet. There are still quite a few dead spots, so they would have some pretty irate customers. Once the PV network is completed you can bet that EVDO phones will be cut off from the legacy vision network.

As for charging users by the Kb for tethering, the only thing I can think of is that the new firmware on EVDO phones connects to the network differently when DUN is activated. Most phones have the processing power to guzzle data so they can not simply be usig data rate and amount as a guide line. They also should not be using bowser ID because of third party browsers available for handset use. they also cant use the type of content you view cause of the different browsers available that are capable of full html browsing.

[dcauf]

Since everyone on this thread seems to know it straight. Let me ask this: My wife and I got 2 7500's. I activated mine on a old line that I had, and never realy used. (Had a 8100 that died some time ago). Got the $150 credit. I want to jump the new 7500 to a phone # that i was using more. I know I have to wait 30 days. I will not be grandfathering anything in. What is the best plain for pv? With say some text and pv. Let me also say this, when I talk to my wife I notice that the pv or data transfer symbol is moving. Also to play mp3's I have transfered to the phone w/ the supplied cable. I have to hit the music button for the player to load, using vision, and then back out.

[lgmayka]

Also to play mp3's I have transfered to the phone w/ the supplied cable. I have to hit the music button for the player to load, using vision, and then back out.
It sounds like you placed the .mp3 files in the Music folder, which then requires the Music Player. I think if you place them in the Media folder instead, you can play them with the Media Player without any Vision involvement.

[dcauf]

using sprint's software, u never have that option of where the file is placed.

[Deval]

Its ok...I just got nailed for a $430 phone bill thanks to a CSR who can't code accounts correctly... :frustrate

[Sup]

I have the old 2000 $85 plan - two phones (w/ unl. vision/web msg). I've also have a 3rd add a phone plan w/o any vision+messaging. Had the A900 as the 3rd phone and got slapped with a $70 data overage. I'm pretty sure that we did not use that much data from using the phone (we are not in a PV area).

One thing is I did update the phone at least twice. I believe the Phone updates did use data which added to the data fees. Called Sprint and they were able to reverse the charge...

[Need]

I just got a $900+ data charge on my bill also. I bought 2 A900 on 2 brand new lines in January at a Sprint store and they activated the phones for me. The guy told me he will give me free Ultimate Power Vision for a month. So for a few days, I was watching those Sprint TV. After a few weeks, I decided I don't really need all those extra stuff, so I called in to downgrade my Power Vision to the Access Pack. The guy on the phone gave me the news that I never activated my free month of Ultimate Power Vision! And I will be charged a per kb charge for all the time I watched Sprint TV.

He said they might credit me back once I get my bill, so now I have my bill of $1100. I called yesterday and the lady I talked to said I should get credited within 4 hours. Then some guy from Sprint left a message on my voicemail with an unreachable return number. Today, no credit showing up on the website. Called again and now I need to wait 4 to 5 business days just to see if I will get the credit. This really sucks. I didn't even do anything wrong. How do I know that I have to call in myself to get free month of vision when the salesman told me that he gave me a free month of it when I bought the phones.

[OKSOONERFAN]

I know I am new here and not as experienced as some of you but I hope Ican say this without any one getting mad.I hear in here all the time how sprint reps are liars, or the company trains them to lie, or they are misinformed,etc. Here in Tn we have sprint at CompUSA, Best Buy, nextel stores, and sprint stores. While I was resarching my phone and plan, I found that at 3 of the 5 areas I went too (Compusa,Best Buy, and a Mall Kiosk) the people there treated me fairly, and at 2 of them, when they were NOT sure of the information, they called sprint, and got the details for me to answer my questions.The 2 sprint stores I went to were filled with people who were friendly,patient and open. even when I called sprint I found them helpful. I realize they may be just trying to sell me a service or phone,But I find it hard to believe that a company as large as sprint, and as well known, would deliberately tell any rep to lie to or decieve a customer, they would NOT be in business long if they did. I actually observed someone throw a fit in a sprint store because there 3 week old A900 was broken, they wanted a new phone, and had not chosen Insurance.Yet they admitted their child had broken the flip, but felt it was Sprints fault because the phone was "flimsy" The rep calmly explained that, with out the insurance , the customer was responsible for the damage, that the warrenty would not cover the damage, and that he would be willing to send it out to be repaired , but the customer was responsible for any charges. the customer responded by screaming and cussing the rep, threatening to sue etc, demanding him account be closed, etc. And when, after acting like a 3 year old for 30 mins, the rep stood by his policy, the customer Literaly THREW the phone at the rep, using language that upset my 6 year old, who said he was using "bad words" daddy, and stormed out. Lets remember these people do the best they can in a bad situation, and yes while SOME of them may be misguided, Mis Informed, or even deliberately hide facts, I have found most of them to be hard working and as honest as the customers they serve. Remember, when you talk to them,they are getting abuse all the time. try and be patient, and do not just jump to the opinion they are "liars".No I do not work for sprint. :fingers:

[lgmayka]

But I find it hard to believe that a company as large as sprint, and as well known, would deliberately tell any rep to lie to or decieve a customer, they would NOT be in business long if they did.
First, most of your good experiences with Sprint reps were in stores (i.e., in person rather than on the phone). It is much easier to deceive customers anonymously over the phone--and to be fair, customers are more likely to deceive reps over the phone, too. It is sad but true that the anonymity, and lack of face-to-face contact, in a call center tend to breed deception.

Second, you may not know enough about Sprint and its policies to know you are being deceived. That's the whole point of deception! Those of us who have been Sprint customers for many years, and who frequent forums like this, generally know Sprint, its policies and its technology better than most reps--so we know very well when the rep is making up a story, or has been instructed to attempt a deception (which the rep may actually believe to be the truth, but the manager knows to be a lie).

Third, the reason that Sprint stays in business despite such dirty tricks is that the other major carriers are not necessarily any better. Wireless right now is like the Wild West--very little law and a lot of horse-thieving. The real remedy is an appropriate level of FCC regulation to at least make sure that customers are given accurate information, that carriers live up to their contracts, etc.

[RapedBySprint]

they charged me 180 my first month for data usage... after complaining they credited my account double what i was charged. i dont have to pay a cell phone bill for awhile now and I also have the sero plan... yay!! :)

I don't know if you can help me or not, but i'm trying to figure out how I can:

1. Undo $300 in charges after having my phone for 3(!) hours and accruing data useage charges on Power Vision after my rep failed to complete my Vision signup on my A920 yesterday.

Do you know who has the power to do this within sprint?


or

2. Find others with similar experience to start a class action suit.

Paul Lothary
920.222.1533
savagemyth@despammed.com

[FishNET]

Did you try calling sprint yet and asking about it? Generally if you agree to use Vision under a monthly Vision plan, they'll remove the charges. Thats how I got rid of my $281 of data.

[samsungfan]

Wow, this thread is pretty scary ... especially the users who have a Power Vison Pack ($15/mo) and still getting "cease and desist tethering" notices from Sprint.

I have yet to see a Pocket PC/WM 5 user (e.g. PPC 6700) report having received such a threat from Sprint or get charged a huge data charge ... based on the posts, clearly many users have at least tried this.

As many others have stated Sprint enforcing this for WM5 users doesn't make a lot of sense to me ... I use huge amounts of data streaming mp3 and video files to my phone with orb ... based on the data usage policy for Power Vision $15/mo this is perfectly within my rights ... I doubt I would ever use any higher data rates if I tethered my laptop.

