For some, T-Mobile may be the more aggressive wireless carrier, in terms of grabbing customers away from rival networks. But it appears that Sprint too can play that game. As a matter of fact, Sprint is enticing AT&T’s subscribers by offering its service absolutely free of charge. Just recently, Sprint announced that it would extend a special offer to all customers of DirecTV (which AT&T acquired in July earlier this year), specifically one whole year of free service that already includes unlimited voice calls, unlimited text messaging, and 2 gigabytes of data. The offer will go live on August 28th of this year, and will run until the end of September.
This summer has seen various wireless carriers in the United States offering loads of promotions, introducing new programs, and making some policy changes -- all done in order to attract new subscribers. For example, T-Mobile announced its Mobile Without Borders program, which basically allowed its subscribers to use their handsets in Mexico and Canada without incurring any international roaming charges. Verizon Wireless has also joined in on the fun by deciding to eliminate its service contracts and phone subsidies.
As for Sprint, its latest promo is specifically targeting AT&T subscribers, especially those who availed of the first bundles introduced by AT&T that offered a combination of wireless services and discounted satellite TV services. To take advantage of Sprint’s special offer, DirecTV subscribers need only exhibit a copy of their recent bill in order to confirm their status and then become eligible for the promo. Subscribers will also be required to enter into a leasing program, a monthly installment program for their handset, or choose to purchase a new device outright. As for households, they will be allowed to sign up for a maximum of five lines of service, each one offered free of charge for a full year.
It should be noted that while the service is free of charge, subscribers will be the ones to cover for the cost of their handsets. Moreover, they will be required to pay a one time $36 activation fee, plus monthly taxes and surcharges. According to Sprint, it will buy subscribers out of their current contracts, or pay up to $300 for an existing handset.
When the first 12 months of free service is finished, subscribers are transitioned to current plans with prices that range between $50 for one line of service and $180 for five lines of service. Sprint is definitely banking on the idea that subscribers will find the free service favorable enough to keep on using it and paying for it eventually.
For more of Sprint’s offers, you can browse plans and phones from Sprint at Wirefly now.
