Remember Zer01? The Mobile Virtual Network Enabler caused ructions last March, when it went into open beta. The operator was offering a deal that seemed too good to be true at the time – only $70 a month for unlimited voice and data usage. There have been… complications since then, and the Zer01 offer never appeared. But the idea seemed to germinate, as US operator Sprint is now offering pretty much the exact same deal.
What is the Sprint offer?
It’s an upgrade to the current Everything Data Plan – all subscribers to that plan now get unlimited voice calls. Everything Data users can call anyone in the States, regardless of which network they’re on, and talk for as long as they want. So the plan now gives you unlimited data, unlimited voice and unlimited SMS for $70.
However, if you check the Sprint page, you’ll see that it still lists 450 Anytime Minutes under the offering. If you get unlimited calls, then why are there minutes listed? The answer is “roaming“. If you’re using your phone in an area where Sprint has no coverage, the network will pop you onto your 450 plan minutes instead.
What we think?
My first thought is “hoo ah!” (imagine Al Pacino saying it). A fully unlimited plan is a great thing. My second thought was “$70 is still a lot of money” – but then I look at my plan here in Ireland. It costs me almost $90 a month. Now, I do get a phone AND a USB modem for that, but there are severe data restrictions and the texts/voice plan isn’t all that great. I can only pray that a plan like this comes across the Atlantic at some point.
I must say that I’m impressed that the Anytime Minutes still count as well. It seems like Sprint has passed up a great opportunity to squeeze a few extra cents out of its roaming customers there, and that says good things.
Thanks,it is more good news for consumers.
If you are excited about paying 70 USD per month, you guys will fall down over paying 40 USD per month.
Stay tuned.