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Sprint offers unlimited calling to any wireless network
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In a move aimed at "stepping past" rivals' calling circles, Sprint Nextel unveiled a new calling plan that offers unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling to any wireless number on any U.S. wireless carrier at any time. The feature, called "Any Mobile, Anytime," will be added to Sprint's Everything Data plan, which starts at $69.99 per month, excluding taxes and surcharges.
The Everything Data plan includes unlimited text, video and picture messaging, mobile data, GPS and services like Sprint TV, along with 450 anytime calling minutes to landline numbers. Sprint said that current customers who have an Everything Data or Everything Data Family plan will get the new unlimited wireless calling feature automatically on the first day of their next billing cycle.
While the other major carriers trumpet unlimited calling plans to select numbers, either wireless or wireline--indeed, just yesterday AT&T Mobility launched a new unlimited calling feature to a handful of numbers--Sprint appears to be taking a step further with the new feature, which allows unlimited calling to the nation's 250 million wireless users. Sprint has been focusing on the value proposition of its Simply Everything data plans, and its new Any Mobile, Anytime plan dovetails with this approach.
The action comes as Sprint attempts to stem millions of postpaid subscriber defections. Though Sprint's prepaid business has been booming, its postpaid operation lost 991,000 subscribers in the second quarter, contributing to a net loss of 257,000 wireless subscribers for the period.
But don't expect other carriers to follow Sprint's lead. According to Roger Entner, senior vice president for research and insights in Nielsen's Telecom Practice, Sprint needs this plan to stop customers from leaving its service. "AT&T and Verizon will not follow until Sprint stops losing customers. Until the bleeding stops, there is no need to react."
For more:
- see this release
- see this Sprint website
Related Articles:
Sprint loses 991,000 postpaid subs, promises additional webOS devices
AT&T debuts new unlimited calling plan
Verizon offers 'My Circle' alternative in wake of Alltel deal
T-Mobile wants to turn MyFaves into social network
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | September 10, 2009 - 9:59am
note that the the price of the phones after discounts are now higher as well.
Posted by Anonymous | September 10, 2009 - 10:21am
that is not true...handset prices are the same or lower than in the past. No major increases in light of this new Any Mobile, Anytime program. The Palm Pre is now only $149.99 and most other handsets are at steep discounts.
Posted by Anonymous | September 10, 2009 - 10:47am
Don't hate because you are stuck with AT&T or T-Wanna be. Sprint is the only carrier to make broad moves to benefit the customers. Props to Sprint and definately stepping in the right direction in all aspects. I'm sold and want to be part of the Sprint family.
Posted by Anonymous | September 10, 2009 - 12:26pm
Nice knowledge on the phone pricing. Obviously you have not done your homework. How about the Palm Pre for example: priced now at $149 vs. $199? It's nice to see Sprint continue to take leadership in value offers to wireless consumers.
Posted by Anonymous | September 10, 2009 - 1:49pm
It's still going to be a while before they stop losing subs. However, if I didn't work for a competitor, I would seriously consider switch to the this plan.
Posted by Anonymous | September 10, 2009 - 2:09pm
IMO, Spring has the best plans with the most value, fastest 3G, great coverage, and the best variety of smartphones (Palm Pre, Palm Pixi, HTC Hero, Blackberry Curve, etc) and feature phones. Their Sprint Navigation application replaces the standalones and they don't charge extra for it. The family locator service gives me piece of mind and reduces the annoying 'where are you now?' phone calls for only $5/month for up to 5 phones (not $5/phone, $5 for all phones).
Posted by CStephens | September 10, 2009 - 11:45pm
Many kudos to Sprint! This is an excellent mobile to mobile deal and it beats any competitors 'circles' or 'pick 5' offers. I am definitely glad I resubscribed to Sprint for another 2 years!
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