Sprint PCS Fair and Flexible vs. Verizon Wireless America's Choice Comparison

[Eddie Kukiela]

Here's a newer comparison list. The first plan has not been included as Verizon Wireless does not have a comparable plan.

All prices include an extra $5 for unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling, which is included with Verizon Wireless' plans for free.

$39.99/month from Sprint for 400 minutes, $39.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 450 minutes - winner: Verizon Wireless
$60.99/month from Sprint for 1000 minutes, $59.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 900 minutes - winner: in terms of cost, Verizon Wireless; in terms of minutes, Sprint PCS
$80.99/month from Sprint for 1400 minutes, $79.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 1350 minutes - winner: in terms of cost, Verizon Wireless; in terms of minutes, Sprint PCS
$105.99/month from Sprint for 2000 minutes, $99.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 2000 minutes - winner: Verizon Wireless

So, if you're looking for 2000 minutes, I'd say VZW. If you're looking for national coverage, VZW is also good.

450 minutes, go to VZW. Otherwise go to Sprint for a Fair and Flexible plan. $1 more is not a huge difference for 100/50 more minutes.

Source: VerizonWireless.com America's Choice calling plans and Sprint.com Fair and Flexible caling plans, as of January 11, 2006, in zip code 85743

[WiggyFife]

Good post!!! Welcome to Wa, fellow Arizonian!!!

[larry]

Originally Posted by Eddie Kukiela

Here's a newer comparison list. The first plan has not been included as Verizon Wireless does not have a comparable plan.

All prices include an extra $5 for unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling, which is included with Verizon Wireless' plans for free.

$39.99/month from Sprint for 400 minutes, $39.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 450 minutes - winner: Verizon Wireless
$60.99/month from Sprint for 1000 minutes, $59.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 900 minutes - winner: in terms of cost, Verizon Wireless; in terms of minutes, Sprint PCS
$80.99/month from Sprint for 1400 minutes, $79.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 1350 minutes - winner: in terms of cost, Verizon Wireless; in terms of minutes, Sprint PCS
$105.99/month from Sprint for 2000 minutes, $99.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 2000 minutes - winner: Verizon Wireless

So, if you're looking for 2000 minutes, I'd say VZW. If you're looking for national coverage, VZW is also good.

450 minutes, go to VZW. Otherwise go to Sprint for a Fair and Flexible plan. $1 more is not a huge difference for 100/50 more minutes.

Source: VerizonWireless.com America's Choice calling plans and Sprint.com Fair and Flexible caling plans, as of January 11, 2006, in zip code 85743

Your Sprint numbers are outdated. Where did you get those from? They now have better F&C America plans:

$34.99 is now 400 minutes.
$55.99 is now 1000 minutes
$75.99 is now 1400 minutes
$99.99 is now 2000 minutes

[CellGeek]

Probably an old Sprint ad or a Verizon rah-rah website.

Originally Posted by larry

Your Sprint numbers are outdated. Where did you get those from? They now have better F&C America plans:

$34.99 is now 400 minutes.
$55.99 is now 1000 minutes
$75.99 is now 1400 minutes
$99.99 is now 2000 minutes

[larry]

Originally Posted by jimwayda

Probably an old Sprint ad or a Verizon rah-rah website.

Yeah or a Verizon salesman.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by larry

Your Sprint numbers are outdated. Where did you get those from? They now have better F&C America plans:

$34.99 is now 400 minutes.
$55.99 is now 1000 minutes
$75.99 is now 1400 minutes
$99.99 is now 2000 minutes

And I assume those prices include unlimited M2M, etc.?

[larry]

Originally Posted by Andy84094

And I assume those prices include unlimited M2M, etc.?

Why would you assume that? The original poster stated to include an additinal $5 for that (he is correct). But that's not the point. The point was to at least post the correct pricing for Sprint and not some outdated plans that haven't even been offered for three months or more.

Sprint has other perks besides free M2M. 6PM N&W for $10 7PM for $5 (or free for exsisiting customers who renew for 2 years).

[TelZone]

Originally Posted by larry

Why would you assume that? The original poster stated to include an additinal $5 for that (he is correct). But that's not the point. The point was to at least post the correct pricing for Sprint and not some outdated plans that haven't even been offered for three months or more.