Also, it would be great if we could get the insider info as to whether Sprint can distinguish tethered users from PPC 6700 browser users ... I've got to assume data usage cannot be a distinguishing factor.

[tqpolo]

Ok i just want a quick update on this thread. I have finally recieved the adjustment on my account. Sprint has credited a fulll $1300 back. If you have a problem like me, I suggest you keep calling Sprint until you find a Rep that cares.

[planker]

I know I am new here and not as experienced as some of you but I hope Ican say this without any one getting mad.I hear in here all the time how sprint reps are liars, or the company trains them to lie, or they are misinformed,etc. Here in Tn we have sprint at CompUSA, Best Buy, nextel stores, and sprint stores. While I was resarching my phone and plan, I found that at 3 of the 5 areas I went too (Compusa,Best Buy, and a Mall Kiosk) the people there treated me fairly, and at 2 of them, when they were NOT sure of the information, they called sprint, and got the details for me to answer my questions.The 2 sprint stores I went to were filled with people who were friendly,patient and open. even when I called sprint I found them helpful. I realize they may be just trying to sell me a service or phone,But I find it hard to believe that a company as large as sprint, and as well known, would deliberately tell any rep to lie to or decieve a customer, they would NOT be in business long if they did. I actually observed someone throw a fit in a sprint store because there 3 week old A900 was broken, they wanted a new phone, and had not chosen Insurance.Yet they admitted their child had broken the flip, but felt it was Sprints fault because the phone was "flimsy" The rep calmly explained that, with out the insurance , the customer was responsible for the damage, that the warrenty would not cover the damage, and that he would be willing to send it out to be repaired , but the customer was responsible for any charges. the customer responded by screaming and cussing the rep, threatening to sue etc, demanding him account be closed, etc. And when, after acting like a 3 year old for 30 mins, the rep stood by his policy, the customer Literaly THREW the phone at the rep, using language that upset my 6 year old, who said he was using "bad words" daddy, and stormed out. Lets remember these people do the best they can in a bad situation, and yes while SOME of them may be misguided, Mis Informed, or even deliberately hide facts, I have found most of them to be hard working and as honest as the customers they serve. Remember, when you talk to them,they are getting abuse all the time. try and be patient, and do not just jump to the opinion they are "liars".No I do not work for sprint. :fingers:


I'm not sure if you became a sprint customer or not but you will find that some reps do care and then there is the othe 95% of sprints CS reps that are just trying to make their in store commision or make sprint more money. My last really bad experince was when I wanted my phone book swapped from my old phone to my new phone (since the first rep forgot and I walked out with out checking) he told me as soon as I told him what I wanted to do that it would be a $15 charge. I asked for what? apparently If you do not have the service plan this is now a charge even if the first rep forgot to do it. I then told him to please pull up my account because I had the service plan and I just got the phone and I was not paying for something that should have been done the first time. In the end I was right but this reps first plan was to charge me the $15 so he could make his commision, he didn't even look at my account before telling me there was a charge. this is just one of my stories about upgradeing to the A940, it seems sprint's CS is getting worse IMHO.

[jefe00]

I work in telesales from Sprint, and I just wanted to share some information with you. First of all, Using your phone as a modem is $20 as an initial charge to set it up on your account ,and thne it is .001c/kb. Not only that, it is capped at $89.99/mo unlimited usage. Once you reach that limit, you could use the internet through your phone as a modem until you are blue in the face. I would most likely contact fraud management to get that taken care of.

[RapedBySprint]

Ok i just want a quick update on this thread. I have finally recieved the adjustment on my account. Sprint has credited a fulll $1300 back. If you have a problem like me, I suggest you keep calling Sprint until you find a Rep that cares.
I had the same experience, I first spoke to a "weekend" rep that obviously had no authority and flat told me "I'm sorry sir, the charges are legitimate" but gave me 'temporary' credit to keep my phone active. First thing Monday I spoke to 'Patricia' during the day and she promptly removed the charges and signed me up for a Vision package. Sprint needs to get off their dead ass and either:

a.) disable Vision completely to users not subscribed to Vision, including Sprint Music Store, Ringtone downloads and other addons to Vision, including mobiTV.

- OR -

b.) make purchases like Music Store, Ringtones or MobiTV free and clear of additional data charges.

- OR -

c.) Disclose the "true" price of a purchase, like a song. Which in my case, was NOT $2.50, but rather $175.00 !!!!!!

I could see if a user was accruing data charges for tethered useage without a vision plan. And from my experience, they look the other way up to 10 mb of tethered useage before sending you a huge bill. (tip to tethered users: go through a portal site such as www.skweezer.net to strip all the images and java from the websites you're going to, to keep your useage down...)
But if you're opening your pocketbook to shop in their store and pay overinflated prices for marginally useful things like music on your phone ($2.50!!!) then they need to include the data in the price.

Sprint, wake up, jurors love to "stick it to the man" when a giant corporation displays greed, even inadvertent or mistaken greed. Put your engineers to work on this or pay the price of a class-action lawsuit. Millions of dollars have been awarded to co-plaintiffs in suits with less obvious fraudulent billing practices.

[GrooveRite]

This is the same exact problem that I had but it happened to me THREE (3) TIMES!!!! I dont know what sprint is up to but ive been discouraged ever since they did this to me. You can read my story here.... http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89298 ....

I'm waiting to see if they come with fake charges for this month and in March. I have canceled my (free) power vision service on January 27 (deadline was January 28) becuase I dont want them to keep messing with my account. Its so messed up i have ridiculous numbers on their website showing. They have told me (sprint CS) that noone should go by whats stated on their website because its not accurate!! So folks, dont go by what you see on your website accounts because they may not be updated or whatever it was that they told me that sounded like a bunch of crap if you ask me. I used to love sprint but i may take my business elsewhere if they make me pay for errors that they have cuased.

[TupacInLA]

I just went into sprint tonight to add the power vision plan + unlimited text and the guy was looking at my bill and noticed that i accumulated 542.09 so far since I just got my phone from Radio Shack. He said it came from data charge... That is ridiculous though..

Anyone have advice on what I should do to get my money back? The guy added the sprint vision plan and unlimited text for me before I left so I dont get those charges again.. Is there anyway I can get credited back for thie over charge????

[crazy4phones]

Well I thought it wasnt going to happen to me but sure enough it did. I checked my account this morning and I had a charge of $429.01. :scare: So I immediately got on the phone with Sprint and I was told that Power Vision was not added to my plan like I was TOLD it would be. But lucky for me I got myself a credit of $373.61 so things are good again. But I was freakin out for a moment there.

To TupacInLa - I would get on the phone with CC and CALMLY tell them what happened. I just got off the phone with them about 10 minutes ago and I was able to get my account squared away. Good Luck

[Need]

Well I thought it wasnt going to happen to me but sure enough it did. I checked my account this morning and I had a charge of $429.01. :scare: So I immediately got on the phone with Sprint and I was told that Power Vision was not added to my plan like I was TOLD it would be. But lucky for me I got myself a credit of $373.61 so things are good again. But I was freakin out for a moment there.

To TupacInLa - I would get on the phone with CC and CALMLY tell them what happened. I just got off the phone with them about 10 minutes ago and I was able to get my account squared away. Good Luck


Same thing happened to me. But for my case, it was 2 phones. One phone was charged $100. The other was charged $800 something. The $100 one, the normal Sprint CS on the phone could credit me back. The $800+ one, I have to talk to an "account activities specialist". The first thing she asked was if I used my phone as a modem, which I didn't. At the end I got full credit back. I was told later that over $500, normal CS person cannot handle that and have to be transferred to the account activities specialists.

