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Cellular Phone Forum / Providers / Sprint PCS / November 2005Phone As A Modem - UPDATE
Fresh from the latest Sprint brochure, dated 11/05: <quote> Phone-As-Modem Data Pricing Perfect for people who use their Sprint PCS phone as a modem. 40MB - $25/mo. (capped at $70) - Includes Sprint PCS Vision Ultimate Pack - Unlimited usage for the first month (after one month, use the MB in your plan) - Additional data usage $0.001 per KB - One-year subscriber agreement required. - Requires a voice plan Unless Phone-As-Modem Data Pricing is selected, customers using a Sprint PCS phone as a modem will be charged $0.02 per kilobyte for data usage. <unquote> Notan > Fresh from the latest Sprint brochure, dated 11/05: > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > using a Sprint PCS phone as a modem will be charged $0.02 > per kilobyte for data usage. Interesting. Is this both regular Vision and Power Vision? Also, so unless you have a "Phone-as-Modem" plan (which, I suppose, means you have "regular" Vision/Power Vision), you're going to be charged at 2 cents per KB. Otherwise, it's .01 cent per KB. And in either case, it's capped at $70, so if you're bittorrenting multi-gigabyte Linux ISOs or MP3s or whatever -- whichever plan you're on, you're going to cap out at $70 max. Right? Thank you, Notan, for keeping tabs on this.  Signatureda ~~ > > Fresh from the latest Sprint brochure, dated 11/05: > > [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > > Thank you, Notan, for keeping tabs on this. Glad to help! According to the brochure, the Sprint PCS Vision Ultimate Pack is $20/mo. It includes everything that Vision has to offer... Phone Web, Picture Mail, and unlimited Video and Audio options. If you've already got the Ultimate Pack, the 40MB Data plan will only cost an additional $5/mo, assuming you don't go over 40MB. Not bad! I'm interpreting the $70 cap as only applying to the 40MB Data plan. In other words, if you don't subscribe, and pay $0.02 per KB, there is no cap. Notan > If you've already got the Ultimate Pack, the 40MB Data plan will only cost > an additional $5/mo, assuming you don't go over 40MB. Not bad! It does look that way, and I'm definitely willing to pay $60/year to be 'officially' allowed use of the phone as a modem with a ...relatively... reasonable data cap. Anyone know when Sprint will start charging for casual use? (I'm one of those people who will, while traveling, tether my phone to check e-mail or whatever, but will then go months at a time without tethering at all.) It seems as though they would have to send out contract addendums or somesuch before they could start charging for this. > Anyone know when Sprint will start charging for casual use? (I'm one > of those people who will, while traveling, tether my phone to check > e-mail or whatever, but will then go months at a time without > tethering at all.) I do *exactly* the same thing as you. > It seems as though they would have to send out > contract addendums or somesuch before they could start charging for > this. It would be nice if they could accomodate us reasonably with definite statements and plans wrt both plain-jane Vision and Power Vision. If it's reasonable, we take it. If not, we move elsewhere or make do without tethered Vision. These days, I mostly have access while traveling to WiFi or ethernet anyway. And I have a dial-up backup in case of emergency. I recently went to visit a friend. He doesn't currently have broadband access, but he offered me his phone lines. When I hooked up my Sanyo to my laptop and started emailing and web surfing, his draw dropped in stunned amazement. :) It's cool, but I could easily live without it. It *is* nice to have on those rare occasions I'm on the road. But if it's like their "we'll charge $2.50 a song, and our users will pay up even though iTunes charges 99 cents", then forget it. Convenience is one thing, rip-offs are another. Anyway, I'm not worried -- even if they do charge through the wazoo for tethered Vision/Power Vision, someboy will undercut them. We may be stuck with ridiculousness (if we stick with Sprint) for a year or two, but there are just too many factors (WiFi hotspots, WiMax upcoming, and in general broadband ubiquity) that tell us to keep our powder dry. Yeah, Sprint mandated disabling #777 on the newer Sanyo phones. Yawn. They're shooting themselves in the foot. It's going to be an interesting ride the next three years. We'll see where it goes. :) Signatureda ~~ ditto. I only use my phone when I'm at my fishing trailer (unfortunately not too often). I probably haven't used it over 1-2 hours over a year's time. I don't want to pay very much for this very casual use. Joel Kolstad wrote: > Anyone know when Sprint will start charging for casual use? (I'm one > of those people who will, while traveling, tether my phone to check > e-mail or whatever, but will then go months at a time without > tethering at all.) I do *exactly* the same thing as you. > It seems as though they would have to send out > contract addendums or somesuch before they could start charging for > this. It would be nice if they could accomodate us reasonably with definite statements and plans wrt both plain-jane Vision and Power Vision. If it's reasonable, we take it. If not, we move elsewhere or make do without tethered Vision. These days, I mostly have access while traveling to WiFi or ethernet anyway. And I have a dial-up backup in case of emergency. I recently went to visit a friend. He doesn't currently have broadband access, but he offered me his phone lines. When I hooked up my Sanyo to my laptop and started emailing and web surfing, his draw dropped in stunned amazement. :) It's cool, but I could easily live without it. It *is* nice to have on those rare occasions I'm on the road. But if it's like their "we'll charge $2.50 a song, and our users will pay up even though iTunes charges 99 cents", then forget it. Convenience is one thing, rip-offs are another. Anyway, I'm not worried -- even if they do charge through the wazoo for tethered Vision/Power Vision, someboy will undercut them. We may be stuck with ridiculousness (if we stick with Sprint) for a year or two, but there are just too many factors (WiFi hotspots, WiMax upcoming, and in general broadband ubiquity) that tell us to keep our powder dry. Yeah, Sprint mandated disabling #777 on the newer Sanyo phones. Yawn. They're shooting themselves in the foot. It's going to be an interesting ride the next three years. We'll see where it goes. :) Signatureda ~~ >It would be nice if they could accomodate us reasonably with definite >statements and plans wrt both plain-jane Vision and Power Vision. If >it's reasonable, we take it. If not, we move elsewhere or make do >without tethered Vision. These days, I mostly have access while >traveling to WiFi or ethernet anyway. And I have a dial-up backup in >case of emergency. I've been griping about this very thing here in the newsgroup for quite some time. At this point, it seems that none of the other wireless carriers are offering anything better. There apparently is no incentive to accomodate casual users, even thought there seem to be a number of us out there. I've been purposely looking for hotels with Internet access. These are very easy to find with reasonable rates. WiFi in the airports is still a little pricey. >But if it's like their "we'll charge $2.50 a song, and our users will >pay up even though iTunes charges 99 cents", then forget it. >Convenience is one thing, rip-offs are another. I find for the most part Sprint's entire line of ringers, games, tunes, etc. to