If you've read my other review of Sprint, you know that I'm not a fan of Sprint's customer service. I've actually lost track of the number of times that they've lied to me. Others have confirmed similar experiences with Sprint PCS to me. The foregoing notwithstanding, on the positive side, Sprint PCS does not require you to commit to a plan of any certain duration.

I have been on a plan that provided 1,000 minutes for $99.99 (or thereabouts!), plus 500 off peak minutes for an additional $4.95 (approximately--OK, I'm not sure about the exact amount of cents). This plan does not provide for included long distance, which adds 15 cents per minute to the call. You can also, at least one Sprint representative has told me, purchase multiple 500 minute off peak blocks. It is important to note, however, for those unfamiliar with how cellular works, that long distance on cellular phones refers to calls outside your particular cellular system.

Most of my calls are made within my cellular system, so the additional 500 minutes for approximately a penny a minute is a very worthwhile addition. A 1,000 minute plan for $99.99 which includes long distance is also available.

I have just discovered a new plan announced by Sprint PCS which provides for 2,000 minutes (1,000 anytime and 1,000 off peak minutes) for $75.00. They also offer 1,000 minutes with long distance included for the same monthly rate of %75.00. This plan started on March 10, 2000 and their announced offer ends on April 18, 2000, however, you can continue with at this rate as long as you keep the plan.

One thing about Sprint PCS (just one!!), is that they do find a way to put a minor rip off to you by their method of computing the changeover to a different plan. They have a convoluted method of using a fixed billing date and dividing the number of days into the number of minutes and charging you at the excess rate for the minutes used in the billing period during which you switch. From what I see, it always seems to work in their favor, however, even so, my monthly rate will still go down considerably.

Cellular prices have come a long way since my first cell phone! At that time, there were few options and the monthly rate was $45.00 just for the number and 45 cents per minute for peak time, 27.5 cents per minute for off peak time. At those rates this plan would cost approximately $870.00 per month, plus taxes, based upon full usage!

If the Sprint PCS coverage works for you, and you can tolerate the poor customer service (and I'm sure others have had poor customer service experiences with their carriers), this plan could represent a real bargain.

One final note, there are still areas where calls are frequently dropped, however, in general, the areas where I travel have good service.



Recommended: Yes