Why Must Sprint Forsake Me?

By Jenni Hammitt

May 7, 2009

I have been a Sprint customer for six years. Two of those years I was on a family plan. The whole family plan was costing me more that a regular plan, so I ended up getting my own contract.

Now I know how many people feel about Sprint. I would probably feel the same way if I had some of the negative experiences others have had. Maybe I have just been lucky, but Sprint has not given me a reason to hate them. I’ve always had good luck with customer service. When my old phone broke, a corporate store was able to give me a new one no questions asked. Their plans seem to be fair and well priced.

About a year ago, I made the move to Blackberry phones. I bought a Blackberry Pearl, and quickly fell in love. I considered upgrading again to the original Curve. However, RIM was about to release a bunch of new Blackberries. I knew Sprint would be the last carrier to get one of the new phones, but I hoped that we would have something within a few months of my contract expiring.

My contract expired in March. Still, I was okay. In theory, Sprint would be getting some new RIM phones in third quarter. I was anxious. I mean I really would like a new phone. I wish Sprint made better choices about the phones to release. I have heard bad reviews about the Instinct, and while I am sure the Palm Pre is fabulous…I am a Blackberry person.

I did look around at other providers. I considered switching, but initially I was content just to wait it out for a while. Then the harassment started. You see when I didn’t go running out to get a new phone and sign a new contract Sprint got nervous. The first mailing was fine. I was even okay with the first e-mail. Then came the additional e-mails, letters and multiple phone calls from not just one but two Sprint stores. The employees just wouldn’t take no for an answer. I get that it is their job to get me to stay their customer. However, once I have explained my situation why must they keep trying to convince me I want an Instinct or a Palm-Pre? Again, I am a Blackberry person. Telling me you won’t have them for a while, but you are sure I would love these other phones just makes me angry.

Sprint’s inability to get the fact that I am not willing to commit to them for another two years until they have the product I want is maddening. Why would I buy something and sign a contract for a product I do not want? They are making the other carriers seem much more attractive with each attempt.