Sprint has other perks besides free M2M. 6PM N&W for $10 7PM for $5 (or free for exsisiting customers who renew for 2 years).

Wow! Talk about misdirection! The OP specfically stated that the prices he quoted included adding $5 for unlimited M2M. When you do that, the prices he listed are exactly the Sprint prices. They are not outdated. Your SprintPCS sunglasses must be clouding your view.

Obviously Sprint has certain advantages with 6 or 7pm night starts and that's key for many users. Every carrier has certain advantages. Otherwise, just about everyone would be with one single carrier.

And just in case you feel that I'm anti-Sprint. I'm not. In fact I sell hundreds of SprintPCS lines per month to corporate accounts and make a good living in the process. It's a very good product for many users. But not for everyone. I've steered other clients to Verizon or Cingular, depending on their needs--and I don't sell those carriers.

Let's not just jump up and attack anyone who makes a subjective comparison of carriers that doesn't favor the one that we worship.

[larry]

Originally Posted by TelZone

Wow! Talk about misdirection! The OP specfically stated that the prices he quoted included adding $5 for unlimited M2M. When you do that, the prices he listed are exactly the Sprint prices. They are not outdated. Your SprintPCS sunglasses must be clouding your view.

Obviously Sprint has certain advantages with 6 or 7pm night starts and that's key for many users. Every carrier has certain advantages. Otherwise, just about everyone would be with one single carrier.

And just in case you feel that I'm anti-Sprint. I'm not. In fact I sell hundreds of SprintPCS lines per month to corporate accounts and make a good living in the process. It's a very good product for many users. But not for everyone. I've steered other clients to Verizon or Cingular, depending on their needs--and I don't sell those carriers.

Let's not just jump up and attack anyone who makes a subjective comparison of carriers that doesn't favor the one that we worship.

Ok apparently I mis-read the details of his post but take it easy man. It was an honest mistake and I'll apologize to the OP and Andy. You don't need to go and take personal shots against me like that. This is just wireless discussion and not anything to get all worked up about. geez.

As long as we're on the subject of who has the best rate plans try looking at Sprint's sero plans which are available to new customers. No other carrier can touch them with all the stuff they include.

[Eddie Kukiela]

In my area, there are no Free and Clear plans. The only plans shown for Sprint (I haven't looked at Nextel) are Fair and Flexible, Fair and Flexible for Families (which includes free M2M), and the Free Incoming Plans.

My recommendations would be that if you get a lot of incoming calls, get a free incoming plan from Sprint or Nextel.

If you need the two higher-end plans, Sprint would be a better choice. As I said, I wouldn't mind spending $1 more than VZW for 100 more minutes (or on the other higher-end plan, 50 minutes).

Personally, I would pick VZW as 450 minutes is enough for me. Many of my friends also have VZW, so it's included in the unlimited IN calling.

So to clarify, all of those prices are for the Fair and Flexible plans in Tucson, AZ (zip code 85743), and include $5 extra for unlimited M2M. There are no Free and Clear plans offered on the site in my area. By the pricing larry posted, I assume Free and Clear is their branding for Fair and Flexible in his area.

[larry]

Sprint Sero plans (available to new customers who have a sprint employee referral e-mail address)

$30.00/mo 500 anytime
$49.99/mo 1250 anytime
$99.99/mo 2500 anytime

All plans include free mobile to mobile, U/L N&W, no roaming charges, free Vision or power vision.

[larry]

Originally Posted by Eddie Kukiela

In my area, there are no Free and Clear plans. The only plans shown for Sprint (I haven't looked at Nextel) are Fair and Flexible, Fair and Flexible for Families (which includes free M2M), and the Free Incoming Plans.

My recommendations would be that if you get a lot of incoming calls, get a free incoming plan from Sprint or Nextel.

If you need the two higher-end plans, Sprint would be a better choice. As I said, I wouldn't mind spending $1 more than VZW for 100 more minutes (or on the other higher-end plan, 50 minutes).

Personally, I would pick VZW as 450 minutes is enough for me. Many of my friends also have VZW, so it's included in the unlimited IN calling.

