Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Posts: 4

Sprint is going to be the weak link

Sprint needs to do some serious housecleaning before I could use their service. I received an email from AirPrime that the SB300 was available from SprintPCS. I tried to do a web-order and the link is faulty within the Sprint Website.

I tried to call Customer Service, but the number listed on the Website is (800) rather than the correct (888). Can you believe that Sprint would list the incorrect Telephone number?

After 2 separate service handlers were unable to complete the transaction, I was transferred to Tech Support and spent an hour on the phone with them. They ultimately decided that they could not sell me a phone without a service plan, regardless of my wishes. The previous handlers were unable to make a sale under any circumstances. The module was shown as "available" but was not on their list of items for sale.

A gentleman named Marcus (not the VC guru) agreed to work out the details, but did not believe that he could sell me the module without an airtime plan. After he did not call me back, I played phone bingo again and found a gal who made the sale in about 10 minutes. She did not even hesitate when I told her that I did not want an airtime plan. The module is now being shipped to me, after major SNAFU experiences with the Sprint carrier.

The part that bent me the most was that each of the sales reps demanded my SSN, DOB and Driver's License number during the processing of the the order. This is ostensibly for a "credit check" but struck me as extremely intrusive and completely unnecessary as a company policy. Maybe I am too sensitive, but I can see others being unwilling to buy goods or services from a large company with such procedures. It is uncomfortable to give one's most personal identifying information to a phone rep simply to buy an earbud or phone.

The total time spent on this endeavor was over 3 hours and involved 5 different reps at Sprint. You make your own decision. I will post an update when I set up my service with VERIZON and can comment on the actual capabilities of the hardware. I will personally be avoiding further interaction with Sprint to largest degree possible.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

I was under the impression that Sprint and Verizon did not use compatible networks. Are you sure that the AirPrime is going to work with Verizon?

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Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

I've had similar experiences with Sprint. They are idiots.

Of course, I've had similar experiences with Qwest, too...

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Austin, TX USA
Posts: 178

Huh... all of my dealings with sprint have been very pleasant, and if they keep me on the phone for more than 10 minutes, they credit my account.

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ThirdMan

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by dietrichbohn
Sprint and Verizon did not use compatible networks. ...the AirPrime is going to work with Verizon?

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 125

Ya, don't think the module will be compatible with the Verizon network out of the box (1900/800 mhz problem for starters). Several people have purchased the Kyocera 6035 from Sprint and reprogrammed it to work on Verizon's network. You can check out the details on the discussion board at www.qcp6035.com Definitely doesn't look like the easiest thing to do. But I would be even more hesitant to try and reprogram the module since it was designed specifically to work on Sprint's network. You'll also have to get the unlocking code from Sprint (not Verizon) which will involve activating it ($35) then immediately cancelling the service. I really don't think you are going to be successful here...

Marty

P.S. Keep in mind that a lot of your hassles with Sprint this time around were due to an unusual request to purchase one of their phones without service. Their customer service department definitely needs some work but your request was a bit unusual.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Posts: 4

Maybe / Maybe Not

It appears that I am out of luck. Verizon does have the ability to carry the SB3000 service, but it is limited to the areas of PCS that they have gobbled over the years. As far as I could discern, this involves their prior Primeco? areas in Florida and a couple other small areas in the US. Southern CA (where I am) is not even close to any of their coverage areas.

I guess that I am stuck with their coverage at this time. I will give them a chance, and hope that their air coverage/service is better than their Telesales department. I guess I should check my facts before I go off half-cocked. Sometimes you are stuck without a remedy.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Them Twin Cities
Posts: 1758

Sprint & me haven't gotten along all that well. When they're bad they suck, but when they're good they beat everybody else. I've been pretty happy with their coverage and their bells & whistles (with the notable exception of no SMS) blows everybody else out of the water...

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Registered: May 2000
Location: Cleveland, Ohio 44067
Posts: 242

I am not a cell phone user (a gasp from the crowd) but I have a buddy that had nothing but problems with Sprint in Chicago (I had asked since I was considering the SB3000). After doing some further research I concluded there is no way I would get involved with Sprint. The complaints to the BBB and the copious amount of information showing Sprint is likely the worst service provider has convinced me otherwise.

I believe there is another thread in this forum that links to a complaint website which links to literally dozens of complaint websites and "consumer protection news articles" discussing the mistruths and poor practices Sprint has used.

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