So if the overcharged amount is under $500, you are in luck. If not, you have to play phone tag with the account activities department. If you need to call them back, call early, because everytime I call in the afternoon, they are busy and have to call me back.

[Niklaus]

Ok i just want a quick update on this thread. I have finally recieved the adjustment on my account. Sprint has credited a fulll $1300 back. If you have a problem like me, I suggest you keep calling Sprint until you find a Rep that cares.

:clap: good we got you fixed!! :clap:

:wavey: we can close thread? :wavey:

[tqpolo]

:clap: good we got you fixed!! :clap:

:wavey: we can close thread? :wavey:


Sure, close if you must.

[Niklaus]

Sure, close if you must.

nah, there is no must. it is your choice. you opened the thread, you can request it to be closed, or you can choose to keep it open. I was figuring since we have solved your title, maybe you were done needing the help.

:wavey:

[RapedBySprint]

Okay, here are the things i've learned from here and my personal experience:

1. When purchasing a new high speed multimedia phone from Sprint, either a.) subscribe to Power Vision or b.)don't use any internal data AT ALL, including the Sprint Music Store, update the phone software, purchase ring tones. These all incur hundreds of dollars of data charges within MINUTES.

2. Don't waste your money on the Merlin data connection card for your laptop

3. Don't tether (connect your phone with a USB cable and use it on your computer as a modem) your phone without setting up the new $49.95 "Power Vision Attachable Plan" which includes Power Vision on your phone (mine: A920) unlimited AND includes unlimited Data when using phone as modem. This is much cheaper than $59.95/$79.95 for using the same speed PCMCIA card in your laptop (and having an extra phone account on your bill)

4. When purchasing a new multimedia phone and subscibing to Power Vision, BE SURE YOU PICK A REP WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND ACTIVATES THE PV THROUGH SPRINT. To be sure, DO NOT USE PV UNTIL YOU CALL *2 or 611 and talking to Sprint yourself to make sure this is installed and active. You may regret it later if you don't. My bill was $300.

5. If you screw up and still get billed for hundreds of dollars in charges, call only during the weekday (don't waste time on Saturday night with know nothing keypunchers that can't help you) and LIE if you have to. I told the rep my Sprint store guy screwed up. And for god sake, be POLITE. They won't help you if you're acting like a three year old!
Just make sure you agree to subcsribe to PV unlimited or the Data attachable plan unlimited. It's cheaper than the hundreds you could be paying.

6. If using your phone as a modem, upgrade to a CHARGING USB cable (froogle search for one for your phone), these damn batteries only last an hour or two without it!

That's all, over and out!

[featherz]

I just activated a new a900 (bought at full price, activated over the phone) and I said to the rep 'and my vision is set up as well, right?' (I knew nothing about power vision at the time). He said 'yep!' and all appears to work for the moment. My online account still shows me with my old free pictures pack (old plan with 2K minutes) and videomail. Am I going to be OK or should I expect a huge bill also? He never mentioned power vision at all.

[Google]

I think the choice would be to move to Power Vision once you get a PV phone since that will eventually replace the old version ne way. It'll be like cable modem/dsl v 56k.

Plus, the current PV rates could turn out to be like the 10$ vision a lot of users have now.

[RapedBySprint]

Am I going to be OK or should I expect a huge bill also? He never mentioned power vision at all.

I wish I could say no... Unfortunately, this seems to be the rule, not the exception. CALL SPRINT. Right away. If your account isn't maxed already, that is.

[danterri2]

I got billed $98.50 for "data usage" on my last bill... When i talked to the sprint customer service people they told me that if you have the vision pack service removed (costs the average person 10 bucks a month plus if you have a shared plan an additional 5) you pay .02 per KB for things you download.... that's all fine and dandy if you intend to download a ringtone you purchase and i have no issue with that but they charge you .02 per kb for "browsing" for a ring tone in their web site!!!!

To me that is robbery and they penalize you for not keeping a service you never use !!!! It's like being chagred a "cover charge" just to enter their store to window shop !!!!!! When my service plans ends i am ending my relationship with sprint !!!! I might even try to get a lawyer and file a class action lawsuite over this because it is not properly disclosed that if you cancel the vision service, you will be charged for anything you do on their site.

[featherz]

According to sprint ecare, my current grandfathered vision is OK and so far my bill still says 0.00 (just paid the regular invoice). Do they tally up data usage daily so I'd know on the website or *2 or does it all show up as a surprise at the end of the month?

[Niklaus]

I got billed $98.50 for "data usage" on my last bill... When i talked to the sprint customer service people they told me that if you have the vision pack service removed (costs the average person 10 bucks a month plus if you have a shared plan an additional 5) you pay .02 per KB for things you download.... that's all fine and dandy if you intend to download a ringtone you purchase and i have no issue with that but they charge you .02 per kb for "browsing" for a ring tone in their web site!!!!

To me that is robbery and they penalize you for not keeping a service you never use !!!! It's like being chagred a "cover charge" just to enter their store to window shop !!!!!! When my service plans ends i am ending my relationship with sprint !!!! I might even try to get a lawyer and file a class action lawsuite over this because it is not properly disclosed that if you cancel the vision service, you will be charged for anything you do on their site.

or u could add it, use it, remove it... as needed :headbang2

[Niklaus]

According to sprint ecare, my current grandfathered vision is OK and so far my bill still says 0.00 (just paid the regular invoice). Do they tally up data usage daily so I'd know on the website or *2 or does it all show up as a surprise at the end of the month?

It's typically around 12hrs behind. It shows up before the billing cycle ends...

[danterri2]

for me it showed up as a major suprise - no indicator from sprint that i was being charged every time we browsed for a ringtone or wall paper. again, in my opinion, this is robbery and should be disclosed better. Nowhere in the contract does it state that you will be billed to access their web site at a rate of .02 / kb to download a ringtone if you do not keep the vision service.

Our understanding was that you would be charged .02 pe kb when you actually downloaded anything from the site and that is where i take issue with sprint and the charges that they are making people pay. If people are told that by canceling that service, anything you do is charged at a rate of XX then people are better informed.

Sprint has done a dirty deed here and we the consumer are being duped... I even asked them that if i click on their web site via the web am i being charged? the answer of course is no.... so my statement back to them was why should anyone be charged on a direct link to their download section of their site to brouse for a ring tone via the cell phone??????? again, their response is that it is a "service" that you must pay for...

so the bottom line is this, if you cancel their vision service because you rarely use it or have never used it and try to lower your cell phone bill and then decide to download a ring tone or anything else later in time with the phone, you are billed at .02 for every charactor that is displayed on your phone.... something that is not completely disclosed to you in your contract and with that I truely feel that sprint is ripping people off and we the consumer should unite and get a damn lawyer to file a class action lawsuit against such practices.

[Doyle]

Okay, here are the things i've learned from here and my personal experience:

1. When purchasing a new high speed multimedia phone from Sprint, either a.) subscribe to Power Vision or b.)don't use any internal data AT ALL, including the Sprint Music Store, update the phone software, purchase ring tones. These all incur hundreds of dollars of data charges within MINUTES.



If I have no data plan and I update the firmware for the phone -- I get charged????

