Sprint: “Customers Will Pay a Premium for Simplicity”; No Tiered/Non-Unlimited Data for the Foreseeable Future
Thought they might feel that their hands are being forced to come up with a new pricing model for their smartphone data users due to moves by the two biggest carriers in America – AT&T and Verizon – Sprint says they’re not budging: customers value the simplicity that comes with Sprint’s “everything” plans, says Dan Hesse.
“…Even if it’s not in their best economic interest, they will go with the unlimited plan. We were the first to come out with truly unlimited text, voice and data with the Simply Everything plan.”
And when he was asked if Sprint would ever “go tiered,” Hesse responded “So far, we aren’t.” The “so far” isn’t the most reassuring response, but over time Sprint’s shown that they don’t like to venture too far off the beaten path. And if we’re going based on changes to their plans in the past 3-5 years, I’d guess they would like to think very carefully before pulling the trigger on something as big as capping data.
Speaking as a Sprint user myself, I’d have to say Hesse’s right: things are so simple that I don’t have to think about it. I don’t want to have to think about it. And I shouldn’t have to think about it. I’ve often thought about switching to Verizon: those DROIDs are very tempting. But every time I think I’m ready to pull the trigger, I look at Verizon’s plans and I quickly regress to being content where I am. Not just because Sprint’s plans are simple, but because they make me confident when I go to pay my bills each month.
Obviously, not everyone feels the same. And I’m not saying Verizon isn’t in tune with the industry, nor am I saying what they’re doing is wrong. But for Sprint, their strategy is as simple as their plans are and it’s worked for them. For now, changing would only be for the sake of change. I’m only one guy with one opinion, though. A biased one considering I pay them $95 each month. I’d still like to hear your thoughts: who provides more value in the wireless industry? Does Verizon’s network justify the high cost of admission for any and everything you want to do with them? Are AT&T’s plans way too limiting? Does T-Mobile still rule in the “affordable” department with the recent changes to their plans? [All Things D]