WTF Sprint? “Simply Unlimited” is Limited to Exclude BlackBerries?
Oh Sprint… Just when we think we can say something nice about you, you turn around and slap us in the face. Yesterday we told you about Sprint’s new Simply Unlimited plan which is still the best unlimited plan on paper when it comes to the big four’s unlimited war. In a comment this morning from BGR reader redsoxnation, we learned that he tried to apply this plan to his account and was told that Sprint’s new unlimited offering could not be applied to Blackberrys! Excuse me? The terms on Sprint’s Simply Unlimited page clearly state:
E-mail includes use of ActiveSync, MICROSOFT Windows Mobile with Direct Push™, Versamail, IBM Lotus Notes Traveler® or BlackBerry® Internet Service (BIS).
According to customer service however, Sprint’s Simply Unlimited plan can be used with any Sprint-offered handset… other than BlackBerrys. Brilliant! Feel free to use unlimited BIS people, just not with a BlackBerry. We called Sprint customer service ourselves to confirm and sure enough, we were told the same thing. No BlackBerry love. Is this a case of false advertising or just another snafu from poorly trained customer service representatives? Either way Sprint, get your act together.
UPDATE: Here is a lose transcript of our conversation with Sprint customer care:
- Us: I want to get a BlackBerry 8830 with the Simply Unlimited plan.
- Lady: I’m sorry, Simply Unlimited isn’t available with BlackBerry devices.
- Us: But the site says "unlimited BIS" and even pictures an 8830 in the Simply Unlimited ad!
- Lady: It must be a mistake. We do offer very competative BlackBerry plans though, would you like me to tell you about them?
- Us: No.
UPDATE 2: Sprint hit us up to let us know that the BlackBerry plan (BIS only) is included in the Simply Unlimited plan. And just are our readers pointed out, the BES package is an additional $20/month. Sprint is in the process of "training" customer service reps. Apparently a few of them didn’t get the email.
On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:17 am, brjahu Said:
I want to clarify that IT DOES INCLUDE BLACKBERRYS as long as they are on the BIS… it DOES NOT include those on an Exchange Server (or BES),they need to pay a bit more. (I sell Sprint)
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:17 am, mingkee Said:
this is 100% BS!!!
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:25 am, Windows-Mobile Said:
BlackBerry…. pfft!!!!
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:31 am, Chase Said:
More on that here
I can not believe this. Sprint is effing with us guys.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:34 am, Crystal Said:
I changed mine this morning (and I have a blackberry), without a problem. So, I don’t know what this is about.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:36 am, CRS Said:
the unlimted plan includes the BIS not BES, it was stated on our paperwork during the webcast yesterday. BES is an extra $20 a month
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:46 am, Stephen Said:
Poor Blackberry users. Sprint really neds to get there act together though if they want to get out of the whole they keep digging thereselves into.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:51 am, Kompkidz Said:
I added the “Everything” plan from Sprint this morning. It does include the BIS services for Blackberry but not the BES services. That was an extra $20.00 a month, either way it is still cheaper than anyone elses plans for unlimited for Blackberries…
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 10:57 am, Mike Said:
Got 3 units all Blackberry with BES added this morning…..BES cost $20 extra per line.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 11:07 am, Stan Said:
I am a Sprint engineer and I assure you that Blackberry’s are included in the Simply Unlimited plan. If you purchase a new BB or convert your existing Sprint BB, you will have internet access via BIS and can use any number of email providers (gmail, yahoo, aol) or you can use your corporate Exchange serveror other email server as pop or imap, …You pay $20 extra on the Simply Unlimited plan if you want BES services (BB push email.. this is the lowest price in the industry by the way for the BES service). The extra cost is because of licensing etc with RIM.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 11:12 am, Ken Said:
Somebody just pull the chain on these guys… I’m tired of watching them screw-up in every possible way…
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 11:20 am, Dtest5477 Said:
Well if its BIS only then I think its not that bad, big difference between BIS and BES but still not good they need to straighten things out.