[HT2791]

firmware/software updates
have to be free,
cuz ur accessing it from inside phone, so, =/

[DuluthSprint]

I had the same problem last month. Purchased the A-900 and was told I had one free month of Power Vision to try it out. I went back to the Sprint store a few days later just to ask a few questions about the phone. At that time, the rep pulled up my account and told me I had racked up $123.00 in internet usage in just three days! I told him all I had done was look at one of the free TV channels for a minute and used the Music Store once. He then told me the clerk who sold me the phone forgot to connect my free month of Power Vision and this was why the bill was adding up. He activated the Power Vision right then and there and had his manager credit my account for the $123.00 that had wrongfully been billed. I got home, logged on to my account and it then showed the $123.00 credit and clearly showed the Power Vision was now on my account. So, the moral to the story is talk to your local Sprint store and if they are as good as mine they will get things right.

[Niklaus]

I like that story... That's the way things are supposed to work... :fingers:

[robfort99]

I don't know if you can help me or not, but i'm trying to figure out how I can:

1. Undo $300 in charges after having my phone for 3(!) hours and accruing data useage charges on Power Vision after my rep failed to complete my Vision signup on my A920 yesterday.

Do you know who has the power to do this within sprint?


or

2. Find others with similar experience to start a class action suit.

Paul Lothary
920.222.1533
savagemyth@despammed.com
Sprint obviously has a problem with customer service reps either being deceptive, or just incompetent. Either way, with the number of people telling the same story, they should realize they have potential problem on the horizon. Are there enough for class action status?

I`m in the process of filing suit in small claims court since I`m not getting anywhere with anyone at Sprint.

Has anyone else filed complaints with the BBB or FCC?

[stephinok]

With PowerVision, it can look like PAM (Phone as Modem) because of the speed and amt of data it can use. Tech support knows this, but Cust Care does not. Talk w/Tech support and it can be corrected.

[Troy]

OMG. Sprint has done the same thing to me twice. The first bill was over $900 for PCS Data and they lied.

[robfort99]

Troy, What was the resolution in your case?

[UnLtdSoul]

Whoa - or Whoa is me...

This is my first post.

I got my old Samsung i660 phone 2 years ago. I got it at a Kiosk at Sams Club. I was looking for a phone and service that would allow me to tether to my laptop for internet access. For my work i was traveling a lot and so being able to use the phone as a wireless modem would be the only way i could access the internet. So, i told this to the sales guy and told him i would only get a phone if i can do just that. They sold Alltel, Xingular, T-Mobile, Nextel and Sprint, maybe others. The sales person suggested i go with Sprint and sold me the phone with PCS-Vision unlimited at $15 a month extra. He told me all i had to do was buy the usb data cable from e-Bay and because of the PC-Vision unlimited i would be able to get unlimited internet access to my PC as well using the phone as a modem.

I bought the cable and have been using the phone as a wireless modem ever since.

That has been nearly 2 years!!!!

For the first 1 1/2 years i just used it occasionally as a modem. But, in the last 6 months i have wound up out of town most of the time (with my work). I was gone so much that i finally had the servce for my home land line dropped and just used the cell phone only. And, for the past 6 months the (slow) i660, used as modem, has been my only internet access. In that time i have downloaded - I would have to say - many Gigabytes of data. (I leave it hooked up to my PC constantly, if i am not on a phone call, then i have it tethered to my PC - all day and night - for the past 6 months +).

In a few weeks i was planning on updating the phone to a 2 line family service and adding an a920 phone with EVDO.

But, now i am wondering if i will someday get this humungous bill for $1,000's of dollars, which i would have no way to pay?????

But, it's been 2 years I have been doing this. Is Sprint just letting me do this or have i just been lucky all this time??? Or do they have no idea with the older phone? But, i am using it to download large files, lots of data.
It seems that several people on this thread seem to have indicated they were doing this with an older phone but were billed after they updated their phone. So, maybe the newer phones allow Sprint to know if it is used as modem and not the older ones????

I also read in the post about a $49 fee for being able to use a phone as a modem. If i have to, i would pay for that (if that includes PowerVision, as they said it would, then it is only another 20-30 a month for legitimate unlimited acess), i can't afford no $1,000's right now in some huge bill.

I need the internet access as with my work i travel out of state - to different cities, sometimes for months at a time. Using the cell as a modem is my only internet access. And I am on the internet 24/7....

Anyway, where would i stand if i did get a whopping bill since the person who sold me the phone told me i could do this? I mean, this is what he was selling me, a phone that doubled as a wireless modem with unlimited internet access. That is what i asked him for, and this is what he sold me. He even told me where to get the cable and what software i needed and where to get that. He never told me it was against Sprint's policy, after all, he was the sales rep, and this is what he sold me.

He never told me this was against Sprnt's policy. The way i understood it was that Sprint did

[stephinok]

The older phones had no way of showing it being used as a modem... Now with power vision, you have to have the phone as modem plan in order to use it. It used to be a policy, but since w/older phones there was no way to track it, so if you had an old phone and the capability, you were good to go and no one knew it. Not these days w/the newer phones though.

[laponte]

Here's probably what happened-The blade is an EVDO or evolutionary optical data phone, which is kind of like broadband for cellphones. But here's the thing-first, it's not available in affiliate markets yet, so you still get charged premium rates for ordinary speeds, and second, it costs way more than regular vision. The packages are about five bucks more, but the casual use is .05 cents a kilobyte instead of .02 cents. Now, you may not be able to get around these charges primarily because when they put that phone on your acct., they cannot keep the old vision plan. The system will make you remove as it is not combinable with your acct with an EVDO phone. This applies to any EVDO model. Did no one offer you a package at all?

[UnLtdSoul]

Here is something for the people here who work for Sprint:

WHY? Sprint offers data plans - now it seems a number of choices. Such as Vision, Power Vision (inlcuding all its many flavors and TV channels, etc) for phone usage, then a data connectivity card and monthly service for direct PC usage, and now a phone modem to PC plan.

If a customer, some of whom are long time customers, some are new, either knowingly or unknowingly accesses data for which their existing plan does not cover, then why doesn't Sprint simply send them a bill for the most obvious service that would full-fill that customer's needs. ie, if they see a client has been using the cell phone as a modem, and they did not pay for that service, then rather that billing them an exhorborant (sorry about the spelling) fee, simply send them the bill for using the plan that allows this. This way Sprint will show respect toward their customer and not abusive unusual and inhumane punitive attacks on their customers (ie 1,300 or more $$ bills). By doing this Sprint appears like a preditor - ready to pounce on their naive prey, their customers. But, if they, instead, say, dear respected customer we find that you are using a part of our system for which you have not paid for. Here is the bill, and, unless you cancel, you will now be billed for such and such monthly services which will allow you to continue using the data as you are currently. Then, the customer has the choice, continue using that service and pay keep paying the normal fee, or stop using that service and then ask to no longer be billed for it.

Only if a customer is found to repeatedly abuse this, by asking to no longer be billed, then go back and use the data again and again, then maybe Sprint could resort to punitive measures. But, to slap a huge bill on a new or long term customer for a service that otherwise would be a manageable monthly fee seems to me to be very crude business practice and shows not only a disrespect for their paying customers, but almost an advisarial attitude.

Just my 2 cents worth

[Troy]

No resolution. I was stuck having to pay the bill. The said I went in Power Vision 9 times a day and I know that was a lie because I knew I didnt have power vision in my plan.

