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I have had many people asking me how they can leave sprint early without getting hit with the ETF fee. Phandroid just posted information that may help those on a family plan get out of their plans.
“Have a Sprint Family Plan With a Discount Applied? Get Out of Your Contract ETF Free http://phandroid.com/?p=81094 (http://phandroid NULL.com/?p=81094)“
I’ll start this post by saying that I’m a long time satisfied Sprint customer. I’m not currently looking to leave Sprint to go to another carrier. Sprint is currently the only U.S. Cell carrier with true unlimited data, going to Verizon or AT&T will get you Data Caps and T-Mobile will get you Data Throttling.
With that being said, someone out there may want to get out of their contract because they are in an area without good Sprint reception, or maybe to get out of individual contracts just to get on a family plan, or a number of other reasons. For whatever your reason is (and the iPhone shouldn’t be one as its expected that Sprint will be offering the iPhone 5), you now have a chance to get out of your contract without having to pay the early termination fee.
How do you get out of your contract, you ask, well the reason is on your latest bill. Sprint has announced a change to the “Terms & Conditions” of your Sprint account. The following was on your latest Sprint bill
Terms & Conditions Changes for Consumers
Effective 9/9/11, the Administrative Charge will increase to $1.50 per line for customers that receive the charge. For details, visit sprint.com/taxesandfees. In addition, the Sprint consumer Terms (Ts&Cs) are changing. Please review them carefully at your local Sprint store or sprint.com/termsandconditions.
Here is why this change is important to those who want to get out of their Sprint contract. In a different section of the Sprint Terms and Conditions…
(LINK: http://shop2.sprint.com/en/legal/…conditions (http://shop2 NULL.sprint NULL.com/en/legal/ NULL. NULL. NULL.conditions))
When You Don’t Have To Pay An Early Termination Fee
You aren’t responsible for paying an Early Termination Fee when terminating Services: (a) provided on a month-to-month basis; (b) consistent with our published trial period return policy; or (c) in response to a materially adverse change we make to the Agreement as described directly below.
Our Right To Change The Agreement & Your Related Rights
We may change any part of the Agreement at any time, including, but not limited to, rates, charges, how we calculate charges, or your terms of Service. We will provide you notice of material changes—and may provide you notice of non-material changes—in a manner consistent with this Agreement (see “Providing Notice To Each Other Under The Agreement” section). If a change we make to the Agreement is material and has a material adverse effect on Services under your Term Commitment, you may terminate each line of Service materially affected without incurring an Early Termination Fee only if you: (a) call us within 30 days after the effective date of the change; and (b) specifically advise us that you wish to cancel Services because of a material change to the Agreement that we have made. If you do not cancel Service within 30 days of the change, an Early Termination Fee will apply if you terminate Services before the end of any applicable Term Commitment.
So now you’re wondering “what do I need to do to get out of my contract”. Here are the steps required
- You need to call Sprint (by calling 888-211-4727 or *2 from your HTC EVO, and select options 4, 5, 2). Online chat will NOT work for this.
- Once you speak to Sprint you MUST cite this specific fee increase (to $1.50) as the reason you wish to exit your contract
- If you get a Sprint Rep. that is uninformed, ask to speak to someone in retentions. The Retentions department are the ones with the most power and knowledge.
- This process must be done before September 30, 2011.
Even if you don’t want to leave Sprint, this may just be the excuse you need to speak to the Retentions Department at Sprint and see if you can negotiate a better deal with Sprint.
Information for this post comes from
John @ (Good and Evo) (http://www NULL.goodandevo NULL.net/2011/08/get-out-of-your-htc-evo-contract-etf-free NULL.html#more) and Scott @ (Slick Deals) (http://slickdeals NULL.net/forums/showthread NULL.php?t=3212758)
One of the biggest complaints I regularly get asked about the HTC EVO phones (Original EVO 4G and EVO 3D) concerns battery life. Unfortunately, HTC decided to use the smaller 1500 mAh batteries as the default battery for the EVO and the (not much bigger) 1730 mAh battery for the EVO 3D. Because of this, the battery life on both phones is less than a day and for heavy power users can get as little as 3 to 4 hours of battery.
