It's not perfect cellular... but it's getting better.
Written: Dec 28 '02 (Updated Apr 24 '04)
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Pros: Variety of service plans, free Sprint-to-Sprint calls, voice-prompted customer service
Cons: Dropped calls.
The Bottom Line: Sprints plans offer variety and their customer service is greatly improved. Their website offers added convenience. Check out Sprint when shopping for cellular service.
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| randfan's Full Review: Sprint Mobile Phone Service in Kansas City |
***This is an update to a review I wrote. Sprint has made changes in their service (and I have, hopefully, improved my review writing skills), and I wanted this review to reflect these changes.***
I've had a Sprint wireless plan for over seven years, and in that time, I've had four different rate plans. When selecting a plan with Sprint (and probably any wireless company), you really do have to read the fine print and ask lots of questions. Assume nothing! Sprint will have their "peak" and "off-peak" times, but these will vary from plan to plan. If you are switching from one plan to another, those times are likely to change and become less in your favor. Per minute prices vary from plan to plan as well. You can't always count on the Sprint rep to guide you with the fine details, so be prepared to ask questions to make sure you get a plan that meets your needs. Consider how you use your phone and when and then study the plans to get the best one for you.
Dropped calls have been a big problem with Sprint, and continue to be. I think this is probably an incurable problem with any cellular service given the number of factors that can interfere with wireless service. While this is always a pain in the neck, if you are conducting business and drop a call, it's embarrassing as well. (Thankfully, most people have a sense of humor and when I call back and apologize for the dropped call they'll sometimes ask, "You've got Sprint, don't you?")
Sprint's customer service used to be fairly awful, but I do think their new CEO has tightened up the ship and improved this area. They have an automated system with voice prompts that can solve most of your billing, plan and service questions. (They used to call this voice "Clare" but they have dropped that name. I kinda miss Clare.) When you drop a call, it's easy to get a credit to your bill by using the automated system. If you have a problem with your actual phone or a more complex issue, you will have to wait for a customer service specialist. The wait times used to be several minutes, sometimes 10 or more, but over the past year I have noticed an improvement in this area as well. The quality and training of the customer service representatives seems to have improved, as they are friendlier, more knowledgeable and inquire at the end of the call if there are any other issues they can help with. An example of the helpfulness of their service representatives was when I was shopping for a new plan, just checking to see if my plan still made sense for me. The Sprint rep went over my options and then correctly advised me to stick with the plan I currently have; it is superior in minutes offered, extra features, and price than new plans. Sprint would have made more money if I'd switched, but it was in my interest to keep my plan and I appreciated a service rep advising me to do what is best for me.
Sprint's website is a plus with this service. It is easy to navigate and has a lot of useful information. You can use it to pay your bills, check your minutes used, scope new plans, and check out products. It is very handy for paying bills electronically and payments post within 12 hours. My favorite feature is checking my minutes used and perusing plan options to make sure I'm on the best plan.
Free Sprint-to-Sprint calls is a great feature that I am really liking on my plan. It has saved me several hundred minutes a month as my husband and several siblings and friends have Sprint. If you talk frequently to Sprint users, this feature can be very cost-efficient for you. Also, Sprint bills are easy to read and detailed, and they don't charge extra for a detailed bill. Additionally, if you sign up with Spring PCS, you can get a good deal on long-distance service from your home. And Sprint's sound quality is wonderfully clear.
I think all cellular companies have issues, so I would advise caution when looking at any of them. Make sure the plan you want has the features you want and is affordable. Check out Sprint and their features and plans...you'll be glad you did.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 80.00
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randfan
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Location: The Beautiful MidWest
Reviews written: 143
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Business calls and will be in and out for a while!
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