[RyanNeilFL]

YIKES!!!! I am scared now..I got my phone (a900) Feb28th and my bill should be in March 28th...I have Ultimate Power Vision for $25 a month and unlimited text messages for $15 ...I have prob sent over 600-700 text messages and have used HOURS upon HOURS on the web cuz I downloaded the Opear Mini and have been using my phone to browse the web a few hours a day @ least.And have watched FOX NEWS on there....It I get a HUGE bill I am going to be very upset.. :irked:

[Scrumptious]

YIKES!!!! I am scared now..I got my phone (a900) Feb28th and my bill should be in March 28th...I have Ultimate Power Vision for $25 a month and unlimited text messages for $15 ...I have prob sent over 600-700 text messages and have used HOURS upon HOURS on the web cuz I downloaded the Opear Mini and have been using my phone to browse the web a few hours a day @ least.And have watched FOX NEWS on there....It I get a HUGE bill I am going to be very upset.. :irked:

Why would you get a huge bill unless they never added it to your plan as you requested. If that happens it should not be a problem at all. Most people who have the major problem are those who never asked for a powervision plan to begin with. :td:

Let me explain because I too have been slammed with a $500 bill... Between my SERO plan and GF'ed vision plan I had a month that I was on a retention plan and I told them to add a PV package (the cheapest one). The rep goofed and forgot to add it but being I have ALWAYS had vision since Sprint has had it I knew I would get credited for the huge bill. One e-mail to ecare and problem fixed in less than 24 hours. Well more than fixed my bill was super low (like $13 bucks) so I had a fellow SU member (who is employeed with sprint) to check it out for me. Not only had they credited the data charges but they credited my taxes too! :clap:

[RyanNeilFL]

So as long as it is showing on Sprint.com that I have the power vision plan then I wont have a prob?? because it shows on there that I have it...Ok I am not scared now..I was not even going to get it but the lady at radio shack told me to just get it cuz the first month was free and if I didnt like it after a month to cancel it..BUT I am VERY happy with it and use it more than talking on..So I am SO glad she told me to get it...

[Scrumptious]

So as long as it is showing on Sprint.com that I have the power vision plan then I wont have a prob?? because it shows on there that I have it...Ok I am not scared now..I was not even going to get it but the lady at radio shack told me to just get it cuz the first month was free and if I didnt like it after a month to cancel it..BUT I am VERY happy with it and use it more than talking on..So I am SO glad she told me to get it...
You SHOULD be just fine :tu:

[catmom]

Okay, here are the things i've learned from here and my personal experience:

1. When purchasing a new high speed multimedia phone from Sprint, either a.) subscribe to Power Vision or b.)don't use any internal data AT ALL, including the Sprint Music Store, update the phone software, purchase ring tones. These all incur hundreds of dollars of data charges within MINUTES.

2. Don't waste your money on the Merlin data connection card for your laptop

3. Don't tether (connect your phone with a USB cable and use it on your computer as a modem) your phone without setting up the new $49.95 "Power Vision Attachable Plan" which includes Power Vision on your phone (mine: A920) unlimited AND includes unlimited Data when using phone as modem. This is much cheaper than $59.95/$79.95 for using the same speed PCMCIA card in your laptop (and having an extra phone account on your bill)

4. When purchasing a new multimedia phone and subscibing to Power Vision, BE SURE YOU PICK A REP WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND ACTIVATES THE PV THROUGH SPRINT. To be sure, DO NOT USE PV UNTIL YOU CALL *2 or 611 and talking to Sprint yourself to make sure this is installed and active. You may regret it later if you don't. My bill was $300.

5. If you screw up and still get billed for hundreds of dollars in charges, call only during the weekday (don't waste time on Saturday night with know nothing keypunchers that can't help you) and LIE if you have to. I told the rep my Sprint store guy screwed up. And for god sake, be POLITE. They won't help you if you're acting like a three year old!
Just make sure you agree to subcsribe to PV unlimited or the Data attachable plan unlimited. It's cheaper than the hundreds you could be paying.

6. If using your phone as a modem, upgrade to a CHARGING USB cable (froogle search for one for your phone), these damn batteries only last an hour or two without it!

That's all, over and out!


Thanks for the info....just wondering now... I just upgraded to the 7500 and this is what my contract now says....
Am I ok to use things like sprint tv, on demand, music store, and web without having to worry about these data charges that everyone is talking about?
This PV is all new to me.
Thanks so much for your help!!

SPRINT FAIR & FLEXIBLE PLAN
ADJUSTABLE ANYTIME MINUTES
$55.99 MINIMUM MONTHLY CHARGE
NATIONWIDE LONG DISTANCE INCLUDED
UNLIMITED NIGHT & WEEKEND MINS. INCLUDED
NIGHTS: M-TH 9PM-7AM WKND: F 9PM-M 7AM
CALLER ID, CALL WAITING
THREE-WAY CALLING
VOICEMAIL
MOBILE TO MOBILE (PCS TO PCS)-$5.00
AMERICA- ROAMING INCLUDED
1000 MINS INCLUDED. EACH ADD'L
BLOCK OF 50 MINS OVER 1000 MINS IS
$5.00 UP TO 1500 MINS.
MINS USED OVER 1500 ARE $0.50/MIN

Add'l Anytime Minute Rate:
$0.50
Roaming Minute Rate: $0.69
In Network Long Distance Rate: $0.20
Out of Area Travel Rate: $0.50




Additional Services
500 SMS MESSAGES-$8.00
POWER VISION ULTIMATE PACK-$25.00
CALLER I D BLOCK
EQUIP PROT $3 INS. PREMIUM & $3 SERV/RPR
EQUIP PROT $3 INS. PREMIUM & $3 SERV/RPR

[Scrumptious]

Additional Services
500 SMS MESSAGES-$8.00
POWER VISION ULTIMATE PACK-$25.00
CALLER I D BLOCK
EQUIP PROT $3 INS. PREMIUM & $3 SERV/RPR
EQUIP PROT $3 INS. PREMIUM & $3 SERV/RPR
As I posted to the previous poster if you have a Powervision Plan you SHOULD be fine. :tu:

[axemaninferno]

As I posted to the previous poster if you have a Powervision Plan you SHOULD be fine. :tu:


these charges can happen when some one gets your username your pw and knows your ip's...ive done it to a friend...but when ever we look in our maintance prog we can see usage that orginates from your NAI..(username) with dates and times..this can be a s/w problem on the phone ESPECIALLY with the power vision phones a900 a920 a940 samsung power vision phones suck!!!!! suck!!! sooo many s/w issues that can cause your NAI to believe that your using data and report to the billing system causing the charges..and they look like acctual charges except...their like at 3 in the morning and your like 'im sleeping at that time' and us..tech support...will say ...sorry i see that this is acctual usage i cant help...so if you have one of these phones plz update the s/w the s/w for a900 should be zb12 or za06 eithers okay a920 is za06 and a940 im not sure you can do this by MENU->settings->others->update phone..you can check your settings by going to MENU->settings->phone info-> version-> it will say S: es: a900 za06 or S:ES. a920 yk12.. if its yk or yl update ...that can be 1 cause i have noticed ....axeman

[catmom]

Thank you!!

