Grandfather SMS - mass confusion

FrequentFlyer · 04-28-2004, 10:12 AM

We know this: SMS is grandfathered for vision plans that have not changed since a certain date. That date is a point of confusion. At one point Plik said it was April 1st. If you call *2 they say it is Feb 15. I suspect Plik is correct but it's troubling that *2 disagrees.

I joined Sprint in late Feb and got four SMS capable phones. I asked for and received the $5 unlimited SMS code (thinking I was past the cutoff date for grandfathering). The SMS code was put on the main line and the belief of the rep was that it would pull across to the subs.

Fast forward to now: I am definitely NOT being charged for SMS messages on any line so either (1) the grandfather is working or (2) the SMS code on the main line is pulling across to the subs. I spoke to someone at *2 about this and they now claim that the SMS code does not pull across to the subs but might have at some point. He said he could take the SMS code off (saving me $5/mo) and I *probably* would still not be charged (due to grandfathering) but if I did start getting charged I'd have to put the $5 code on each line since any code available to him now does not pull across.

Can anybody clarify this once and for all:

* the exact cut off date for grandfathering
* if you're after that date whether or not the SMS codes pulls across to the subs (and maybe exactly which codes to use)

?

It would be great to add this to the FAQ since this seems to keep coming up.

**Hte2w8** · 04-28-2004, 11:56 AM

I hate to add more confusion but I added vision on Sunday to two existing lines I had and, guess what...they get unl sms. I didnt ask for it, but its there.

I have 5 lines total, all of them are receiving unl sms. I tend to think also, that it pulls across all lines like the N&W at 700pm.

In any case, I am not complaining. The whole sms issue with sprint is confusing, and I'm not sure even sprint knows whats what.

Oh..at one point I DID add the 5.00 sms to three of my lines, fearing I would be charged overages. That was in Feb. I removed one of the add-ons in late Feb, and the other two in March and it didnt change my unl sms.

FrequentFlyer · 04-29-2004, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hte2w8

Oh..at one point I DID add the 5.00 sms to three of my lines, fearing I would be charged overages. That was in Feb. I removed one of the add-ons in late Feb, and the other two in March and it didnt change my unl sms.

So you have no SMS codes on your account any more? I believe all vision plans include 100 SMS messages. Have you gone over 100 to see if you're charged at that point?

**Hte2w8** · 04-29-2004, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrequentFlyer

So you have no SMS codes on your account any more? I believe all vision plans include 100 SMS messages. Have you gone over 100 to see if you're charged at that point?

I have no sms codes excpet whatever is hard coded into the vision package they added.

I have gone WAY over...my billing cycle is the 15th, and I'm already at 471 sms on just one phone, it says unl on both the spcs web site and via my handset, on all lines. The other lines have gone over as well, and the section reads unl.

ScrapMaker · 05-19-2004, 09:20 PM

I've been talking to a few CSR's and also through the sprint email CSR's... and they have all said that a few people did recieve unlimited sms until feb 29th, but that no one has grandfathered unlimited SMS anymore, it's 5 bucks. This is because I wrote complaining about the video mail charge, and they said I can change my vision to NOT include the $5 premium content charge, so for the $15 I already pay, I can have vision/picture/videomail... instead of that extra 5 bucks that I never spend...

ScrapMaker · 05-19-2004, 09:21 PM

she assured me that I would not lose unlimited sms, because, me, along with no one else got that for free...

Is there anything I could possibly lose by switching to this other plan?

**Hte2w8** · 05-19-2004, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScrapMaker

I've been talking to a few CSR's and also through the sprint email CSR's... and they have all said that a few people did recieve unlimited sms until feb 29th, but that no one has grandfathered unlimited SMS anymore, it's 5 bucks. This is because I wrote complaining about the video mail charge, and they said I can change my vision to NOT include the $5 premium content charge, so for the $15 I already pay, I can have vision/picture/videomail... instead of that extra 5 bucks that I never spend...

I still have unl free sms on all my lines...my primary as well as the two I added in March and the two I addded three weeks ago.

And PLENTY of people still have unl free sms.

ScrapMaker · 05-19-2004, 10:20 PM

where does it say you have "unlimited SMS messaging"? Or where on your statement or what? Just wondering how you know.

ray1b · 05-19-2004, 10:29 PM

If you log into MY PCS and click on current usage details, it will say Wireless Web Messages – Unlimited.

**Hte2w8** · 05-19-2004, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScrapMaker

where does it say you have "unlimited SMS messaging"? Or where on your statement or what? Just wondering how you know.