So to clarify, all of those prices are for the Fair and Flexible plans in Tucson, AZ (zip code 85743), and include $5 extra for unlimited M2M. There are no Free and Clear plans offered on the site in my area. By the pricing larry posted, I assume Free and Clear is their branding for Fair and Flexible in his area.

Sorry I meant to say Fair & Flexible not free & clear. I think free & clear are outdated now.

[TelZone]

Originally Posted by larry

Ok apparently I mis-read the details of his post but take it easy man. It was an honest mistake and I'll apologize to the OP and Andy. You don't need to go and take personal shots against me like that. This is just wireless discussion and not anything to get all worked up about. geez.

As long as we're on the subject of who has the best rate plans try looking at Sprint's sero plans which are available to new customers. No other carrier can touch them with all the stuff they include.

Sorry if it came across as a personal shot . . . . Not meant to be. Everyone has their favorites. Many develop an almost[?] emotional attachment to a specific carrier. No big deal. We see the same thing in cars, sports teams and many other areas. You come across as a fair-minded guy in your posts, so any acerbity in my post was not necessary or intended.

You're absolutely correct about the sero rate plans. Assuming a user can get comparable service/coverage in their primary use area, they are better then anything any other national carrier offers. And yes, I do mean their primary service area, national coverage notwithstanding. In your (SoCal) region, there are specific areas that are better served by each one of the "major" carriers (Sprint, Cingular, Verizon, T-Mobile and Nextel) than by any other.

[larry]

By the way I'm still handing out referrals for Sero plans if anyone's interested. I think I've referred about 10 people so far.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by larry

Why would you assume that? The original poster stated to include an additinal $5 for that (he is correct). But that's not the point. The point was to at least post the correct pricing for Sprint and not some outdated plans that haven't even been offered for three months or more.

Sprint has other perks besides free M2M. 6PM N&W for $10 7PM for $5 (or free for exsisiting customers who renew for 2 years).

Larry, no need to apologize, but I think we all need to take it easy when it seems like someone is trying to make an argument against "our" carrier of choice, myself included.

[CellGeek]

Originally Posted by Andy84094

Larry, no need to apologize, but I think we all need to take it easy when it seems like someone is trying to make an argument against "our" carrier of choice, myself included.

I completely agree as I sometimes get carried away also. I was a very loyal Verizon Customer for 8 years until I was forced kicking and screaming to go with Sprint in order to get service at my new home. I dreaded making the switch and heard from many folks that "Sprint's Network Sucks!". I even told other folks that Sprint Sucks because I had heard it from so many folks that had no actual hands-on experience with Sprint I have found the opposite to be true and am very impressed with Sprint. That is the reason that I am a Sprint Evangelist. I also like Verizon very much as their Network and Customer Service are a class act. There is no substitute for hands-on experienced with multiple carriers in the same geographic area. Some customers should go with Verizon and others with Sprint. Don't get me started on Cingular.
Our Company has 9 of thier phones in SoCal and all of the sales folks hate them because of the lack of service and mostly because of the dropped calls.


Anyway, let's just all have a good time here.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by jimwayda

Anyway, let's just all have a good time here.

Agreed!

I am currently trying out Cingular but am going to cancel it within the 30 days...Don't get me started either.

[larry]

Originally Posted by Andy84094

Agreed!

I am currently trying out Cingular but am going to cancel it within the 30 days...Don't get me started either.

They give you 30 days to cancel?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by larry

They give you 30 days to cancel?

Yes, Cingular does give 30 days of a trial period.

[djjim]

Originally Posted by Eddie Kukiela

Here's a newer comparison list. The first plan has not been included as Verizon Wireless does not have a comparable plan.

All prices include an extra $5 for unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling, which is included with Verizon Wireless' plans for free.

$39.99/month from Sprint for 400 minutes, $39.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 450 minutes - winner: Verizon Wireless
$60.99/month from Sprint for 1000 minutes, $59.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 900 minutes - winner: in terms of cost, Verizon Wireless; in terms of minutes, Sprint PCS
$80.99/month from Sprint for 1400 minutes, $79.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 1350 minutes - winner: in terms of cost, Verizon Wireless; in terms of minutes, Sprint PCS
$105.99/month from Sprint for 2000 minutes, $99.99/month from Verizon Wireless for 2000 minutes - winner: Verizon Wireless

So, if you're looking for 2000 minutes, I'd say VZW. If you're looking for national coverage, VZW is also good.

