Old vision vs Power vision service plan

[muktuk]

Hello,

I have an old vision plan with sprint that includes unlimited vision and unlimited SMS. A couple of months ago, I heard about Power vision and asked how that would be covered with my current plan if I bought a new phone that can support EVDO. A sales rep told me that my current plan would cover the new Power Vision. This sounded too good to be true so I asked a different rep. The 2nd rep told me that I would have "unlimited Power Vision" but that it would be equivalent to the lowest plan so it meant I had only access to a limited number of channels. But for internet access, it would remain the same. This sounded good enough to me so I spent 1 month deciding on which new power phone I would get.
Yesterday, I finally went to a Sprint store that had the phone I wanted in stock. Right before I bought it I asked again if I could stay on my current plan. This time the sales rep said he didn't know. He had never come across a current customer with existing Vision service. (He called it the grandfather plan). He put me on the phone with a customer srv rep. That rep told me that the 2 visions were totally different so I wouldn't be able to use any Power Vision services on my existing plan. Not only that, she said that the new phones can ONLY do Power Vision so I can't buy a new phone unless I change my plan.
Over the years, I have had many experiences with different sprint people saying different things (I guess that's why I ask so many times). However, does anyone know the straight scoop?

Basically there are 2 issues:
1) If someone is already paying for existing vision service does this cover any new power vision services?
2) Can you really not use a new phone with the old vision? Because even if I may not be prepared to change my plan now, I might get a new "power" phone because they have other features I want (like good camera) and would leave me the option to change my plan in the future without changing phones.

Any answers anyone has on this would be totally AWESOME. I have been using Sprint for ~10 years, ever since PCS first piloted in San Diego. (Back then it was no monthly fees for life, 35 cents a minute intro plan.) Sprint has its quirks (like every company) so I have been putting up with them, but every few years, I find myself totally confused about their services. Am not sure if I'm willing to put up with it much longer, especially when companies don't seem to care about customer loyalty anymore. All the best deals are for new customers.

[Yankees368]

I have a grandfathered vision plan and I have concluded that the "The 2nd rep told me that I would have "unlimited Power Vision" but that it would be equivalent to the lowest plan so it meant I had only access to a limited number of channels. But for internet access, it would remain the same."
is correct. I still have unlimited vision, unlimited SMS and it works just fine. Every rep will tell you something different to try to scam you into buying a pricey plan. Stick with what you have.

[muktuk]

Originally Posted by Yankees368

I have a grandfathered vision plan and I have concluded that the "The 2nd rep told me that I would have "unlimited Power Vision" but that it would be equivalent to the lowest plan so it meant I had only access to a limited number of channels. But for internet access, it would remain the same."
is correct. I still have unlimited vision, unlimited SMS and it works just fine. Every rep will tell you something different to try to scam you into buying a pricey plan. Stick with what you have.

Thanks for your reply. How long have you been using the new phone? In other words, have you gotten your first bill?

[larry]

Yes you can keep your old grandfathered unlimited Vision plan and switch to a new power vision phone. No plan change is necessary. However be careful because some reps might not know how to make this transistion and end up changing your plan without you knowing.

[muktuk]

Originally Posted by larry

Yes you can keep your old grandfathered unlimited Vision plan and switch to a new power vision phone. No plan change is necessary. However be careful because some reps might not know how to make this transistion and end up changing your plan without you knowing.

Ah, very cool! Thanks for the tip about finding the right rep.

Does anyone have an opinion about whether it's better to try to do this at a store or buying the phone and getting it activated over the phone?

Thanks again.

[Yankees368]

I would go with activiting it over the phone, the store reps will say anything to try to get you to switch.

[larry]

Originally Posted by Yankees368

I would go with activiting it over the phone, the store reps will say anything to try to get you to switch.

I agree. Call in and repeatedly tell them you do not want your plan changed before they activate your phone.

[muktuk]

So, I did as you suggested. Thanks!

I got a power vision phone but told them (over and over) not to change my plan. The first time I used the phone, all the "web" options worked OK. I noticed that it would use whichever network there was (based on the phone icon).
The first time I tried to use the media player with "my channels" it asked me if I wanted to upgrade my plan. When I said no, it quit and said that an upgrade was necessary to use it. I tried it again today and now it has all the channel categories with only channel previews. The only channel I have access to is Sprint TV.
I'm Ok with all of this, but wanted to let everyone know about the experience in case other people have the same circunstances.