On my statement it also says Unlimited two way text messaging with a charge of 0.00...thats on each line.

chrome8teenz · 05-19-2004, 11:06 PM

maybe your a visual learner....

I have free unlimited messaging (grandfathered sms)

ScrapMaker · 05-19-2004, 11:20 PM

those wireless web messages are not sms... as I have been told. Those are shortmail messages or otherwise vision-related. When I check my account it says I have unlimited wireless web messages as well.

Here is an email from Sprint...

"Dear Steven,

I write with reference to our previous correspondence regarding PCS
two-way SMS Text Messages.

You are right that the PCS Wireless Web Messaging option is different
from PCS two-way SMS Text Messaging. As requested in previous
interaction, you can get this option with $5.00 and will have unlimited
access to these text messages. Here, airtime will be deducted as your
PCS Phone is Vision enabled. Please advise us.

I appreciate you for taking out your precious time for contacting
Sprint
eCare again."

and also...
"Thank you for writing back to us about the SMS
Messaging feature. We did have a promotion under which customers were
provide Unlimited SMS Text Messaging until February 29, 2004. I am sorry
that you did not receive this promotion. However, this promotion has
now ended and the Unlimited SMS Text Messaging is no longer offered
free."

I was also confused at the wireless web messaging...
I think that the web messaging is when you are noticed of something, or when you receive an AIM or something... not sure.

"The $10.00 Vision Pack will include Unlimited
Short Mail Messaging. However, it will only include 100 SMS Text
Messages. The same is also true for the $15.00 Vision Pictures Pack which you currently have on your account. Be assured that the only feature
that you will lose by signing up for the $10.00 Vision Pack is the $5.00
Premium Services Credit that you were entitled to receive each
month with the $15.00 option."

chrome8teenz · 05-19-2004, 11:29 PM

SMS is displayed as "wireless web messaging" on the account usage. shortmail is not availible on sms phones, not on the 5500 atleast.

Mr.KnowItAll · 05-19-2004, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrome8teenz

SMS is displayed as "wireless web messaging" on the account usage. shortmail is not availible on sms phones, not on the 5500 atleast.

yes it is

asdfasdfasdfasdf

ScrapMaker · 05-19-2004, 11:37 PM

do you know when you had to activate vision and/or your phone to supposedly have unlimited SMS?

04-28-2004, 10:12 AM	#1
FrequentFlyer Telegraph User Join Date: Jan 24, '04 Posts: 30 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts SU$: 10	Grandfather SMS - mass confusion We know this: SMS is grandfathered for vision plans that have not changed since a certain date. That date is a point of confusion. At one point Plik said it was April 1st. If you call 2 they say it is Feb 15. I suspect Plik is correct but it's troubling that 2 disagrees. I joined Sprint in late Feb and got four SMS capable phones. I asked for and received the $5 unlimited SMS code (thinking I was past the cutoff date for grandfathering). The SMS code was put on the main line and the belief of the rep was that it would pull across to the subs. Fast forward to now: I am definitely NOT being charged for SMS messages on any line so either (1) the grandfather is working or (2) the SMS code on the main line is pulling across to the subs. I spoke to someone at 2 about this and they now claim that the SMS code does not pull across to the subs but might have at some point. He said he could take the SMS code off (saving me $5/mo) and I probably* would still not be charged (due to grandfathering) but if I did start getting charged I'd have to put the $5 code on each line since any code available to him now does not pull across. Can anybody clarify this once and for all: * the exact cut off date for grandfathering * if you're after that date whether or not the SMS codes pulls across to the subs (and maybe exactly which codes to use) ? It would be great to add this to the FAQ since this seems to keep coming up.

04-28-2004, 11:56 AM	#2
Hte2w8 Cellular Phone User Join Date: Feb 17, '04 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,656 Phone: Treo 700 Trades: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts SU$: 862	I hate to add more confusion but I added vision on Sunday to two existing lines I had and, guess what...they get unl sms. I didnt ask for it, but its there. I have 5 lines total, all of them are receiving unl sms. I tend to think also, that it pulls across all lines like the N&W at 700pm. In any case, I am not complaining. The whole sms issue with sprint is confusing, and I'm not sure even sprint knows whats what. Oh..at one point I DID add the 5.00 sms to three of my lines, fearing I would be charged overages. That was in Feb. I removed one of the add-ons in late Feb, and the other two in March and it didnt change my unl sms. __________________ Welcome to Common Sense Island, population 1. Population subject to change. Why talk when you can text http://hte2w8.textamerica.com/?page=0

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