450 minutes, go to VZW. Otherwise go to Sprint for a Fair and Flexible plan. $1 more is not a huge difference for 100/50 more minutes.

Source: VerizonWireless.com America's Choice calling plans and Sprint.com Fair and Flexible caling plans, as of January 11, 2006, in zip code 85743

Alltel and T-mobile a better deal!

[Eddie Kukiela]

Alltel sucks. T-Mobile has lots of dropped calls out here.

[Andy]

Why do you say ALLTEL sucks there?

[djjim]

Originally Posted by Eddie Kukiela

Alltel sucks. T-Mobile has lots of dropped calls out here.

I have heard this alot of Arizona. Alltel's network must not be that great there I would assume. I can't understand why Alltel wouldn't make big network investments in Phoenix and Tuscon as these are two of the biggest MSA's they own. Here in NC, they are the best bar none.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by djjim

I have heard this alot of Arizona. Alltel's network must not be that great there I would assume. I can't understand why Alltel wouldn't make big network investments in Phoenix and Tuscon as these are two of the biggest MSA's they own. Here in NC, they are the best bar none.

I have also heard that their network in the metro areas could be better, but when I was there trying their network a while ago I didn't really have many problems- their rural coverage there is superior though.

[djjim]

Originally Posted by Andy84094

I have also heard that their network in the metro areas could be better, but when I was there trying their network a while ago I didn't really have many problems- their rural coverage there is superior though.

I have a feeling that years ago when they had more subscribers than they do today, their network may have been overloaded and maybe they had a lot of dropped calls...Just a theory though. Cust. Service was once less than stellar as well. You know how long it takes to get rid of an old bad rep! I do on occasion see a post from someone pleased with Alltel in Az, plus my Aunt lived there for 25 years and then moved to Raleigh and she loves them.

[Eddie Kukiela]

Actually, I called Alltel sales a few weeks ago and I didn't even get someone on the line. The hold times were awful so I just hung up.

I know people with Alltel out in my area. I talk to them a lot, and most of the time, their calls are dropped. There are Alltel, T-Mobile, and Cingular stores here. I have had Cingular and while they DID steal $60 from me, I do have to say that the network, at least in my area, is better than Alltel and T-Mobile's network. And then near the Foothills Mall, there is a VZW store.

[djjim]

Originally Posted by Eddie Kukiela

Actually, I called Alltel sales a few weeks ago and I didn't even get someone on the line. The hold times were awful so I just hung up.

I know people with Alltel out in my area. I talk to them a lot, and most of the time, their calls are dropped. There are Alltel, T-Mobile, and Cingular stores here. I have had Cingular and while they DID steal $60 from me, I do have to say that the network, at least in my area, is better than Alltel and T-Mobile's network. And then near the Foothills Mall, there is a VZW store.

I have never been on hold more than a few minutes...maybe they see an Az number on their caller ID and say, hey, he is from Az, let's make him hold longer! Ha Ha, sorry, I couldn't resist. Well, to each there own. I know Cingular blows here...but everyplace is different. By the way, who cares where the stores are. A company could have 100 stores, doesn't make them better.

[Eddie Kukiela]

LOL. I know the number of stores doesn't matter. To get to the stores, it's almost like walking across the street to get from Alltel to T-Mobile to Cingular.

I always got full bar reception on Cingular and not one single dropped call. What I did was start off with pay-as-you-go with Cingular to make sure they had good coverage. I thought about signing a contract but what stopped me was the $59.99 plan including nights and weekends, while the $49.99 GoPhone plan included that. I figured, 400 minutes is enough, and I use more N&W, so get the GoPhone plan.

I currently use VoIP making the cell bill cheap, so I chose Virgin Mobile. Before VoIP, all long distance was done on the cell. After I tested the service, I wanted to switch to the Pick-Your-Plan, when they took my $60 account balance away. I asked the CSR if I could use that $60 to pay for my first month and she said yes, it should be automatic.

The cell is used in the unlikely time that VoIP is down (and it hasn't been for a while now), my connection is down, or of course, I'm not home. So the bill is under $40 a month. I even got $20 extra from VM Kickbacks.