[Niklaus]

these charges can happen when some one gets your username your pw and knows your ip's...ive done it to a friend...but when ever we look in our maintance prog we can see usage that orginates from your NAI..(username) with dates and times..this can be a s/w problem on the phone ESPECIALLY with the power vision phones a900 a920 a940 samsung power vision phones suck!!!!! suck!!! sooo many s/w issues that can cause your NAI to believe that your using data and report to the billing system causing the charges..and they look like acctual charges except...their like at 3 in the morning and your like 'im sleeping at that time' and us..tech support...will say ...sorry i see that this is acctual usage i cant help...so if you have one of these phones plz update the s/w the s/w for a900 should be zb12 or za06 eithers okay a920 is za06 and a940 im not sure you can do this by MENU->settings->others->update phone..you can check your settings by going to MENU->settings->phone info-> version-> it will say S: es: a900 za06 or S:ES. a920 yk12.. if its yk or yl update ...that can be 1 cause i have noticed ....axeman


:lurking: :hmmm: :good: :urock:

[sprintboy26]

If you have a phone with the nai disable like the 900, you can tether without being charged as already talked about many times. Also, if you have the 900, there's no need to risk using that charging cable. The phone goes into standby anytime your not transferring data, so the battery lasts about 5-7 hours. I use it everyday...works great.

[nomdeplum]

I had the same problem last month. Purchased the A-900 and was told I had one free month of Power Vision to try it out. I went back to the Sprint store a few days later just to ask a few questions about the phone. At that time, the rep pulled up my account and told me I had racked up $123.00 in internet usage in just three days! I told him all I had done was look at one of the free TV channels for a minute and used the Music Store once. He then told me the clerk who sold me the phone forgot to connect my free month of Power Vision and this was why the bill was adding up. He activated the Power Vision right then and there and had his manager credit my account for the $123.00 that had wrongfully been billed. I got home, logged on to my account and it then showed the $123.00 credit and clearly showed the Power Vision was now on my account. So, the moral to the story is talk to your local Sprint store and if they are as good as mine they will get things right.

My Story is similar only with a not so happy ending. Bought two phones, an LG and a Samesung EVDO bladephone. Got the credit for free powervision for a month, but when using the services, was charged usage for browseing the web. Prior to getting my bill, and during the powervision setup with sprint, I asked the rep on teh phone if there were any additional usage charges. He said no. Turns out he was wrong, or lied. If he had setup the additional $10 a month fee that in addition to the powervision charge I owuld not have been charged usage. The usage with the $10 is unlimited. So I was charged $200 because of his incompetence. I have yet to get my money credited from sprint. Also, if any of you ahd not noticed. When you down load music to your phone, you have to have vision services enabled, TO ACCESS MUSIC THAT IS ALREADY ON THE PHONE.....THAT YOU PAID FOR and CAN ONLY LISTEN TO WITH THE PHONE!! Needless to say I am looking forward to a class action for either of these issues. Sprint has a great product, but their business model for letting people incur extra charges to generate revenue is going to really hurt them in the end. It's a shame.

:headbang2 :bang:

[stephinok]

You need to call Tech support and speak w/a supervisor... You should not be held responsible for them not adding a code to the acct. If you get the right supervisor you will get credit.

[Slapshot]

The older phones had no way of showing it being used as a modem... Now with power vision, you have to have the phone as modem plan in order to use it. It used to be a policy, but since w/older phones there was no way to track it, so if you had an old phone and the capability, you were good to go and no one knew it. Not these days w/the newer phones though.

Can this be comfirmed by others?

I just upgraded to an A900, and for a test drive, I hooked it up to my laptop and dialed the Modem Line provided by my university. I have been hit with CASUAL WIRELESS WEB USAGE. This irks me because I am not using Sprint's WIRELESS WEB.

Anyway, I'm looking to learn more here.

What is DUN?

[Niklaus]

Can this be comfirmed by others?

I just upgraded to an A900, and for a test drive, I hooked it up to my laptop and dialed the Modem Line provided by my university. I have been hit with CASUAL WIRELESS WEB USAGE. This irks me because I am not using Sprint's WIRELESS WEB.

Anyway, I'm looking to learn more here.

What is DUN?

casual wireless web usage is typically text messages. :thought:

[sheureka]

casual wireless web usage is typically text messages. :thought:Nope - casual wireless web usage is accessing a data connection other than Sprint - and it's 39 cents a minute plus using available minutes. - sheureka

[Niklaus]

Nope - casual wireless web usage is accessing a data connection other than Sprint - and it's 39 cents a minute plus using available minutes. - sheureka

are we talking OLD wireless web? :huh:
I didn't think sprint was charging for that "per min" web usage anymore.

Dang, those bills get high quick!

[Slapshot]

We are talking, that I dialed another ISP, just like I would with my land line and Sprint is charging me out the ass for it.

If someone wants to drop their land line and only use their Sprint Phone and use AOL dial-up they're screwed.

[sheureka]

Pre-Vision we used to be able to get a Wireless Web plan that cost $5 a month; it always used minutes but there were no additional charges. The maximum speed was 19.9, with actual speeds more like 14.4 - and I remember how cool I thought it was to be able to go on the internet (wap sites only) with my phone! Sprint has not sold that plan for about 4 years. - sheureka

[ZiggyZ]

Can this be comfirmed by others?

I just upgraded to an A900, and for a test drive, I hooked it up to my laptop and dialed the Modem Line provided by my university. I have been hit with CASUAL WIRELESS WEB USAGE. This irks me because I am not using Sprint's WIRELESS WEB.

Anyway, I'm looking to learn more here.

What is DUN?

DUN is Dial Up Networking.

[lgmayka]

We are talking, that I dialed another ISP, just like I would with my land line and Sprint is charging me out the ass for it.
Hopefully Sprint will be merciful, since it wasn't obvious to you what would happen when you dialed an ISP.

But yes, dialing an outside ISP is $0.39/min, because it requires a special bank of modems at the mobile office. (Your cell phone does not have an old-style analog modem; Sprint has to provide that in order to make the connection work at all.)

On the other hand, if you subscribe to Vision or Power Vision, you should be able to use your phone as a modem simply by dialing #777, which goes to Sprint's internal Internet service. But this is theoretically against the rules unless you specifically subscribe to a Phone As Modem plan. Nevertheless, many people do this occasionally (e.g., to check email) without getting charged.

[Slapshot]

But yes, dialing an outside ISP is $0.39/min, because it requires a special bank of modems at the mobile office. (Your cell phone does not have an old-style analog modem; Sprint has to provide that in order to make the connection work at all.)



Are you absolutely certain of that? I don't mean to be insolent, but there is a lot of misinformation floating about on this topic. So I want to get as close to an authoritative source as possible for a concrete explination.

If that's the case, is there is way I can hook up my computer's internal modem to my cell phone? For instance, is there a hack to hook up a cell phone to RJ-11 wire? Then my call will be through the traditional modem.

[sheureka]

Are you absolutely certain of that? I don't mean to be insolent, but there is a lot of misinformation floating about on this topic.Both lgmayka and I told you the same thing - and there is very little misinformation coming from posters who have been around as long as we have. As to your last question, your modem needs an analog signal and your phone is digital so that's a nonstarter. Just pay the $15 (or $10) like everybody else does! - sheureka

[axemaninferno]

Both lgmayka and I told you the same thing - and there is very little misinformation coming from posters who have been around as long as we have. As to your last question, your modem needs an analog signal and your phone is digital so that's a nonstarter. Just pay the $15 (or $10) like everybody else does! - sheureka


okay...as a tech rep supivisior. sprint has made some changes...if we see the .39 data usage for outside line modem we are not crediting this back to accounts. YES! you may be able to find a way to cheat the error 67 modem error because you dont have it on your account but be prepared to pay massive amount of overage...YOU ARE TRYING TO CHEAT YOUR CELL PHONE COMPANY!!! they created the techonology dont you think they will/have found ways to monitor this activity....yes it is possible...no if you see it on your bill you will not receive credit..yes it is possible to be charged with, *disabling the NAI* or what every half ****ed theory you have but it will catch up to you and you will be charged and when these type of issues arrive.....OUR answer is the BUCK STOPS HERE! so be informed of what may happen take my word..ive had many long days telling customers such as yourselves..sorry i cannot help you..these are valid charges and their will not be any credit due..and when you treaten me that your going to cancel off to rentention you go where they ask for a credit card payment or (pending on ur credit with sprint) bill you the $150 ETF..BE AWARE! --axemaninferno...