be priced in the rip-off range. But apparently, people are buying at these prices. There must be lots of disposable income out there. On the data side, many companies pay for the data plans, but mine won't. >Anyway, I'm not worried -- even if they do charge through the wazoo for >tethered Vision/Power Vision, someboy will undercut them. We may be >stuck with ridiculousness (if we stick with Sprint) for a year or two, >but there are just too many factors (WiFi hotspots, WiMax upcoming, and >in general broadband ubiquity) that tell us to keep our powder dry. I've been thinking the same thing for about a year now, but we continue to be stuck with ridiculousness and schizophrenia on Sprint's part regarding laptop tethering. On one hand, Sprint offers data plans for laptop tethering, while on the other hand Sprint tells Sanyo to disable the modem function in Sanyo phones. The marketing side of Sprint just boggles the mind. It's a shame that Sprint's technology is being sabotaged by the marketing and CS sides of the business. I'm quite a bit more pessimistic than you. I don't see Sprint doing anything to help causual data users. Apparently Power Vision is now available in my area. I got an invite to visit the Sprint store which is about a mile away and buy Power Vision. The offer is for $20/month for the Power Vision Plus Pack and a $150 rebate on a Samsung A940 + 2 year agreement. Looks like this is only for new customers though... Joe Huber huber.joseph@comcast.net >>Anyway, I'm not worried -- even if they do charge through the wazoo for >>tethered Vision/Power Vision, someboy will undercut them. We may be [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >business. I'm quite a bit more pessimistic than you. I don't see >Sprint doing anything to help causual data users. It shouldn't be much longer now. I believe they're trying to officially roll out the tethering options in time for the Christmas buying season. Whether they'll meet your needs, as well as everyone else's, remains to be seen, but progress in this area shouldn't be far off. Fingers crossed, I hope it's not disappointing. SignaturePaul Miner >>It would be nice if they could accomodate us reasonably with definite >>statements and plans wrt both plain-jane Vision and Power Vision. If [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > I've been griping about this very thing here in the newsgroup for > quite some time. Righttttttttt.. Like complaining in a newsgroup is going to make a difference to a large corporation. Since SPCS first introduced Vision, they haven't officially supported teathered use. It's been said that they would recently here, in this newsgroup. > At this point, it seems that none of the other > wireless carriers are offering anything better. There apparently is > no incentive to accomodate casual users, even thought there seem to be > a number of us out there. Say what? Have you been hit with any additional $0.01/Kb changes on your bill on that casual use yet? It appears that they have accommodated quite a few of us casual users, who don't try to replace our regular ISP service with Vision and tethered phones. > I've been purposely looking for hotels with > Internet access. These are very easy to find with reasonable rates. > WiFi in the airports is still a little pricey. >>But if it's like their "we'll charge $2.50 a song, and our users will >>pay up even though iTunes charges 99 cents", then forget it. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > income out there. On the data side, many companies pay for the data > plans, but mine won't. So bitch at your company ... As for the cost of ringers, songs and games, SPCS has made deals with those artists and do something that these fly by night websites don't have to do .... to pay royalties to the originating artist, program designer etc. No one is making you buy those products. Hell, I think the price on import sports cars are a rip off.. Quite a few folks out there don't think so, as they have spent the bucks to get them. It's all in the eye of the beholder and the fat wallets. >>Anyway, I'm not worried -- even if they do charge through the wazoo for >>tethered Vision/Power Vision, someboy will undercut them. We may be >>stuck with ridiculousness (if we stick with Sprint) for a year or two, >>but there are just too many factors (WiFi hotspots, WiMax upcoming, and >>in general broadband ubiquity) that tell us to keep our powder dry. Keep your powder dry? What's that suppose to mean? That you will not subscribe and pay for tethered use in the future? As for other wireless products currently available out there, they are not even accessable through tethered USB cable use. It is available through a pcmcia card. > I've been thinking the same thing for about a year now, but we > continue to be stuck with ridiculousness and schizophrenia on Sprint's > part regarding laptop tethering. Joe, you are starting to sound schizoprentic right now with your rants. As mentioned above, SPCS has never officially supported tethered use in the past and supposedly will in the upcoming months. In the time inbetween, again ... I ask, have you been charged additional fees for your casual usage? > On one hand, Sprint offers data > plans for laptop tethering, while on the other hand Sprint tells [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > business. I'm quite a bit more pessimistic than you. I don't see > Sprint doing anything to help causual data users. So, you want it free (included in the $20 Vision option monthly fee), once SPCS refines their billing process to start charging for casual tethered usage? Is that what you are saying? > Apparently Power Vision is now available in my area. I got an invite > to visit the Sprint store which is about a mile away and buy Power > Vision. The offer is for $20/month for the Power Vision Plus Pack and > a $150 rebate on a Samsung A940 + 2 year agreement. Looks like this > is only for new customers though... That option isn't available going through their rebate program? Bob >Righttttttttt.. Like complaining in a newsgroup is going to make a >difference to a large corporation. If it makes you feel any better, I've complained in a polite manner directly to Sprint as well. >Since SPCS first introduced Vision, they haven't officially supported teathered use. I believe that you are wrong on this point. When Vision first came out, wasn't tethering allowed by the early versions of the Vision terms and conditions? In any case, Sprint actively sold laptop connection kits for some Vision phones for a time. >Say what? Have you been hit with any additional $0.01/Kb changes on your >bill on that casual use yet? It appears that they have accommodated quite a >few of us casual users. Not so far. However, I would like to be accomodated, for a reasonable price, in a way that does not potentially put me in the position of having my account terminated at the whim of Sprint. >So bitch at your company. Although it is tempting to do so, discretion is the better part of valor when it comes to one's primary source of income. I have asked politely though... > As for the cost of ringers, songs and games, >SPCS has made deals with those artists and do something that these fly by >night websites don't have to do .... to pay royalties to the originating >artist, program designer etc. No one is making you buy those products. I don't buy them. If they were priced more reasonably, I would. >So, you want it free (included in the $20 Vision option monthly fee), once >SPCS refines their billing process to start charging for casual tethered >usage? Is that what you are saying? I think *casual* tethering (i.e. web browsing, checking email, VPN) should be included with any Vision/Power Vision plan that costs $15/month or higher. Data is data. Why should it matter whether it is being consumed/generated by the phone or by my computer? The little Power Vision flyer I received is touting live full motion TV with high quality sound, tunes, using the phone's camera to shoot video with sound and sharing it via Power Vision, web surfing, email, and instant messaging. Casual tethering isn't going to hog the kind of bandwidth that the above things will, so why should we have to pay extra for casual tethering? >> Apparently Power Vision is now available in my area. I got an invite >> to visit the Sprint store which is about a mile away and buy Power >> Vision. The offer is for $20/month for the Power Vision Plus Pack and >> a $150 rebate on a Samsung A940 + 2 year agreement. Looks like this >> is only for new customers though... >That option isn't available going through their rebate program? I don't know. The little flyer says that new line activation is required. I haven't really looked into PowerVision, since none of the present EVDO phones support analog. Since I need analog when I travel to the boonies, and Sprint/CDMA has no provision for conveniently switching phones, I really can't switch to EVDO at the moment. I forgot to mention that the $20/month EVDO plan includes unlimited web access, unlimited picture and video mail, Sprint TV Basic, and Sirius Hits. Remove the TV, or Sirius (or both for that matter) and add unlimited casual tethering, and that would be a nice plan. Joe Huber huber.joseph@comcast.net >>Righttttttttt.. Like complaining in a newsgroup is going to make a >>difference to a large corporation. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > terms and conditions? In any case, Sprint actively sold laptop > connection kits for some Vision phones for a time. They did sell USB cables for awhile (maybe a couple of months), until they realized they had opened a pandora's box, to where users might cancel their regular ISP service, and use Vision as their full time provider and taking a lot of bandwidth away from the voice side of the business. They then came in with the new legalese, to where they said they would not support teathered usage, and change $0.01 /kb incoming and outgoing on data. So far (knocking on wood here), I haven't been hit for any of those additional charges, but then ... I don't access the web via teathered use much any more, and when I did, it was for a period of 15 to 20 minutes at a time max. >>Say what? Have you been hit with any additional $0.01/Kb changes on your >>bill on that casual use yet? It appears that they have accommodated quite [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > price, in a way that does not potentially put me in the position of > having my account terminated at the whim of Sprint. So what do you determine is a reasonable prise for casual usage? Amount of data up and downloaded ... time on line on a daily basis? >>So bitch at your company. > > Although it is tempting to do so, discretion is the better part of > valor when it comes to one's primary source of income. I have asked > politely though... Ask again, if you feel the need is there, outside of those other sources you've mentioned at the airports & hotels, for doing business on the road. On a business plan, it's only $60/mo. now, and SPCS's site is showing a free PCMCIA card as well. Details are @ http://tinyurl.com/7btmw >> As for the cost of ringers, songs and games, >>SPCS has made deals with those artists and do something that these fly by [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > of bandwidth that the above things will, so why should we have to pay > extra for casual tethering? I received that same flyer with my most recent bill. The services offered in that brochure are for phone usage. I did not see word one for tethered usage. Again, how do you define casual usage, before additional data charges are applied? A certain amount of minutes on line during the data, a certain amount of data up and downloaded? >>> Apparently Power Vision is now available in my area. I got an invite >>> to visit the Sprint store which is about a mile away and buy Power [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > Joe Huber > huber.joseph@comcast.net Joe, you and I know that the those users who tether up now, will not only use the services quoted in your above paragraph, but will tether up as well with the new service. Bob On Sun, 20 Nov 2005 14:07:55 GMT, "Bob Smith" wrote >["Joseph Huber" <huber.joseph@comcast.net> wrote:] >I received that same flyer with my most recent bill. The services offered in >that brochure are for phone usage. I did not see word one for tethered >usage. Again, how do you define casual usage, before additional data charges >are applied? A certain amount of minutes on line during the data, a certain >amount of data up and downloaded? I would assume that Sprint has estimated how much Vision data the average Vision/Power Vision user will consume in one month, and has based the Vision pricing (i.e. the $20 monthly fee for the Power Vision Plus Pack) accordingly. My suggestion is to let me use this monthly amount of data how I want to use it. If I want blow it all watching Sprint TV Basic, then let me do that. If I want to blow it all on tethering my laptop, then let me do that. Data is data. My basic complaint with Vision pricing is that Sprint is using what I consider to be a "stick-it-to-the-businessperson" pricing model. For example, I have a three-hour layover at MSP and I want to tether my laptop to do some work. To not violate the TOS, I should be buying some kind of add-on data plan to cover this. The guy sitting next to me can be listening to Sirius Hits or watching Sprint TV on his phone, conceivably consuming much more bandwidth than me (who will be sending emails, web browsing, and maybe some VPN). His data usage is covered by the monthly plan, while mine isn't. It makes no technical sense to distinguish between data used for entertainment and data used for business, especially when, with a Power Vision phone, the entertainment data consumed by the phone could likely be using more bandwidth than the business data consumed by my tethered laptop. >Joe, you and I know that the those users who tether up now, will not only >use the services quoted in your above paragraph, but will tether up as well >with the new service. They might tether, unless it costs an arm + leg, and if Sprint doesn't disable the modem function in the Power Vision phones. It would be interesting to know what kind of bandwidth the full motion TV and Sirius unes take. I can only imagine a teeny-bopper using the phone to watch TV and listen to tunes for several hours a day. "Unlimited" Power Vision may have an inherent Pandora's box that will make the bandwith abuse of early Vision pale in comparison. Joe Huber huber.joseph@comcast.net <snipped> > My basic complaint with Vision pricing is that Sprint is using what I > consider to be a "stick-it-to-the-businessperson" pricing model. For [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > entertainment data consumed by the phone could likely be using more > bandwidth than the business data consumed by my tethered laptop. Sure the other guy is covered and you may or may not be covered, as long as you have a Vision option on your plan. Per your prior posts though, your example of using MSP doesn't work. Didn't you say two messages ago that you would use more affordable Wi-Fi sources at airports and hotels? >>Joe, you and I know that the those users