|
Sprint's 4G $10 Data Fee
June 4th marked a first in the US wireless world as Sprint introduces the 4G EVO Android phone from HTC. Along with this introduction came a $10 Data Fee that has Sprint users hopping mad.
On one hand, Sprint can fairly argue that their prices are much lower than other carriers, and that the increased functionality of the 4G network gives you more value for their premium web service, and with the $10 data fee that brings their monthly charges up to par with other carriers, PLUS you get the 4G service (where available). You're not being forced to purchase the phone, so the fee is voluntary.
Of course, if you're a consumer, you have to wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze; Sprint doesn't have 4G everywhere, so if you're not in a 4G market, you shouldn't have to pay the fee, right?
Neither are correct, of course. This is a money grab, pure and simple - Sprint just testing the market to see if they can get an extra $10 out of consumers. This is not the first time Sprint/Nextel has levied a fee of dubious nature; Nextel charged a $1.15 service fee about five years back with no real explanation either - that resulted in a class action lawsuit you can read more about here.
At the end of the day, I suppose that if you're in a 4G market and want a cool smartphone, then the EVO is a good choice, even with the $10 fee. If you're not in a 4G market, be patient and see where this $10 Data Fee leads.
| |