I have a simple and inexpensive solution, that will get the average user as much as 2 days and power users at least a full day (plus a little bit more) of battery life.
The suggestion is to get a replacement “extended” battery. The EVO 4G extended battery is a 3500 mAh battery. The cost including ground shipping (when you apply Coupon Code – htc20phones) is $12.79 for the EVO 4G.
The HTC EVO 4G extended battery can be found at HandHelditems (Link)http://www.handhelditems.com/premium-3500-extended-battery-door-p-159471.html (http://www NULL.handhelditems NULL.com/premium-3500-extended-battery-door-p-159471 NULL.html)
The extended battery for the EVO 3D is also a 3500 mAh battery. The EVO 3D battery will run you $15.19 (again, you need to apply coupon code – htc20phones to get the discount). It has the same shipping options as the EVO 4G.
The EVO 3D extended battery can be found at HandHelditems (LINK) http://www.handhelditems.com/premium-extended-battery-with-back-cover-3500-grade-cell-p-171410.html (http://www NULL.handhelditems NULL.com/premium-extended-battery-with-back-cover-3500-grade-cell-p-171410 NULL.html)
Both batteries include a replacement back cover for your phone. As these batteries as just a little bigger than the batteries that come with the phone, the original battery cover does not fit.
Lastly, Both batteries have a couple of shipping options. Ground shipping for FREE, Regular Express (3 to 5 days) and Priority Express ( 2 to 4 days) for an additional fee (which is based on your zip code), but I recommend staying with Ground Shipping. I received my battery via ground in 4 days.
The biggest reason I wanted to get this device was because the cell signal at my house was almost non-existent.
As you can see from the screenshot above, 1 bar and that’s barely. The funny thing about my Sprint service is that if I go 1 block in any direction from my house there is “perfect” 5 bar service. It just seems to be that my block is in another dimension (or something like that). So when I discovered that there was a way that I could get my own “Personal Cell Tower”, I jumped on it.
Once it arrived, it was very simple to set up. For one, it was sent configured (Thanks Sprint), so all I needed to do was plug in the provided network cable from the Airave to my Router (If you have a DSL Router there may be an additional step needed to allow the Airave to communicate with your Router). I was advised that you shouldn’t power the unit up until you plug it to your network, so that’s what I did. The Airave device has a built in GPS antenna, which in my case worked, however if your Airave is unable to pick up a GPS signal, an additional external antenna is provided. The instructions say that it is recommended that the Airave be placed in an elevated area or high shelf, so I placed it on top of a bookcase that is next to my pc, its across the room from a window (not next to it).
Once its plugged in to your network and powered on, you will see 4 lights on the Airave. Once the bottom 3 lights go solid (This took about 30 min during the initial boot up), your Airave ready to be used. (The top light turns on when the Airave is being used for make or receive a call)
At that point I didn’t need to do anything else. As you can see, this Airave makes a noticeable difference. The signal strength in my entire house is now 5 bars.
The Airave connected to your internet makes your cell phone into a VOIP phone. Per Sprint, no minutes are used when making or receiving calls via the Airave. However, It is important that you have a quality high speed internet connection. The cell phone automatically connects to the Airave when its signal is in reach (you will know that you are connected as you get 3 beeps on your phone at the beginning of each call), and if you are on a call that started on an Airave and you walk out of its range, the phone will automatically continue that call using the nearest Sprint cell tower. However, if you start a call outside from a cell tower, the call will NOT transfer to the Airave.
Here is my breakdown of the Airave –
PRO
- Its simple to get up and running
- Multiple phones can use the Airave at the same time (Up to 6 phone, I understand)
- For those with weak or no signal, it works.