who tether up now, will not only >>use the services quoted in your above paragraph, but will tether up as [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Joe Huber > huber.joseph@comcast.net All we know of is one or two Sanyo phone models (pre-Power Vision) which don't have the capability of tethering, and even those models might be fixed with a firmware upgrade. As for PV, SPCS has already said they will do tethering plans, haven't they? As for that teeny booper you mention above, it ain't gonna be all day, as the battery will quit on it. Bob >Sure the other guy is covered and you may or may not be covered, as long as >you have a Vision option on your plan. Per your prior posts though, your >example of using MSP doesn't work. Didn't you say two messages ago that you >would use more affordable Wi-Fi sources at airports and hotels? The key there is "more affordable". If tethering were to be included in the $20/month Sprint Power Vision Plus package, then using Wi-Fi likely wouldn't be more economical than Power Vision. If I have to add some more $$ for for a tethering pack, Wi-Fi may be the more economical choice. Also, Wi-Fi is much faster than Vision; the speed difference won't be as noticeable with Power Vision (hopefully). Joe Huber huber.joseph@comcast.net > "Joseph Huber" <huber.joseph@comcast.net> wrote in message >> I've been griping about this very thing here in the newsgroup for >> quite some time. > > Righttttttttt.. Like complaining in a newsgroup is going to make a > difference to a large corporation. So what? If there's a backlash due to cracking down on extremely casual tethered usage, and enough people migrate to another carrier, Sprint will know (they certainly ask why you are canceling). I don't see a crackdown coming however (see below), or at least I hope not. > Since SPCS first introduced > Vision, they haven't officially supported teathered use. Wrooooooong. I bought an official brandy-new connection kit for my Sanyo 4900 when Vision was launched. Not only was it supported, I was told to go ahead and use it as much as possible, as there would be no metering for the first month or two (the original Vision plan gave something like 2 MB per month). It wasn't till several months later, perhaps when/if SPCS realized that they couldn't properly meter Vision usage or tell the difference between handset data and tethered data (or both) that they changed their tune and recalled all of the connection kits. > It's been > said that they would recently here, in this newsgroup. Bob, that would be the topic of this updated thread. >> At this point, it seems that none of the other >> wireless carriers are offering anything better. There apparently is [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > accommodated quite a few of us casual users, who don't try to replace > our regular ISP service with Vision and tethered phones. The discussion is about what might come in the future, not what has happened in the past; nor what is currently happening now. It's possible SPCS will indeed crack down on tethered usage once the new plans are in full swing. The issue is, is the additional per-month charge for a tethered option going to be worth it, if you only use it every few months or so? There might also be a concern about what will happen if and when you do tether, and you don't have the tethered option. Right now it seems you will be charged $0.01 per kB (at least that's what one part of the Website states now). One must compare this potential charge--assuming you are allowed to do this and are not forced onto a tethered plan--to the additional monthly cost of the tethered option. I'm also not sure Notan's brochure is correct, or at least is consistent with the Website. Sprint's Website has been updated to include the Phone as Modem plan. But it seems to indicate that once you go with that plan--indeed it literally states you must have that plan if you have a connection kit or "device" capable of being used as a modem--that you no longer have unlimited Vision. One might take that to mean on the handset too: www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-HandsetAsModem.html Also, Notan quoted the brochure as stating the Phone as Modem Pack includes the Vision Ultimate Pack. But the Vision Ultimate Pack and Phone as Modem Pack are both priced at $25. I'm guessing there's a difference. To me, and I might be wrong, this means that you can utilize Vision Ultimate Pack features with a Phone as Modem Pack. But your data--tethered or not--is capped at 40 MB (above that is by the KB). So my take is that Sprint are *not* really updating their system to track tethered Vs. phone data. Instead they are just treating data as data, as they always have (and they have been able to meter it for some time now). But now they (might? will?) insist on a Phone as Modem Pack if your phone is modem capable (either by buying a connection kit, or the phone has built-in Bluetooth). For all I know the new connection kits may be the only way to tether, say, with the newer Sanyo phones (assuming that is even possible). Will they force people who already have Bluetooth phones onto the Phone as Modem Pack plan? Will they kill-off the grandfathered Vision plans that some of us have if we happen to own a Bluetooth phone? Time will tell. But these are valid concerns, and worthy of discussion. It would appear that times are indeed a-changin'. >> I find for the most part Sprint's entire line of ringers, games, >> tunes, etc. to be priced in the rip-off range. But apparently, [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > these fly by night websites don't have to do .... to pay royalties to > the originating artist, program designer etc. It's well known that ringers are a high-profit item. Just how much in royalties do you think the copyright owner (who may or may not be the "artist") gets for a 15-second midi rendition that sells for $2.50? (Meanwhile entire songs are sold online for a buck each.) > No one is making you > buy those products. Of course not. But IMO ringer downloads et al are still in the honeymoon period. We won't know till the dust settles, and people actually stop and think about what they are "buying" that we can get a good handle on the market. Further, with family plans practically the norm, and with many kids having the ability to download content using their parents' accounts, we don't know if there will be a crackdown in that area. This just happened to my BIL: he hadn't been paying attention to the $5-$8 fluctuation on his monthly bills. When he realized it was for ringers his kids had been downloading, it was game-over for ringer purchases in that family. >>> Anyway, I'm not worried -- even if they do charge through the wazoo >>> for tethered Vision/Power Vision, someboy will undercut them. We [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Keep your powder dry? What's that suppose to mean? That you will not > subscribe and pay for tethered use in the future? Jeez, it's just a common expression that used to be used by soldiers and hunters--mainly applying to black powder. Today it just means to be prepared for anything that might happen. Considering we don't know what Sprint will actually do, the statement was appropriate. >> I've been thinking the same thing for about a year now, but we >> continue to be stuck with ridiculousness and schizophrenia on [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > rants. As mentioned above, SPCS has never officially supported > tethered use in the past And you are wrong about that. > and supposedly will in the upcoming months. Hence this thread. > In the time