[phatalboom]

This thread concerns me. I just bought a Samsung A-900 Blade from a kiosk at Costco yesterday, for full price, $330. All we did was an ESN switch. Since then I have used On-Demand, signed on AIM, and listened to the free Sirius Hits Channel. I belive I have the Grandfathered PCS Vision Pictures Pack from a while back that I pay $15 a month for. Here are my questions:

1. Will I be slammed with data usage fees?

2. Do I get Power Vision free for a month just for doing an ESN switch?

I belive this is what the details are for the PCS Vision Pictures Pack:

http://www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-picturesPack.html

Thanks!

[axemaninferno]

This thread concerns me. I just bought a Samsung A-900 Blade from a kiosk at Costco yesterday, for full price, $330. All we did was an ESN switch. Since then I have used On-Demand, signed on AIM, and listened to the free Sirius Hits Channel. I belive I have the Grandfathered PCS Vision Pictures Pack from a while back that I pay $15 a month for. Here are my questions:

1. Will I be slammed with data usage fees?

2. Do I get Power Vision free for a month just for doing an ESN switch?

I belive this is what the details are for the PCS Vision Pictures Pack:

http://www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-picturesPack.html

Thanks!


1. yes and no...if you have a regular vision plan techinically you can use it in non-evdo..once you get in evdo coverage with out the line of code EVDO CASUAL you will get charged $.02 per KB..its not compatibile with the old vision plans its only compatibile with the power vision plans which means your going to spend $15 for the unlt web/data..u get serious hits and some previews ...if it was pic plan then its $20 and you get SprintTV channel 1..fox news, nfl, fuse, fashion tv ect... and the $25 is the same as the $20 but you get channel 50 ..just more channels bundleded in....so only if you use it in evdo and it is by error that you have a vision plan and a power vision phone store reps=retarted&liars...'nuff said bout that topic

2. sprint offers vision and txt right now free for a month no matter who u are..vision, and power vision and currently 100,500, and unlt txt are a month free soon they are getting rid of the 100, and 500 txt in the next month or so its just gonna be unlt but the vision both 3g vision and power vision will probably still remain a month free..once you have a month free you cant get it again so dont think that you can cheat sprint cuz you'll screw yourself!!!

if you want an overview of all whats included with business accounts consuomer individual with both the power vision and the regular vision let me go to work on monday i will copy paste all the info in here but give me a day or two theirs a lot of info but ill post it here it tells you whats all included and what channels for certain price---axeman

[IceStorm]

I recently (as in Tuesday morning, June 12) signed up for Sprint service by calling Sprint.

I had read a bit about Power Vision, looked through the online sign-up page, and various forum postings. Everything I read said I needed to subscribe to a "phone as a modem" plan for data support via a Power Vision phone, and that the total cost would be something along the lines of $40/mo on top of whatever voice plan I chose. I had also read conflicting reports about data usage - unlimited vs limited, graduated costs versus flat rate, etc.

When I called Sprint to ask questions about data usage, the rep told me that Power Vision (any plan) covers all the data I use on the phone, including when connected to a computer. I asked several times about this point, including noting that the online page for sign up only lets you choose a Power Vision plan or a Phone as Modem plan, not both (it's radio buttons and only one is selectable).

I was pretty explicit about my usage requirements - low voice usage, high data usage, streaming video and data from my home network through the phone to my computer while at a remote location. The rep still said that any Power Vision plan should cover all data usage. What's the deal here? Do I have to be worried about "casual data" charges like tqpolo?

[Storino03]

probably thought you were going to stream data on your phone and not using an external source.

[IceStorm]

I thought I was pretty clear when I said I intended to, "plug it into my computer using the USB cable.", but perhaps not.

The more I search, the more I keep hitting variable "Phone as Modem" plans - $15, $25, $40, variable pricing up to $80/mo. It seems that there's no one definitive answer. :-(

I guess I'll call Sprint back a few times and talk to different reps to see if I get a consistent set of answers.

[dm33]

I thought I was pretty clear when I said I intended to, "plug it into my computer using the USB cable.", but perhaps not.

The more I search, the more I keep hitting variable "Phone as Modem" plans - $15, $25, $40, variable pricing up to $80/mo. It seems that there's no one definitive answer. :-(

I guess I'll call Sprint back a few times and talk to different reps to see if I get a consistent set of answers.
I'm not expert, but recently went through this and I was getting consistent answers.
There's a $25 plan for Power Vision phones which gives you a mess of Power Vision stuff plus PAM for 40mb. The website doesn't mention the 40mb limit. After that there's an additional charge. This plan is especially hard to find on the website.
There's a $40 PAM for 40mb plan. I don't understand why anyone would do this nor how its different from the $25 plan. I assume it covers phones that don't support Power Vision.
There's a $50 PAM with unlimited data usage. This is on promotion for $40. This does include a base version of Power Vision. This is what I have.

I've found most PAM files on the website if you choose Business, then 'wireless data', then 'wireless laptop access plans'. http://www.sprint.com/business/products/products/pcsVisionPlan_tabA.html

The $25 plan shows up if you choose a power vision phone then look at plan options, http://www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-HandsetAsModem.html
The description says,
"Sprint Phone as Modem Pack

Your Sprint Power VisionSM phone can be a high-speed Internet connection for your laptop computer anywhere on the Sprint wireless high-speed multimedia network. Connect your Power Vision phone using a USB cable or the built-in connection on Bluetooth-enabled phones.

* Includes Picture Mail and Sprint TVSM.
* Unlimited usage for the first month. After one month, use the MB included in your plan.
* One–year subscriber agreement required.
* Requires a voice plan."

I haven't seen any other current plans mentioned.

[IceStorm]

I think you're right. It looks like the whole $39.99 unlimited data is a promo and not listed anywhere. Most of the other data plans you mentioned are part of the card-as-mobile device and don't show up on the phone page.

The Power Vision Ultimate plan never mentions PAM, it just says unlimited web and data access.

The Phone As Modem plan never says what the normal data limit is, just that it's unlimited for the first month and then "use the MB included in your plan", which makes no sense.

I'll call them back and ask for the $39.99 unlimited phone as modem plan with power vision basic, seeing as how the rep I talked to on Tuesday apparently has no clue about data or tethering, or the words "plug it into my computer"...

[gizard]

2. sprint offers vision and txt right now free for a month no matter who u are..vision, and power vision and currently 100,500, and unlt txt are a month free soon they are getting rid of the 100, and 500 txt in the next month or so its just gonna be unlt but the vision both 3g vision and power vision will probably still remain a month free.

Are you saying that Sprint is going to offer unlimited texting only from now on? There won't be anyway to text on Sprint plans unless you pay $15 amonth? That doesn't sound right at all. Please clarify.