- Does not use up your minutes while connected to the Airave. This could be an option for those looking to replace their home phone service with VOIP service.**
**Note VOIP and Cellular service does NOT have traditional E911 capabilities, so you do want to make sure you are aware of the limitations ahead of time (and have working alternatives for those limitations).
CON
- Depending on the tech(s) you speak with, the Airave could cost you over $200 to purchase and include an additional monthly fee on your bill.
– If you are in an area that can be proven has weak or low signal coverage. Sprint should really be offering these for FREE without making jump through so many hoops**.
**During a follow up call, I was informed that I would need to pay for the device and a monthly fee, that was higher than what I was originally quoted. I ended up having to speak to multiple agents (including customer retention) and threaten to look at additional options (including giving my cell service to another provider). Finally with the customer retention department, I was given the the device with fees waved.
- Not all the Sprint tech’s seem to understand and know what the Airave is or what it does.
- Sprint does not make it simple to get the Airave
– It took me 3 phone calls, that involved 7 different Sprint representatives and about 5 hours of my life until I was able to get the device.
Final Comment
If you are willing to put up with many unnecessary hoops, the Airave works and will be a noticeable difference. The more times you have called Sprint in the past to report (complain) about the weak signal, so that its already recorded in the Sprint system, the easier it will be to be able to get Sprint to agree to send you an Airave. You will probably get multiple Sprint representatives trying to get you to pay for the device or a monthly fee, if you are trying to get this because your service isn’t what it should be, you will need to make sure you are adamant to Sprint that you need this because of their lack of coverage.
I have been a happy Sprint customer for years now. Currently own the EVO 4G. Overall the area I live in has some of the best signal and coverage area (both 3G and 4G). Unfortunately, and unexplainably, this incredible coverage is about a block (in every direction) away from me. On my block the coverage is spotty at best, on a Tuesday in spring, when it isn’t to warm or cold or humid, and with birds singing … well you get the idea.
So I called Sprint today (Here is the number 888-211-4727) to discuss options. (**Note we have done all the profile, PRL, and any other updates previous Sprint techs have suggested in the past).
Today the suggestion to get a Femtocell terminal,which Sprint calls Airave.
So what is the Airave (Femtocell)
The device (which looks like a wireless pc router) connects to your home internet router. Once connected and configured the device acts just like a VOIP system for your cell phone. Once your cell phone is recognizes and connects to the Airave, your cell phone calls are actually routed onto the cellular network via your internet connection. Per Sprint, if your cell phone is connected to an Airave site and you step out of the Airave range, the phone should automatically switch over to the closest Cell tower your phone can fine (assuming you have some signal). However, your phone will NOT automatically switch an active call automatically from a cell tower to your Airave.
The Airave covers up to 5,000 square feet and supports multiple phones connected to it simultaneously. Since it does use your internet connection to route the cell phone calls through, a high speed internet connection is required.
Sprint is offering the device for a one time fee of $100 dollars plus a monthly fee of $4.99 (Per Sprint that’s per Airave not per phone using it) added to your bill. With that being said, Sprint may reduce/or not charge the one time fee to "qualified customer". What is a “qualified customer”, here is something that I think they are using (based on my conversation with the Sprint tech)
- If the Sprint tech sees on their coverage map, which goes down to neighborhood / street level, that you live in an area with weak coverage.
- If you have multiple calls to Sprint to report signal issues
- If Sprint has replaced your cell phone, and the signal issue doesn’t improve (every phone has a antenna with different strengths)
- If you’re a customer that is close to their contract end date and you use the “This needs to improve or I’ll take my service elsewhere” speech.
- If you have multiple phones on your account and can prove that all of them have the same weak signal problems.
My call to sprint
For Starters, if you make this call be prepared to be on with the Sprint tech for a while. My call took 45 minutes on the phone with the tech (that was after 5 min waiting in queue for the tech to answer).