inbetween, again ... I ask, have you been charged > additional fees for your casual usage? Why aren't you comprehending that the discussion is about the future and not the past? >> On one hand, Sprint offers data >> plans for laptop tethering, while on the other hand Sprint tells [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > once SPCS refines their billing process to start charging for casual > tethered usage? Is that what you are saying? That's nothing like what I read into what he was saying. How is the casual tethered user even going to use it with recent Sanyo phones, if tethering ability doesn't even exist in the phone? You don't find it odd that Sprint has demanded Sanyo disable tethering ability, while at the same time formulating plans to do just that? While there has been no indication that the crippling can be "undone," I suppose those new connection kits might be designed for that (for some reason, I can't imagine Sprint thinking that logically). In addition, if Sprint is not going to overlay Power Vision (EV-DO) *everywhere* Vision exists--as has been reported here--I believe it will come back and bite them. Indeed if I find out, once the roll-out is complete, that there are gaping holes in EV-DO coverage Vs. 1xRTT I myself might be look for a carrier that offers (true) high-speed data in more locations than Sprint. As usual, YMMV. SignatureMike >> "Joseph Huber" <huber.joseph@comcast.net> wrote in message >>> I've been griping about this very thing here in the newsgroup for [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > know (they certainly ask why you are canceling). I don't see a crackdown > coming however (see below), or at least I hope not. There hasn't been a big backlash by SPCS for casual usage, as we and others haven't been hit for any additional fees, as of yet (again ... knocking on wood here). :). >> Since SPCS first introduced >> Vision, they haven't officially supported teathered use. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > the first month or two (the original Vision plan gave something like 2 MB > per month). I stand corrected, that they did, when they introduced the 4900, as that was the very first phone released that was Vision capable. The prior phones issued were only WW capable, and SPCS did support WW, as time on line was charged off of the user's anytime minutes. The Sanyo 5300 came out 2 or 3 months after the 4900, and I bought it a week or two after it was available and at that time, no cables were available and SPCS store staff said that tethered use was doable, but that SPCS would not support it, and CS would not provide any advice on that usage. > It wasn't till several months later, perhaps when/if SPCS realized that > they couldn't properly meter Vision usage or tell the difference between > handset data and tethered data (or both) that they changed their tune and > recalled all of the connection kits. My point exactly. They stopped supporting tethered Vision usage, and added the new legalese to the TOS. >> It's been >> said that they would recently here, in this newsgroup. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > The discussion is about what might come in the future, not what has > happened in the past; nor what is currently happening now. Actually, it's both. Do you see Power Vision listed in the subject line? I don't ... Joe brought up his prior experiences of regular tethered Vision casual usage. > It's possible SPCS will indeed crack down on tethered usage once the new > plans are in full swing. The issue is, is the additional per-month charge [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > too: > www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-HandsetAsModem.html I hadn't seen that web page previously. It's a bit confusing, per the text listed below. (1) "Sprint Power VisionSM is available only while on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network." (2) Sprint PCS Vision Packs and Sprint Power VisionSM Packs are not available with Sprint PCS Connection CardsT, Sprint PCS Connection KitsT or other devices that can be used as a modem" (3) Customers with a Sprint PCS VisionSM phone or a Sprint Power VisionSM phone will be charged $0.01 per kilobyte for Sprint PCS VisionSM or Sprint Power VisionSM usage unless a Sprint PCS VisionSM Pack or Sprint Power VisionSM Pack is selected." The second paragraph makes no sense as Vision packs are not available when using a connection card or connection kits (i.e.: USB cables) to be used as a modem. The third paragraph then says that users with capable phones will be charged $0.01/kb, unless they do have a Vision pack on their account. As it sounds now with the bottom paragraph, it sounds like casual usage is authorized. > Also, Notan quoted the brochure as stating the Phone as Modem Pack > includes the Vision Ultimate Pack. But the Vision Ultimate Pack and Phone [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Modem Pack plan? Will they kill-off the grandfathered Vision plans that > some of us have if we happen to own a Bluetooth phone? Time will tell. Well, there is only one or two "bluetooth" phones that can be configured to be used to connect to the laptop to get on line. The rest of the "bluetooth" phones are only capable of using a handsfree wireless headset. > But these are valid concerns, and worthy of discussion. It would appear > that times are indeed a-changin'. [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > "artist") gets for a 15-second midi rendition that sells for $2.50? > (Meanwhile entire songs are sold online for a buck each.) I have no clue, as I'm not involved in those negotiations ... :). >> No one is making you >> buy those products. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > kids had been downloading, it was game-over for ringer purchases in that > family. I have, what with my 20 yr. old daugher and when I get my monthly bill ... As we have the full Vision ($15/mo on primary & $5 for other phones on the account), we get the $5 monthly credit. She still exceeds that monthly credit every other month or so on apps and rings. >>>> Anyway, I'm not worried -- even if they do charge through the wazoo >>>> for tethered Vision/Power Vision, someboy will undercut them. We [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > prepared for anything that might happen. Considering we don't know what > Sprint will actually do, the statement was appropriate. Hey, I watch the History Channel too, and I'm the "so-called expert" on history questions that come up on the NTN system at my local watering hole ... lol. I know what it meant ... I just didn't think that particular phrase was all that applicable to what he was trying to say. "Wait & See", "Sitting on the sidelines" might have been more appropriate ... :) >>> I've been thinking the same thing for about a year now, but we >>> continue to be stuck with ridiculousness and schizophrenia on [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Why aren't you comprehending that the discussion is about the future and > not the past? Again, I point out to you that Joe was talking about the past in this thread. >>> On one hand, Sprint offers data >>> plans for laptop tethering, while on the other hand Sprint tells [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > > As usual, YMMV. Oh, you can expect holes in coverage, as there are now with voice and vision usage in certain areas within current coverage areas. Deep inside bldgs, high in tall skyscrapers, and in fringe coverage areas. Mind you though, those instances don't seem to showing up as much, as we've had far less of those complaints in this newsgroup from prior years at least for voice calls. I don't believe I've seen too many complaints on data connections, but then again, how many users here have data connection options (i.e.: connection cards) on their plans. Bob >>> "Joseph Huber" <huber.joseph@comcast.net> wrote in message <snip> >>> Since SPCS first introduced >>> Vision, they haven't officially supported teathered use. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I stand corrected, that they did, when they introduced the 4900, as > that was the very first phone released that was Vision capable. Yep, and I had it before the official Vision launch (but not the connection kit). >>> Say what? Have you been hit with any additional $0.01/Kb changes on >>> your bill on that casual use yet? It appears that they have [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Actually, it's both. Do you see Power Vision listed in the subject > line? No, but the only way that I am able to even see the Phone as Modem plan--at Sprint's Website--is by "shopping" and then choosing an EV-DO compatible device. > Joe brought up his prior experiences of regular > tethered Vision casual usage. I know; as have others. But, in my case, I'm wondering about the future--not the past. >> I'm also not sure Notan's brochure is correct, or at least is >> consistent with the Website. Sprint's Website has been updated to [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > I hadn't seen that web page previously. It's a bit confusing, Sprint's entire Website is confusing. I'm beginning to wonder if it's run by a 6-year-old with ADHD. The only way I was able to get to the above page was *after* starting a new order (not on my account). I then *had* to add one of the (two?) EV-DO phones to my shopping cart. It didn't matter that I gave my location, bogusly, as Barstow, CA--which has no Power Vision coverage (nor planned, according to the map)--my only option was to choose a Power Vision plan. These are the four pop-ups associated with the Power Vision Packs: Power Vision Ultimate Pack ($25): www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-PowerVisionUltimate.html Power Vision Plus Pack ($20): www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-PowerVisionPlus.html Power Vision Access Pack ($15): www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-PowerVisionAccess.html Sprint Phone as Modem Pack ($25): www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-HandsetAsModem.html If I choose a non-EV-DO phone (but still a Vision phone--and I *must* empty my shopping cart first, if I had previously added an EV-DO phone), I get the following choices instead: Sprint PCS Vision Plus Pack ($15): www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-VisionPlus.html Sprint PCS Vision Access Pack ($10): www.sprintpcs.com/common/popups/pop-VisionAccess.html All of the above choices are offered regardless of the plan type I choose. And please note that even the above (non-Power) Vision pop-ups contain this disclaimer: "Sprint PCS Vision Packs are not available with Sprint PCS Connection Cards, Sprint PCS Connection Kits or other devices that can be used as a modem." The Power Vision Packs contain a nearly exact disclaimer, with the term PCS replaced by Power: "Sprint Power Vision Packs are not available with Sprint PCS Connection Cards, Sprint PCS Connection Kits or other devices that can be used as a modem." >> Also, Notan quoted the brochure as stating the Phone as Modem Pack >> includes the Vision Ultimate Pack. But the Vision Ultimate Pack and [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > rest of the "bluetooth" phones are only capable of using a handsfree > wireless headset. What "rest of the Bluetooth" phones? I'm aware of the LG PM-325 (DUN enabled), the Treo 650 (DUN enabled), and the Sony Ericsson T608 (DUN enabled too). What are the others (that aren't DUN enabled, and are Vision phones)? And, technically, all of my phones, not just my Treo 650, "can be used as a modem." (Besides connection cards, which are explicitly mentioned, what other "devices" can be used as modems?) >>> In the time inbetween, again ... I ask, have you been charged >>> additional fees for your casual usage? [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Again, I point out to you that Joe was talking about the past in this > thread. I think most of us casual "tetherers" are well-aware of the past. It's the future that, in my case, has me wondering--and I suspect you too, Bob. There are clear indicators that the past is not a good indicator of the future. We can't be sure, but the past is still the past. My concern is not so much about paying $5-$10 for 500 KB of data every few months; if that. I'm concerned about the aforementioned Sprint disclaimers, and what that means to my Vision plan in general. I also just bought a Treo 650, which according to Sprint's Website (at least at this moment), cannot utilize Vision at all with because it can be used as a modem. I'm also concerned that the modem plan might cap your data, tethered or on-phone, at 40 MB per month (charging extra for overage). It seems odd that you can buy a $20 unlimited Power Vision plan, stream TV/audio to your heart's content and not get charged a dime extra (for now). OTOH, Sprint has a history of allowing old plans to continue without change. But even if they do that now--and I suspect they will--I am still concerned that the ride will be over when I need to buy a new handset (when Power Vision phones are the only options, should you want a data-capable phone). >> In addition, if Sprint is not going to overlay Power Vision (EV-DO) >> *everywhere* Vision exists--as has been reported here--I believe it [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > vision usage in certain areas within current coverage areas. Deep > inside bldgs, high in tall skyscrapers, and in fringe coverage areas. Naturally, I would expect those kinds of gaps. But what I was referring to was the report that Sprint will not be upgrading EV-DO to the same degree they upgraded to 1xRTT. While I've only read that here, it came from Paul Miner, whose info IMO is generally reliable. In the New Coverage Maps thread he wrote: "This all comes about and only becomes an issue because EV-DO is not planned to be a complete overlay to 1xRTT. It's currently being rolled out to cover selected (and large) US airports, followed by selected metro business districts, and finally selected metro residential areas. When EV-DO rollout is complete, there will be substantial areas where EV-DO (and therefore the benefits of Power Vision) will not be available." I take that to mean that even after the EV-DO rollout is complete, it won't cover all the 1xRTT areas. This is supported by the fact that the coverage maps show HUGE gaps in EV-DO coverage compared to 1xRTT. And the "Future Sprint Power Vision Coverage Area" sections are miniscule, at best. If the above is true, and I find out that the areas--areas that I travel to--not covered via EV-DO by Sprint are covered by another high-speed carrier, it might cause me to switch. I'm already not happy with what I see--or rather don't see--on the coverage maps. I guess I agree that Sprint is acting schizophrenically (or they have a MPD). What about the interstates? You pull over to use Power Vision and find out??? It doesn't work? Works at a snail's pace? And not everyone is the driver--no doubt passengers will be using phones. Perhaps they won't like that live TV via Power Vision evaporates at the city-limit--or degrades to a slideshow. All at a time when high-speed cellular services are being noticed by more than just