[Update] Sprint Premier Program is Not Going Away, Just Adding a New Tier Starting April 1st
[Update]: Everything below remains true, except one disappointing thing after clearing some of the wording up with Sprint: Premier Silver customers actually won’t get an annual upgrade. That lone feature will be reserved for Premier Gold customers. The good news is that you can change your plan anytime you want without extending your contract. Now it’s just a matter of figuring out what’s more important to you: early upgrades or your monthly bill. Awaiting word on if current Premier customers will get one last upgrade before they’re affected by this change.
[Update 2]: One more word of clarification: Silver Premier customers can still upgrade every 12 months, but are subject to a $75 discount on top of the unsubsidized price of the phone.
I’ve been reading for a few days now that Sprint will soon be getting rid of their Premier program that awards long-time and high-paying customers with several types of perks. The rumors ranged from the program being completely dead to Sprint just upping the terms you need to meet to qualify.
I have some great news: it’s not dead. And those who are on $69.99 individual plans ($99.99 for a family plan) will continue to enjoy Premier benefits, as will new customers who sign up for those plans.
The change comes where Sprint’s calling those customers “Premier Silver” while a new tier – Premier Gold – will be offered for folks who have individual and family plans of $89.99 and $169.99, respectively. Gold members will receive all of the same benefits Silver members have been for a while now, plus a bit extra. Unfortunately, no details were given regarding what Gold subscribers would get more for their status, but we’re reaching out for more information.
The important thing, though, is that if you’re a premier member or if you anticipate being a premier member sometime in the future on a plan less than $89.99 you’ll still have that option and you won’t get anything less than what users are getting now. Read on for Sprint’s official statement on the matter.
Sprint is updating the program for 2011 with two tiers of benefits, Sprint Premier Silver and Sprint Premier Gold, making sure that Sprint Premier Silver retains the benefits that were popular with the most customers. Effective 4/1/11:
Sprint Premier Gold customers must only meet ONE of the following three qualifications:
· Individual plans with a 3-month average MRC** of at least $89.99, or
· Shared plans with a 3-month average MRC** of at least $169.99 MRC, or
· Tenure of 10+ years with Sprint
Sprint Premier Silver customers must only meet ONE of the following two qualifications:
· Individual plans with a 3-month average MRC** of $69.99 – $89.98, or
· Shared plans with a 3-month average MRC** of $99.99 – $169.98
Once Sprint Premier Silver customers reach 10 years service with Sprint, they automatically are graduated to Sprint Premier Gold status regardless of the plan they are on.
** 3-month average MRC is based on voice plans only, not including add-on services, and is figured before any discounts are applied.In addition to the change noted above, it’s important to highlight that both Sprint Premier Gold and Silver customers will continue to receive all the other perks: discounts on accessories, proactive plan checks and just because offers; device credits that are among the best in the industry; and exclusive extras like Premier Community, anniversary rewards and first to know.
Sprint Premier remains one of the best customer loyalty programs in the wireless industry. When compared to other national carriers, the Sprint Premier package of benefits far outranks any rewards program currently offered.