[Yankees368]

I got a random text message from sprint today that reads
"A phone-as-modem data plan is required to connect your phone to a PC for Interne connectiviry. Please contact sprint customer care via *2 to learn more"

[muktuk]

I have heard that with the old vision, sprint had no way of knowing if the data usage was coming from use as modem or through the phone. They would guess based on your usage amount. The same person who told me that told me that they have recently figured out how to tell (I don't know how). And that they would soon put that system in place, if they haven't already. So maybe they just did. Bummer! I have not tried that since I got my phone but was going to try.

[miles4pcs]

Where is the best place to purchase our phones and still get our $150 rebate. We are currently facing the same issue and would very much like to have the newer phones. I agree that only new customers are getting the best deals and not the existing ones. We are looking at the Samsung 920, do you think that would be an issue.

[vipman]

I am new to forum postings. I really am skeptical about providing my email to unknown sources but I read your questions and truly felt like I had to respond. I am a Sprint user for about 2 1/2 years that uses almost 4500 minutes a month while traveling. I went from the PCS Vision to the EVDO phone Samsung A920. After having the phone for 30 days with frequent calls to ALL aspects of Sprint (customer service, store, retention, data, technical support and EVDO specialists), the bottom line is simple:

1. EVDO (Power Vision) is a different service than PCS Vision. It was simply described as going from modem (PCS vision) to DSL (Power Vision). A customer can keep their "old" plan but their vision package will have to change to meet the new format. The EVDO pricing and PCS Vision are different. If you choose NOT to purchase any EVDO/Power Vision package you will be billed per kilobyte used during your connection to their service. How much Sprint charges per kilobyte varies (per one of their Technical Support Specialist). Like everyone else, their answers vary.

2. The EVDO does NOT have picture mail on their basic package. They bill you per kilobyte sent if you use it without their 2nd teir package which costs $ 20.00/month for the 1st phone and $ 10.00/month on 2nd phone.

3. The EVDO services offers Sprint TV (very, very limited), Internet Access, and Sirius (one channel of current hits ONLY) along with unlimited Picture Mail. Problem is that the internet web sites are not necessarily setup for cell phone protocols (java script in not in the correct format per EVDO specialist). Some internet sites/service providers will charge extra for their service. In other words, the internet service is EXTREMELY limited. I only use mine now for the Weather and storm tracking.

4. As for extras like full Sirius, ring tones, MP3 downloads, wireless modem capability -- they are all EXTRAs for a charge. The modem fee is $39.99/month, a game is about $ 3.99/month, an iTune is $ 2.99 per download.

5. Get their EVDO and Data contact phone numbers because you will most likely need them. I have been trying to get a better manual (which supposedly exists) on their website for over two weeks and cannot find it. Their "Advanced Technical Support" couldn't find it either and was going to email it to me -- not happened.

So, in short, be wary. KNOW what you want. Try your phone extensively. IF you go to EVDO be aware of the "EXTRAs" you might need. My wife and kids like the EVDO service because they stay local, switch games since its a fee per month and likes the graphics. I, on the other hand, despise the service. It drains the battery, doesn't work more the 15 miles outside of cities and is not what was promised.


By the way, I went to Verizon and they offered a great deal on the phones but their service package was too high. When I discussed with Sprint's "Retention" department, they just about offered the keys to the city to keep me as a customer.

Good luck and Good hunting (for the right contacts).

[Yankees368]

Most of that is true, unless you are one of those people who sprint let activate an EVDO phone on a regular old vision plan :-)

[wheresmyfreakinpresent]

Please make sure, if you have a power vision phone, that you have a power vision plan, because the power vision phones have data transmission speeds up to 20 times faster then regular vision, and 20 times more data billed at $.02 per KB, ends up being a lot of money. Plus if you do use your phone as a modem and it is not a Power vision phone, then you have to buy or download drivers and cables from places that are not Sprint, and they will not help you if if you run into problems. Make the people that you talk to, both at the store and on the phone, DO THEIR JOB RIGHT!!!