techno-nerds. As I write this, a talking head on Fox News is touting the new Razr-like Samsung IP-A790 Power Vision phone (now listed on Sprint's Website). He's claiming Power Vision is the best "3G" network in the USA. And the guy is from some men's style Website, not a Sprint or Samsung rep. On one hand Sprint's Website touts Power Vision as if it's Vision's replacement: it's all I see when I enter the site (I can't even find the "old" Vision stuff). But then their coverage maps clearly show it's not even close to a replacement for Vision. One of the things I liked about the upgrade to 1xRTT was that it was pretty much going to be everywhere (and it was rolled out, after officially launched, broadly). Had Sprint rolled out Vision as they appear to be rolling out Power Vision, I probably wouldn't be with them today. As usual, IMHO, YMMV, etc. SignatureMike Correction: > As I write this, a talking head on Fox > News is touting the new Razr-like Samsung IP-A790 Power Vision phone > (now listed on Sprint's Website). He's claiming Power Vision is the > best "3G" network in the USA. And the guy is from some men's style > Website, not a Sprint or Samsung rep. The phone being shown was the Samsung A900, not the IP-A790, While the IP-A790 is available now, the A900--according to the guy demo'ing it--will be available this coming Friday. SignatureMike > But what I was referring to was the report that Sprint will not be > upgrading EV-DO to the same degree they upgraded to 1xRTT. While I've [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Mike A long time ago, Sprint claimed their plans were to leapfrog directly to EV-DV, completely skipping the intermediate rollout of EV-DO. But that was going to take a few years. Possibly the competitive pressure of Verizon's current commitment to EV-DO forced them to alter that particular plan. One scenario for the future might allow for this present *partial* introduction of EV-DO to selected markets, easing the competitive pressure, while continuing with the original strategy of (eventually) leapfrogging to system-wide EV-DV. I realize that's wishful thinking on my part, but it *could* happen, couldn't it? There are some areas that may do a bigger leap than that. Some areas have Sprint PCS but no Vision. Some of them may jump to evdv. >>But what I was referring to was the report that Sprint will not be >>upgrading EV-DO to the same degree they upgraded to 1xRTT. While I've [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > system-wide EV-DV. > I realize that's wishful thinking on my part, but it *could* happen, couldn't it? Hi all, As a existing Verizon Wireless customer, and soon to be Sprint customer I find this thread almost humorous. I have been paying $45 per month for data service on my Kyocera 7135. Now this was supposed to be full 1X service, but, the few times I did 'casual teathering' I found that infact Verizon had throttled back the speed to 28.2k. Sprint data service with nationwide voice coverage is by far the most reasonably priced. Since the Power Vision includes most of the functions I normally use I don't for see a lot of 'Phone as modem' usage. But, it's nice to know that 40Mb is included basically for 'Free'. I'm looking forward to recieving my PPC-6700 tomorrow. Tom > Hi all, > > As a existing Verizon Wireless customer, and soon to be Sprint > customer I find this thread almost humorous. "Almost humorous?" Is that like almost pregnant? > Sprint data service with nationwide voice coverage is by far the most > reasonably priced. And no one has said otherwise. However, many of us have "grandfathered" data plans. In my case that means I get unlimited Vision, as well as unlimited SMS, for "no charge" (it was part of the plan at the time). According to many reports, once you upgrade to an EV-DO device, you will be forced onto a Power Vision plan--even if you are a hundred miles away from the nearest EV-DO coverage. Some people have claimed you can jump up-and-down and demand to keep your old plan and it will work (others say Sprint just goes ahead and changes your plan anyway). The issue apparently involves a promo code field in Sprint's system: you can leave an expired code alone and it'll be fine. But if the CSR changes that code, as I believe they are prompted to do when activating an EV-DO device, there is NO WAY to get that back. So, in my case, I would end up paying the following extra charges each month: $15 Lowest Power Vision plan. $5 "Regular" Vision for 2nd phone (assuming they allow that). $5 "Regular" Vision for 3rd phone (assuming they allow that). $15 Unlimited SMS That's a total of $40 (plus taxes!) per month; probably more (as I might have to change my voice plan, since it's a combo Vision/Voice/SMS plan). And what do I get for that $40+ extra per month? EV-DO in a fraction of the areas I now get 1xRTT. You might find that humorous, but I don't. > Since the Power Vision includes most of the > functions I normally use I don't for see a lot of 'Phone as modem' I don't know if you meant to say "a PDA does most of the functions I normally use," but as far as Power Vision phones are concerned, you didn't buy one. The 6700 is an EV-DO PDA phone, not a Power Vision phone. Despite what even Sprint's Website says, it does not have the Power Vision stuff you see plastered all over Sprint's Website--not even Sprint TV. It does not have the same type of audio, video, email, news, sports and other "Power Vision" applications that all Power Vision phones will contain (and are already present in the Samsung A940). You can of course stream via other means, such as WM. You can also send whatever you like as an attachment via email. And obviously you can browse the Web with PIE, if you can stand it. But this is just typical Win Mob stuff, nothing that is truly Power Vision specific. I would assume TV and streaming audio will no doubt be addressed by third-parties--or even by Sprint, for a fee. This is similar to how MobiTV is now available for the Treo 650. > usage. But, it's nice to know that 40Mb is included basically for > 'Free'. Apparently you signed up for the $25 Phone as Modem Pack. Did they explicitly tell you you had to get that plan? AFAIK, the 6700, unlike Power Vision phones, cannot differentiate between tethered and non-tethered data (I've read conflicting reports on this). Ethics aside, you probably could have gotten the $15 plan and still tethered--assuming it's an occasional thing. For sure, the "Ultimate Pack" features are useless on your device, so I see it as a wash (assuming they don't meter all data and begin charging after 40 MB; in which case the modem plan is a drawback). But I am curious if you chose the modem plan, or if Sprint chose it for you. Also, tethering via Bluetooth is limited to 115 kbps--but can apparently be dun (pun) without using wmodem. Obviously, USB is much faster (but I notice the same thing with my Treo--it's just not as much of a difference ^_^). > I'm looking forward to recieving my PPC-6700 tomorrow. I tested one and it just wasn't for me. It's not really much bigger than my Treo, but it felt much more "square" and more PDA than phone (and my Treo 650 is already PDA-enough for my tastes). I also love the Treo's D-pad--I can do most anything with it. I admired the sliding keyboard, but couldn't see myself using it as I use my Treo's thumb-board now. Please note I am not into Palm Vs. PPC wars. I am a longtime user of both. Indeed I used to write for Microsoft's Pocket PC Website, when it first came out (fluff and evangelist stuff--yea, I have no pride). Good luck. SignatureMike | Marinate your ribs in bourbon before | barbecuing. The