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1. Comment - Sprint confirms it's implementing data usage caps

   (May 21, 2008 - 1:17 PM)

   My thoughts, sent to others:
   
   Subject: Sprint goes backwards, threatens emergency communication
   
   Dear Editor:
   
   The recent news that Sprint PCS is going to impose a 5GB/month transfer limit on data cards is --
   simply put -- appalling.
   
   I signed up in July 2003, paying $80 per month for the unlimited usage. For nearly five years I've
   added my dollars into Sprint for future development of faster and better service. And this is how I'm
   rewarded for being a loyal customer? It is a slap in the face, to say the least.
   
   I've never abused the data card service. Some months I rarely use it. There are other months,
   however, I'm on the road and depend on the data transfer. I bought into the unlimited plan for two
   major reasons: a) a predictable monthly expense for the business and b) certainty of knowing that
   when I needed a lot of data throughput that I would have it.
   
   My data card is also put into use in emergency services. Putting a cap at 5GB creates too much
   risk to depend on Sprint.
   
   I find Sprint's logic very odd considering that Sprint has been very active in promoting mobile
   computing. I also find the logic to be at odds on Sprint's retention rewards. I have been a long-term
   voice customer -- since February 2001. There have been many times I've decided to quit Sprint
   and I am lured to stay through an increasing number of anytime minutes dangled in front of me.
   Removing the unlimited minutes on the data card contradicts the concept of retention.
   
   Finally, I suspect that part of the reason for the cap is simply because Sprint has mis-managed
   customer service and infrastructure for so long that it needs yet another way to raise revenue -- by
   hitting data card users in the pocket for usage greater than 5GB per month, similar to the
   mysterious $437 overcharges on my friend's three-phone account for Internet usage AFTER a
   block was put on all phones.
   
   Sprint had a good thing going to keep customers around. Now it does not.
   
   ===
   
   May 20, 2008
   
   Subject: Sprint threatens emergency communications
   
   Dear Emergency Workers:
   
   I'm writing to give you a heads up about a drastic and backward terms of service being imposed by
   Sprint PCS on the use of data cards. I belive this new policy will adversely affect use of Sprint data
   services for emergency services and casts serious doubt that Sprint can be a dependable partner
   in this regard.
   
   In July 2008 Sprint will replace the unlimited data usage with a 5GB/month cap on data card usage.
   
   I know many of you and your organizations keep the data cards on hand in case of emergency,
   using the cards very little when there is no demand. Now that Sprint is putting a cap on the data
   usage, the cards may well be useless when there is a demand. Imagine having your
   communications go dead because the 5GB cap was reached.
   
   I think we must look around for alternatives, as Sprint has now put themselves into the realm of
   being an unreliable partner. I personally think Verizon has slightly better coverage, so for me, it
   makes sense -- price and usage being the same -- to switch to Verizon. We should be able to do
   this during a period without the early termination fee.