After nearly doubling its early termination fee, Sprint is making more changes that point towards the iPhone’s unveiling on the carrier’s network.
Mainstream outlets have said that Sprint will being carrying the iPhone after Apple’s Fall announcement, and Sprint is now realigning the qualifying time for smartphone upgrades to early-October. In case you didn’t know, the iPhone 5 is expected to come out in early-October.
Electronista reports:
“Sprint claims the changes are necessary to keep its unlimited data plans, its network upgrades, and its access to 4G, Android-based, and “other devices.” It’s better to improve features for many than to keep things that only work for a few, the company said.”
Company leaks indicate that Sprint is dropping the qualifying upgrade time for members of the “New For You” plan from 22 to 20 months, letting users upgrade to a new device in October at the earliest. Return policies are also shrinking from 30 days to a 14-day policy, much like AT&T’s return policy. In-store and online upgrade fees have also been equalized to $35 (it’s rumored that Apple will announce online preorders for the next gen iPhone before in-store availability).
The downside to Sprint’s internal changes mean that members of the carrier’s “Premier” program will need to upgrade by 2012 or be placed into the regular New For You plan. The Premier plan offered several benefits, like accessory discounts, to Sprint customers.
Essentially, Sprint is making it possible for a large part of its customer base (Premier program) to upgrade to the iPhone this Fall. By shortening the New For You plan upgrade qualifying time by two months, Sprint gives many customers the chance to upgrade during the initial iPhone rush next month.
Reports have suggested that Sprint could only be getting the iPhone 4 this year, with whatever Apple announces this Fall not hitting the carrier until next year. That remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Sprint is gearing up an iPhone next month. It’s rumored that the carrier will differentiate itself from the competition by offering an unlimited data plan to new iPhone buyers.
Are you a Sprint customer who’s waiting for the iPhone 5? If Sprint only offered the iPhone 4 initially, would you still upgrade this year? Would unlimited data be the deciding factor?
(via Gizmodo)
