Will the Epic 4G require “Premium Data”?
Posted by Brian - ExplainTheFee.com
I've been wondering what the next 4G phones from Sprint will offer. So far we've seen the leaked specs/pictures of Samsung's Galaxy S Pro Epic 4G and it's going to be Sprint's 2nd phone that offers 4G. Will this new phone allow the user to experience "data" like never before? I mean, if.. you forget about the EVO that was launched earlier this month, but surely this new phone will offer that "something extra".
Sprint originally stated that the "Premium Data" was NOT for 4G service. We should expect to hear the same thing about their newest phone as well, right? It appears that this is the way that Sprint is now going with their phone plans, instead of increasing the package rate, they force you to have this additional "REQUIRED", "MANDATORY", "NON-REMOVABLE" add-on called "Premium Data".
I'm VERY curious to see if the Samsung Galaxy S Pro will continue the legacy of requiring this data add-on, because we might actually see Sprint change the terminology a little bit.
Currently, this is how Sprint.com describes the "Premium Data":
- A wicked fast processor to make your apps run smoother and faster on our Sprint 3G and 4G network
- Top quality media experience with oversized screen, high resolution video and HD recording
- High-quality pics to snap and share with friends and family
We've all seen the replies from Dan@Sprint.com that state we're in a First Class seat on an airplane with the following explanations: 4.3" screen, 8MP camera/camcorder, kickstand..
What will be the "wicked" reason be for the Galaxy S Pro Epic 4G to require "Premium Data"? Will it be the 4" screen, or the hardware keyboard? What about the "Super" AMOLED screen?
What is the definition of "wicked fast"? What's an "oversized" screen? What's "high quality"? We need those questions answered, because if you compare the EVO and the Galaxy S Pro, they have different technical hardware specifications:
- EVO's Snapdragon 1GHz CPU vs. Galaxy's "Superior" Hummingbird 1GHz CPU - Which one is "wicked"?
- EVO's 4.3" screen vs. Galaxy's 4" screen? - Who's the oversized one?
- EVO's 8MP camera vs. Galaxy's 5MP camera - What defines "High-Quality?" (HTC Hero has a 5MP camera as well!)
Will Sprint throw a blanket statement and just declare both of them to have different degrees of "Premium"-ness?
I honestly still can't believe that they're defining a NETWORK DATA ADD-ON with TECHNICAL hardware specifications..
Time will only tell, but let's hope that more people will stop blindly accepting illogical responses and start asking the question-- Can you Explain the Fee?
What, you think this is wrong?
Posted by Brian - ExplainTheFee.com
Anyone remember those "UNWRONGED" commercials from Boost Mobile?
You probably do.. the pigs eating pork, the long armpit hair bike rider, or even maybe Danica Patrick's commercial with her pit crew dressed up in high heels and skirts?
Boost Mobile's parent company is Sprint, so you'd imagine that they would remember their own commercials right?
"What, you think this is wrong? This is just team work, I'll tell you what's wrong, paying extra to use all your phones basic features, that's why I got Boost Mobile! Their $50 monthly unlimited plan lets you get most out of your Motorola Clutch!"
I'm not sure what Sprint considers "basic features of a phone", but to me I consider their definition of "Premium Data" as .. basic features.
- A wicked fast processor to make your apps run smoother and faster on our Sprint 3G and 4G network
- Top quality media experience with oversized screen, high resolution video and HD recording
- High-quality pics to snap and share with friends and family
I wonder what Danica would say?..
Listen to the interview tonight on GeekCastOnline.com!
Posted by Brian - ExplainTheFee.com
[Updated] Here is the link to the interview! Thanks again to Aaron at the Geekcast Podcast for having me on!
Tonight I'll be a guest on The Geekcast Podcast talking about the "Premium Data" charge and other topics regarding the different cell carriers including AT&T's tiered package.
The show will be streaming live with a chat room so be sure to join us! We'll be answering your questions on the show! Send them to explainthefee@gmail.com or tweet @ExplainTheFee or @TheGeekcast with the tag #ETFQuestion. I'll try to discuss everything you guys want me to.
I want your voice to be heard too, so don't forget to keep sending any dan@sprint.com email replies to me and I'll post them up if they're well written and constructed.
AndroidSPIN.com gets an explanation!
Posted by Brian - ExplainTheFee.com
Thanks for the overwhelming support everyone! It's a great feeling to know that my little blog that started off with just a mere 300 views the first day has skyrocketed in the last 2 weeks!
The best thing about the support is the fact that my message is reaching other websites and their readers. If you saw AndroidSPIN.com yesterday, you'll see that they actually did their own investigation with Sprint.
Previously we reported that many people are questioning the $10 “Premium Data” fee Sprint is charging it’s users of the Sprint HTC EVO 4G, and the group of people who have setup a dedicated site to this subject.
I know a lot of you out there are still wondering why Sprint is charging a $10 a month “premium data” fee, well we got an answer directly from a level 3 Sprint supervisor via phone.
The direct quote from the Sprint manager was
“The $10 monthly charge is for the hardware for the phone”
Yes, you heard that right, the hardware. Why would Sprint call this a “premium data” feature if it’s for hardware? I assume they are quoting it as such so people don’t realize that there being charged at least $240 more dollars for the device on a 24 month contract, as putting it as a “premium data” feature most people wouldn’t question it as this is a new device with 4G.
Let’s hope this is not a start of Sprint being unloyal to there customers.
If you have your own story with Sprint, please submit them to explainthefee@gmail.com or reply in the comments section!
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