Once you start the conversation be prepared to answer a lot of question, these are the “Checking to see if you qualify” for an Airave. Once you answer all the questions they will ask, you will be informed that your information will be forwarded to another department for review, and that within 72 (business) hours, someone will call you, to confirm if you get the reduced/free rate or if you will have to pay the $100 fee. Once you get the return call from Sprint, your service will be scheduled for install. Apparently someone will have to come out to do the actual install of the Airave hardware.
Since I just made my initial call today, I now end Pt. 1 of this post. As soon as Sprint calls me, I will continue this post with more information.
Just received this announcement concerning Windows Phone 7 and Sprint. As of March 20th you will be able to get the HTC Arrive on the Sprint network.
*****8/2/2010 UPDATE – UPDATE IS HERE************
To my fellow EVO users -
To those who want to install the Froyo 2.2 update, as of 9:15 pm (EST) it is now available directly from your phone. Customers can access the software update through their HTC EVO 4G under the Settings Menu > System Updates > HTC Software Update. This will initiate the three-step process also.
*****7/30/ 2010 UPDATE******************************
As of 5p it seems that the update has yet to be released for those who are looking at updating early. Latest Report was that the update was going to be ready after 12p CST and that it would be available at some point during the afternoon/evening Friday. Ill update as soon as I can get more details.
****************************************************
Based on an announcement on the Sprint Community Blog (LINK: http://community.sprint.com/baw/community/sprintblogs/buzz-by-sprint/announcements/blog/2010/07/29/sprint-is-the-first-wireless-carrier-to-bring-android-22-to-customers-using-the-award-winning-htc-evo-4g-beginning-tuesday-aug-3 (http://community NULL.sprint NULL.com/baw/community/sprintblogs/buzz-by-sprint/announcements/blog/2010/07/29/sprint-is-the-first-wireless-carrier-to-bring-android-22-to-customers-using-the-award-winning-htc-evo-4g-beginning-tuesday-aug-3)), the EVO will be getting its froyo update in the next couple of days. As of now the announcement says that the froyo (2.2) update for Android will be available as of 12p (CST) tomorrow 7/30 for download if you want to manually update the phone yourself (This is a nice touch on Sprints part for those who just don’t want to wait) and as of Aug. 3rd Sprint will begin (OTA) over the air updates to the EVO Devices.
Froyo which is the latest (and very highly awaited) update to the Android operating system, will carry numerous updates and new features as part of its update.
Some of the changes are -
For those who just can’t wait until the Froyo OTA update, you can manually trigger the download (As of 12p CST on 7/30) by doing the following
Customers can access the software update through their HTC EVO 4G under the Settings Menu > System Updates > HTC Software Update. This will initiate the three-step process also.
Here is a quick note about the Qik video chat program that comes on the HTC EVO 4G by default. IT NEEDS AN UPGRADE. The version that comes with the phone does not work with the 2 camera set up that the EVO uses. The front facing camera will not work with the system. If you have an EVO and plan to do video calls, you will need to run this update 1st. To get the update, go to the Android market place and search for Qik. Then on the list that you get, look for the version that specifically says that its for the “EVO 4G”. Once you see it. select it for download and run the install. That is all there is to correcting this issue.
Once of the big questions with the NEW Sprint EVO 4G involves the battery performance. I have had a couple of people tell me that they can get 7 or 8 hours of good use out of the battery, while others have said that its been less than 1 hour of good use before needing to recharge again.
I have only had my phone for 1 day**, and so far I got 12 really good hours of use, but I went in and turned off everything I wasn’t using when I 1st got the phone. The following information from Sprint (LINK: http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Improve_battery_performance_on_your_HTC_EVO_4G/case-wh164052-20100601-130442?&INTNAV=SU:DP:HDIA (http://support NULL.sprint NULL.com/support/article/Improve_battery_performance_on_your_HTC_EVO_4G/case-wh164052-20100601-130442?&INTNAV=SU:DP:HDIA)) is what I used as a guide to what to turn off.