And CHASE quit spamming with you crap.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 11:27 am, Jeff Said:
Wait a minute….a Sprint Rep has no idea what they’re talking about?!
Unpossible!
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 11:55 am, Xenoman Said:
Well I don’t work for Sprint but I have a friend that does. She’s gonna check when she gets to work to see if they include BIS. But from what she’s told me about how their provisioning system, she tries to avoid setting up blackberries as much as possible. So the reps that said it’s not included may have just been trying to keep themselves from having to set it up.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 12:08 pm, Lucah 76 Said:
Well clearly this will be a case of calling CS until you get the answer you want. Obviously there is confusion with BIS and BES and realistically in any company its employees aren’t made aware of everything right away or some employees just aren’t as quick on the up-take. I know we think Berries are a big deal, but really we are a small portion of the total customer base, so CS might not know all the ins-and-outs of the plan as referenced to BB’s. I think in the end we’ll be fine.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 12:17 pm, boomboom Said:
I justed called, and Blackberry are included in the plan, Boy Genius, time to take this down. Do a little more research next time. I am with T-mobile, but this kind of stuff is false news. Did you even contact any contacts at Sprint? I guess not.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 12:25 pm, Shane Said:
Typical corporate shenanigans…I left Sprint years ago after the whole Sprint / Nextel merger fiasco…they try so hard to be like Verizon, but just can’t get it right. GSM carriers are the way of the future in my book, and I have not looked back since I left…this is a prime example of why I left the CDMA world…hand-cuffs.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 12:52 pm, John Said:
sprint keeps driving margins lower and lower for the companies that have to match their pricing, or compete (and do so with better networks, devices, and features… ie vzw and at&t)…
if you guys, as consumers, don’t think that ultimately you’re going to end up paying for these unlimited plans and lowered margins then you’re either blind or stupid, or both…
the big companies are going to increase their profits, they’re just going to get you in other places than the voice plan…
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 12:57 pm, Galvatron Said:
@ shane no kiddining cdma has to go also the best deal in the industry maybye in the cdma universe. GSM 4ever man
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 1:22 pm, ajs253 Said:
The plan DOES include Blackberry Internet Service. The price rocks because it includes EVERYTHING……EVERYTHING…… Pictures, navigation, SprintTV, BBerry plan, unlimiting calling, texting…… AND all for 99………
PS I dont work for Sprint and am a paying customer. Get it while it lasts……
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 1:37 pm, Sprintmgr Said:
Another Sprint employee chiming in to say that yes, BIS is included, and the BES is $20 extra. There are internal communications about a few provisioning errors on the new plans, which if you know anything about Sprint’s systems should not come as any surprise. I would advise the same approach that I suggest to my retail employees - namely call back and hope that you get a rep that knows what they are talking about. Try calling this number if you have the old bill 877-626-1441 or if you have been changed to the new billing system, use 877-654-9111. Those are direct lines to data and blackberry support, and those people should have no problem getting the plan activated.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 1:37 pm, Cliff Said:
BoomBoom - not sure if you posted that before or after they added the transcript with a Sprint rep. but you know that there are always different stories from each rep. someone talks to - with all carriers. They might have followed it up (as you question) and got that same response (as they posted). Be easy. I know it wouldn’t be the first time I personally was told something one way by a CSR and found out it was incorrect from a different CSR (happened just this morning in fact with AmEx).
On Feb 29, 2008 @ 12:17 pm, boomboom Said:
I justed called, and Blackberry are included in the plan, Boy Genius, time to take this down. Do a little more research next time. I am with T-mobile, but this kind of stuff is false news. Did you even contact any contacts at Sprint? I guess not.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 1:48 pm, Steve Said:
I’d consider switching if PAM (Sprint’s BlackBerry tethering) was also included.
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 2:18 pm, Ken Said:
So it includes everything, Everything, EVERYTHING!!!
Except BES and tethering? What else is not part of “everything”??? Anybody… ???
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On Feb 29, 2008 @ 2:19 pm, Dan Said:
Boy Genius…update this please,you’re incorrect.
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