best way to do this is | by pouring the whiskey down your throat. > One scenario for the future might allow for this present *partial* > introduction of EV-DO to selected markets, easing the competitive > pressure, while continuing with the original strategy of (eventually) > leapfrogging to system-wide EV-DV. Is EV-DV still on the agenda? If so, I'd venture that it's way in the future -- they seem to be having a hard time even getting EV-DO going. And EV-DO is only in selected markets -- you're not going to find it in many/most rural areas with 1xRTT for who-knows-how-long (if ever). *Especially* if they decide to go the WiMax route -- why bother with Yet Another Expensive Network Upgrade to EV-DV? (Sprint seems to be bleeding a lot of money at the moment, shelling out big bucks to buy "partners" that sue them. They don't have the deep pockets Verizon has, either. At least they're competing: if it weren't for Verizon -- with its constant television ads *touting* broadback access over the last year -- I doubt we would even have an EV-DO option at all. Or any "tethered" plans...) It will be real interesting to see what happens when the WiMax Mobile wave hits. If it does turn out to be tenable, Qualcomm could start losing a lot of royalty income from CDMA... Signatureda ~~ >> One scenario for the future might allow for this present *partial* >> introduction of EV-DO to selected markets, easing the competitive [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Is EV-DV still on the agenda? If so, I'd venture that it's way in the >future -- they seem to be having a hard time even getting EV-DO going. I'm curious...a hard time in what way? <snip> SignaturePaul Miner >> Is EV-DV still on the agenda? If so, I'd venture that it's way in >> the future -- they seem to be having a hard time even getting EV-DO >> going. > I'm curious...a hard time in what way? There was some discussion of this not long ago here (maybe even this thread? dunno). I'm not familiar with the details, but the gist is that unlike the upgrade to 1xRTT which was a system-wide upgrade, they are releasing EV-DO piecemeal to "select markets" only, and -- at least from what I understand -- is something of an "overlay" over the existing network. Signatureda ~~ >>> Is EV-DV still on the agenda? If so, I'd venture that it's way in >>> the future -- they seem to be having a hard time even getting EV-DO [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >what I understand -- is something of an "overlay" over the existing >network. Oh, you're quoting me! <g> What you remembered is correct, but it doesn't indicate any difficulty regarding the EV-DO rollout. EV-DO coverage is intentionally a subset of 1xRTT coverage, so the fact that it's ending up that way means it's going according to plan. In fact, I believe the rollout is even slightly ahead of schedule. SignaturePaul Miner >>>> Is EV-DV still on the agenda? If so, I'd venture that it's way in >>>> the future -- they seem to be having a hard time even getting EV-DO >>>> going. >>> I'm curious...a hard time in what way? >> There was some discussion of this not long ago here (maybe even this >> thread? dunno). I'm not familiar with the details, but the gist is >> that unlike the upgrade to 1xRTT which was a system-wide upgrade, >> they are releasing EV-DO piecemeal to "select markets" only, and -- >> at least from what I understand -- is something of an "overlay" over >> the existing network. > Oh, you're quoting me! <g> :) > What you remembered is correct, but it > doesn't indicate any difficulty regarding the EV-DO rollout. EV-DO > coverage is intentionally a subset of 1xRTT coverage, so the fact that > it's ending up that way means it's going according to plan. Is it a matter of just an extra "box" in existing 1xRTT towers? If so, I guess that would explain Sprint's reluctance to put it everywhere. "Country bumkins don't need no broadband nohow." :) Especially when it cuts into the $$$ you're spending to acquire and/or merge with other companies. Is EV-DV also a 1xRTT subset? > In fact, I believe the rollout is even slightly ahead of schedule. But they're way behind Verizon's... :) Signatureda ~~ >>>>> Is EV-DV still on the agenda? If so, I'd venture that it's way in >>>>> the future -- they seem to be having a hard time even getting EV-DO [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >Is it a matter of just an extra "box" in existing 1xRTT towers? I know there's more to it than that, but I don't know the specifics. >If so, I guess that would explain Sprint's reluctance to put it >everywhere. "Country bumkins don't need no broadband nohow." :) >Especially when it cuts into the $$$ you're spending to acquire and/or >merge with other companies. > >Is EV-DV also a 1xRTT subset? I've been told 'no', but it's still far enough in the future for things to change. >> In fact, I believe the rollout is even slightly ahead of schedule. > >But they're way behind Verizon's... :) Can't argue that. :) I think a lot of time was lost while the plan was to skip EV-DO and go straight to EV-DV. SignaturePaul Miner Vision is almost, but not completely system wide. This service has been available since October, I did post about it in the below thread about phone as modem. And yes,of course sillies, if you do not have the plan there will be no limit to charges. > Fresh from the latest Sprint brochure, dated 11/05: > [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > Notan Interesting indeed. And also the same verbiage that's been in plan brochures (corporate ones, at least) since July. SignatureRØß O/Siris -+- A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice. +Thomas Paine, "The Rights of Man", 1792+ > > Fresh from the latest Sprint brochure, dated 11/05: > > [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > Interesting indeed. And also the same verbiage that's been in plan > brochures (corporate ones, at least) since July. While I'd love to see something along the lines of, if you use (unsubscribed) data minutes they'll come out of your peak minutes bank, this is certainly the next best thing. At least, now, there's no threat of Sprint discontinuing service for (ab)use. The customer will just be billed, accordingly. At the same time, I think it would behoove Sprint to inform *all* customers of this change. Notan > While I'd love to see something along the lines of, if you use (unsubscribed) > data minutes they'll come out of your peak minutes bank, this is certainly > the next best thing. At least, now, there's no threat of Sprint discontinuing > service for (ab)use. The customer will just be billed, accordingly. At the > same time, I think it would behoove Sprint to inform *all* customers of this > change. While I agree, the Terms *still* have the removal of service provisions in them. There is now a billing option for tethered usage, but the $10/ $15 Vision "packs" can still disappear, exposing the user to the casual usage charges, if they don't sign up for a tethering package. SignatureRØß O/Siris -+- A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice. +Thomas Paine, "The Rights of Man", 1792+ > > While I'd love to see something along the lines of, if you use (unsubscribed) > > data minutes they'll come out of your peak minutes bank, this is certainly [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > $15 Vision "packs" can still disappear, exposing the user to the casual > usage charges, if they don't sign up for a tethering package. Just about *all* companies have a "We reserve the right to" clause. Let's keep our fingers crossed! <g> Notan |
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