[atmachine]

just tell them you your under the impression that it was one and the same, they should discount if not completely eliminate

[axemaninferno]

Are you saying that Sprint is going to offer unlimited texting only from now on? There won't be anyway to text on Sprint plans unless you pay $15 amonth? That doesn't sound right at all. Please clarify.


im sorry let me clarify....sprint has and will always offer 3 txt plans 100 sms $5 for the primary $2.50 for the shared the 500 sms $8 for primary $4 shared...and unlt txt $15 primary $7.50 shared but they are taking away the month frees for the 100 and 500 just the UNLT txt now gets a month free...and to clarify about the vision plans...1.) you can use a regular vision plan with a power vision phone but you will be charged overage in EVDO areas....heres why...when you are using regular vision the lines of code on your plan read IP BASIC which is your username and #C Sprintv $15 <<newest line of code this one has Sprint Tv channel 1 for NON-evdo phones pic mail video mail and UNLT web on the phone>> for evdo phones it reads IP BASIC, EVDO CASUAL, and the vision plan which looks like the other line of code...evdo phones that dont want overage in EVDO coverage need EVDO CASUAL RATE..!!!!!they need EVDO CASUAL RATE because this is how the billing system calculates the KB usage and the charged is voided by the plan = in a $0 charge!!!!....but you cannot systematically whatsoever add that you get error messages no one can add EVDO CASUAL RATE and a regular vision plan..so people who use regular vision plans with power vision phones can get billing errors if their using the web in evdo coverage its fine in normal vision coverage but its being billed as overage in EVDO coverage it thinks its modem usage so spend the extra $5 and get an evdo plan......


2.)Their is no limitation, caps, or end to the usage of the web on your EVDO or VISION phone...only when you use your phone as a modem...they systematically made this impossible as well...sprint put up a firewall at the beggening of the year for all vision phones and evdo phones to get "error 67" when trying to use it as a modem..when you have PAM BASIC SERVICE on the plan it generates a modem username which is why you get "error 67= vision username and or password may be incorrect" ..(unless of course you cheat sprint).. and the only way to get this line of code is having a phone as modem plan..you get system errors it doesnt allow that to happen....

3.) their is modem plans that are limited to a 40MB bucket these are mostly outsourced now but thats the fair and flexable data plan for $39.99 when combined with a voice plan...now they offer unlimited MB..but thats where the 40BM limit came into play cuz it used to be $59.99 if you wanted unlt phone as modem or connection card..pricing and lines of code are the same for both....so short answer no their is not a cap to vision...dont use regular vision plan with evdo phone...pay for a modem plan unless you are going to use sprints resources and not pay for them...

added note about vision plans...: their are a $15 power vision plan which included streaming news and radio and unlimited web and data

$20 power vision plan which includes the $15 plus pic mail and video mail and Sprint TV channel 1

$25 exact same as $20 except you get Sprint TV channel 50...just more channels at a cheaper rate....

THOSE are the ONLY power vision plans except phone as a modem...if you plan on buy a PAM plan you can NOT have a vision plan the $40 UNLT PAM covers that...you do however have to pay $5 for picture mail if you want it and if you do sprint tv you have to subscribe throu the content manager which is a per month charge which sucks..but hey $40 a month having unlimited web usage no matter what the phone is hooked to isnt a bad deal espically since its supported where as regular vision phones we tell people tough...your on ur own for finding S/W and troubleshooting....pop a replay if anybody has any questions ill be able to answer them... --axeman

[gizard]

Sprint really needs to find a better option for text/picture/data. Besides the people that have Sero plans, how many people really sign up for $15-$25 plans? I can understand the $15 plan if it had text messaging thrown in but please, $25 with no texting and some lame TV channels? It makes a phone plan too expensive for most.

Since I'm on my gripe box, having a $40/40MB data only plan is crazy. So what, I can check email on my computer and thats about it? 40MB in web access is pretty easy to use up. With that plan you can't even send a picture? Pretty lame if you ask me. Sprint should be selling the unlimited plan for $45 a month. That would be more than reasonable to compete against cable/dsl for home users. Yes, for business, the $60 unlimited plan is a good deal. But for home use, not so much. Then they should offer picture with texting for $10 on top of that.

Not to complain more but, the texting plans are way too high. Take a look at T-Mobile. Picture/text plans are cheap. For a regular user to send pictures and 100 text messages through Sprint will cost an extra $20 a month. Who really pays this? I would really like to know.

[w7excursion]

I pay for it. Cheaper than Verizon and better in my area. Sprint since 2001!

[gizard]

I pay for it. Cheaper than Verizon and better in my area. Sprint since 2001!
Actually, not true. With Verizon you can have unlimited text/picture/video mail to other Verizon people and 500 to non-Verizon users for $10 a month. If you want to throw V-Cast in there, it's $15 a month. Total = $25 per month. With Sprint, you don't get the option to only have text/pic/video. You have to pay $20 per month for picture/video mail + $8 for 500 text messages (500 only. Not unlimited within Sprint like Verizon has). So that = $28 for almost the same package but not quite. I have a feeling a lot more people would rather have the text/picture/video mail than internet access. For Sprint to break the text messaging away from the picture/video mail is just stupid in my opinion. Hopefully they'll revamp the extras to compete with the other carriers.

[w7excursion]

Actually, not true. With Verizon you can have unlimited text/picture/video mail to other Verizon people and 500 to non-Verizon users for $10 a month. If you want to throw V-Cast in there, it's $15 a month. Total = $25 per month. With Sprint, you don't get the option to only have text/pic/video. You have to pay $20 per month for picture/video mail + $8 for 500 text messages (500 only. Not unlimited within Sprint like Verizon has). So that = $28 for almost the same package but not quite. I have a feeling a lot more people would rather have the text/picture/video mail than internet access. For Sprint to break the text messaging away from the picture/video mail is just stupid in my opinion. Hopefully they'll revamp the extras to compete with the other carriers.
Actually yeah it is true. In my area Vcast hasnt even rolled out. We have no tv video options according to the in store reps. I was told there was no unlimited text. Thats why the genius store rep told me to answer my phone instead of texting.

[axemaninferno]

Actually yeah it is true. In my area Vcast hasnt even rolled out. We have no tv video options according to the in store reps. I was told there was no unlimited text. Thats why the genius store rep told me to answer my phone instead of texting.


^^thats funny...added note cingular wants $40 for unlt web...they do have cheaper web packages but this doesnt even include modem usage with cingular...thats a rip....but even then its same price right now for phone as modem with sprint...the PAM plan includes unlt usage on the phone as well..whenever you have your phone hooked up to a USB cable to your computer it switches the default NAI in Slot0 from iamgod@sprintpcs.com to iamgod@modem.sprintpcs.com ..this is the manuf doings...every EvDO device is hard coded with a modem realm even if you dont use it..theirs a flag in the rom of the phone that switches any time you hook the cable up to your computer and this is what tells sprint that your using the phone as a modem so minpulating this flag and this is how people can get away with the modem usage which by the way voids your contract your warentee and anyother peice of agreement as i had clarified for me by the big wigs at sprint....DO NOT PROGRAM YOUR PHONE WITH THE iamgod@modem.sprintpcs.com in the ##data menu...this will result in a SLot0 curruption causing the rom to FRY!!! ...long story short...its probably less expensive than other compaines..yes its more than home dsl but you are not only paying for mobility but as well techinal support...and unlimited resources....dont trash on sprint too hard....do you drive your car and not pay insurance?? same situation..dont do something that may get you in trouble..and yes it does void your contract and pretty much any other End User Licence Agreements...out --axeman