This came right off Sprint.com:
Sprint Power VisionSM is available only while on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network. Sprint Power VisionSM Packs are not available with Sprint PCS Connection Cards™, Sprint PCS Connection Kits™ or other devices that can be used as a modem. Customers with a Sprint PCS VisionSM phone or a Sprint Power VisionSM phone will be charged $0.02 per kilobyte for Sprint PCS VisionSM or Sprint Power VisionSM usage unless a Sprint PCS VisionSM Pack or Sprint Power VisionSM Pack is selected.

The power vision guide is somewhat buried and can be found here:
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/media/Asse...sion-Guide.pdf

$25 Power Vision Ultimate Pack: Unlimited Web/Data Access, Unlimited Picture mail and Video mail, Streaming News and Radio Channel, Channel 50 Sprint TV Ultimate, First Month Free

$20 Power Vision Plus Pack : Unlimited Web/Data Access, Unlimited Picture mail and Video mail, Streaming News and Radio Channel, Channel 1 Sprint TV Plus, First month Free

$15 Power Vision Access Pack: Unlimited Web/Data Access, Streaming News and Radio Channel, First month Free

***Channel 54 ABC News Now Live is included with all Power Vision packs.
For default usage or with the $15 plan, it is located in the News and Weather Category
With the $20 plan it’s inside the Channel 01 Sprint TV Plus folder
With the $25 plan it’s inside the Channel 50 Sprint TV Ultimate Folder***


****** If you want to use the Music store, no one will come out and tell you, but you get 5 free downloads during the 1st 30 days.*******

Then you add.......
$15 for Unlimited SMS Text Messages, First Month Free
$8 for 500 SMS Text Messages, $0.10 for each additional message over 500, First Month Free
$5 for 100 SMS Text Messages, $0.10 for each additional message over 100, First Month Free

Also, ............
$5 for Unlimited Ready Link Service

Then there's the Phone as a modem plan....
Two criteria:
1. If you know how to use the phone as a modem (without a plan), 95% of the time, especially if it's not a power vision phone, and they see a lot of data being transferred (i.e. downloading mp3's or movies) , then they will see and cut you off, and let you know that you can add a plan.

2. If you have a power vision phone, not only do you have to have the power vision plans, listed above, but you also must have to have a voice plan, in order to use your phone as a modem without a lot of extra charges. Look at the plans below. You must be specific and careful, because there are two ways to pay $39.99, and the difference is HUGE! 1st option is unlimited data and all you have to do different is get a two year contract. If you get stuck with the other plan, it's the same price, and if you use more than 40 MB, you pay per KB at $.02 per KB, and you can't have more than $69.99. Watch out, because they can get you if you're not careful.

Phone as a modem plans:
$39.99 for Unlimited MB of Power Vision Data Promotion
Promotional Attachable Phone as Modem plan
Includes unlimited data
Must be combined with a primary voice plan on subscription
Two-year Subscriber Agreement Required
****or*****
$39.99 for 40MB of Power Vision Data
Attachable Phone as Modem plan
Includes 40MB of data
Must be combined with a primary voice plan on subscription
Overage rate of $.02 per kilobyte
Overage and MRC capped at $69.99
One-year Subscriber Agreement Required

....and yes, everything else costs money, either by the month, or by the download. Sprint does almost nothing out of the kindness of their hearts anymore!

[Yankees368]

If you are able to keep a grandfathered VISION plan on an EVDO power vision phone, you will be fine.

[wheresmyfreakinpresent]

Originally Posted by Yankees368

If you are able to keep a grandfathered VISION plan on an EVDO power vision phone, you will be fine.

Beware of this comment, because at one point, because there are no guarantees, Sprint might catch this. If you buy a power vision phone, from like February through current, everyone will transfer to a special group that sets up these plans, and you should be okay, and what Yankees 368 was speaking of is a plan that almost no one has, and the only way of checking, brings attention to the fact that you probably do not have it, so it's best to make sure that you do. If you KNOW you have the "grandfathered vision" then don't change a thing, especially if you do not plan on using the downloads or others that much.

[TProphet]

I presume the "grandfathered Vision" you're referring to is the one that I have. It is included for free on my grandfathered 2000 minute plan, and includes unlimited data transfer, SMS, and Ready Link. Is this correct?