Last Updated: Jun 09, 2010
Battery performance depends on many factors, including network configuration, signal strength, the temperature of the environment in which you operate your phone, the features and/or settings you select and use, items attached to connecting ports, and your usage patterns for voice, data and other programs.
There are several differences between other phones and your new HTC EVO™ 4G that can impact your battery life:
Because of all these new wonderful capabilities and features, it is up to you to manage your battery life experience. Here’s how!
Multiple radios
The multiple radios use battery life even when you are not using them. To improve battery life, turn off your Bluetooth, GPS, 4G, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi hotspot if you are not using them.
Preloaded widgets are available for your Home screen to conveniently monitor use of radios:
Live Wallpaper and backlight settings
Live Wallpaper uses significantly more battery than standard wallpapers when your screen is ON
Email Applications Settings
Preloaded Applications
There are several preloaded applications which update based on frequency settings:
These applications have a settings menu that typically can be accessed by using the Menu button while you are in the application. In the settings menu there is an item called Update Schedule
(Menu > Settings > Update Schedule; this may slightly vary from App to App).
In general, the less frequently you allow these applications to update, the better your battery life. If you find there are applications you don’t use at all, for the best battery life experience, configure the application to either not sync at all or to sync at the lowest frequency. You can also end the application or service by going to the Running Services Widget mentioned above.
Google Talk
When you sign up for the Google Market or Gmail with your Gmail account information, you are also signed in to the Google Talk instant messaging application. The Talk application tracks the presence of your Google Talk contacts in order to let you know who is available to instant message. Each presence change uses power, even if you do not have the Talk application open.
If you do not use Talk on your device or do not mind if it is only operating when you actually have the application open, then you can eliminate this extra battery consumption:
Note: Make sure you always exit the application by selecting Sign Out to reduce battery consumption. Exiting the application by use of the back or home keys will not sign you out and battery life will not be improved.
4G
The 4G radio should only be turned on when the improved network speed is required for an application, such as YouTube, Web Browsing or Sprint Mobile Hotspot. When not in use, it’s important to use the built-in 4G widget to turn the 4G radio OFF.
If you have your 4G radio ON, but are no longer in 4G coverage, then your device will be scanning in an attempt to re-acquire the 4G network. Your battery can be significantly drained by scanning, so if you know you will be out of 4G coverage for an extended period of time or if you are not acquiring a 4G signal as indicated in the task bar, it is important to turn your 4G radio OFF.
Even when in 4G markets, particularly when mobile, you may be going in and out of 4G coverage. If you notice that you do not have a 4G signal at any point in time, turning off the 4G radio will save you significant battery life. Simply turn it back on to check for 4G coverage when you are back in 4G coverage.
To check for the latest 4G coverage in your area, click here (http://shop NULL.sprint NULL.com/en/stores/popups/4G_coverage_popup NULL.shtml).
3rd-Party Applications
Be especially cautious with all 3rd-party applications that you download from the Android Market. Often times these applications have not been designed with battery life in mind. Many of these applications significantly impact your battery life and quite often they remain running even when you exit the application. It’s important for you to understand the behavior of all the applications you download and to:
I’ve recently started receiving TEXT spam. If you think that its annoying when you get spam in your email, wait until you start seeing it in TEXT message form. For me its Text messages concerning the “Warranty on my car is about to expire”, supposedly if I respond to the TEXT I will get information about how to extend the warranty on my car. (On a funny side note: My car is 14 yrs old and has been out of warranty since the turn of the century)
I am a Sprint user, and the following information will allow Sprint users to Block or Allow Text messages on their phones.
(Information is from the Sprint Support Page LINK http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Block_or_allow_text_messages_from_your_phone/case-ev207663-20090625-102112?&INTNAV=SU:SP:MVT (http://support NULL.sprint NULL.com/support/article/Block_or_allow_text_messages_from_your_phone/case-ev207663-20090625-102112?&INTNAV=SU:SP:MVT) )
Last Updated: Jun 25, 2009
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