[wheresmyfreakinpresent]

I couldn\'t say without any error, but that plans you have could quite possible be. If so, you are one lucky man!

[SprintEnigma]

[quote=vipman]
1. EVDO (Power Vision) is a different service than PCS Vision. It was simply described as going from modem (PCS vision) to DSL (Power Vision). A customer can keep their "old" plan but their vision package will have to change to meet the new format. The EVDO pricing and PCS Vision are different. If you choose NOT to purchase any EVDO/Power Vision package you will be billed per kilobyte used during your connection to their service. How much Sprint charges per kilobyte varies (per one of their Technical Support Specialist). Like everyone else, their answers vary.

2. The EVDO does NOT have picture mail on their basic package. They bill you per kilobyte sent if you use it without their 2nd teir package which costs $ 20.00/month for the 1st phone and $ 10.00/month on 2nd phone.

3. The EVDO services offers Sprint TV (very, very limited), Internet Access, and Sirius (one channel of current hits ONLY) along with unlimited Picture Mail. Problem is that the internet web sites are not necessarily setup for cell phone protocols (java script in not in the correct format per EVDO specialist).

4. As for extras like full Sirius, ring tones, MP3 downloads, wireless modem capability -- they are all EXTRAs for a charge. The modem fee is $39.99/month, a game is about $ 3.99/month, an iTune is $ 2.99 per download.


QUOTE]

The Power Vision is infact at DSL/broadband vs Vision at Dial up/Modem speeds. If you use the "grandfather" vision on your power vision phone you will receive a dial up connection. However when on Sprint TV and other EVDO ONLY sites you will be charged $0.20/kb which can as you imagine get very expensive.
Vision now has 4 differant rates
1- $10.00 for phones without camera
2- $15.00 for phones with camera but not Power Vision
3- $20.00 for Powervison/EVDO phones
-this gives you Sprint TV basic channel for free
4- $25.00 for Powervision/EVDO phones
-this gives you Sprint TV ultimate channel for free

*sorry I didnt see this was already mentioned... guess I looked right over it..

[Yankees368]

[quote=SprintEnigma]

Originally Posted by vipman

1. EVDO (Power Vision) is a different service than PCS Vision. It was simply described as going from modem (PCS vision) to DSL (Power Vision). A customer can keep their "old" plan but their vision package will have to change to meet the new format. The EVDO pricing and PCS Vision are different. If you choose NOT to purchase any EVDO/Power Vision package you will be billed per kilobyte used during your connection to their service. How much Sprint charges per kilobyte varies (per one of their Technical Support Specialist). Like everyone else, their answers vary.

2. The EVDO does NOT have picture mail on their basic package. They bill you per kilobyte sent if you use it without their 2nd teir package which costs $ 20.00/month for the 1st phone and $ 10.00/month on 2nd phone.

3. The EVDO services offers Sprint TV (very, very limited), Internet Access, and Sirius (one channel of current hits ONLY) along with unlimited Picture Mail. Problem is that the internet web sites are not necessarily setup for cell phone protocols (java script in not in the correct format per EVDO specialist).

4. As for extras like full Sirius, ring tones, MP3 downloads, wireless modem capability -- they are all EXTRAs for a charge. The modem fee is $39.99/month, a game is about $ 3.99/month, an iTune is $ 2.99 per download.


QUOTE]

The Power Vision is infact at DSL/broadband vs Vision at Dial up/Modem speeds. If you use the "grandfather" vision on your power vision phone you will receive a dial up connection. However when on Sprint TV and other EVDO ONLY sites you will be charged $0.20/kb which can as you imagine get very expensive.
Vision now has 4 differant rates
1- $10.00 for phones without camera
2- $15.00 for phones with camera but not Power Vision
3- $20.00 for Powervison/EVDO phones
-this gives you Sprint TV basic channel for free
4- $25.00 for Powervision/EVDO phones
-this gives you Sprint TV ultimate channel for free

*sorry I didnt see this was already mentioned... guess I looked right over it..

Uhhh...no? Maybe for people activating via grandfathered now, but not me. And when you say "free"...its not free, its $5 more each time.