Sprint eliminates some unlimited data plans for current subscribers

October 21, 2011 By Jeffrey Van Camp

Sprint will begin limiting 4G data usage for users of tablets, netbooks, mobile hotspots, and USB modems in November.

Unlimited 4G data is no more. Yesterday, Sprint announced some new data plan changes for most , if not all, data plans outside of smartphones. Users of tablets, netbooks, Mobile hotspots, and USB wireless cards will no longer have unlimited 4G data. Rates will not increase, but those who pay for 3GB, 5GB or 10GB of 3G data will no longer have unlimited 4G data as well. The usage of data on both networks will be combined, with overages of $0.05 per MB. Sprint maintains that smartphone users still have unlimited 3G and 4G coverage, but those with a mobile hotspot add-on will now be limited to 5GB of data on their hotspot.

While it’s admirable that Sprint is choosing to stick with unlimited plans for consumers, these changes don’t give us much confidence that the carrier will stick by its pledge. Worse, usually when carriers implement a rate change like this, current users are “grandfathered” in to their previous plan and the changes only affect new users. Sprint has broken this unsaid rule, applying the new limits and pricing structure to all current users come November.

Things just keep getting worse for data users. Sprint remains a top option, but who knows what changes will come in December or January.

Showing 7 comments

SeaDoc at 5:55pm 21st October 2011 Sprint has signed its death warrant. To remove the one key issue to maintain brand loyalty for those of us who have been enjoying 4G unlimited, many of us don't go hog wild, they have told us all, go to hell. Well, given the materiality of the change, I was able to cancel without any fees today - you have 30 days to do so per your contract, otherwise, if you choose to quit later, you'll be subject to the early termination fees... I would rather have two phones with both verizon and att that did grandfather loyalty, then to stick with a company like sprint. Your demise can't be soon enough...
Lee Maxwell at 9:57pm 21st October 2011 Sure this sucks, but look at the bright side: you're STILL not dealing with AT&Terrible or Verizon's craptastic customer service, or lackluster phones!
Gina Laurita at 9:47pm 21st October 2011 At least Verizon grandfathered the customers who already have purchased the unlimited data plan.
Jacob Troyer at 9:22pm 21st October 2011 Diiick move.
Christopher D Hammock at 7:52pm 21st October 2011 U knew it was coming. Next is phone data.
Shawn Schmalken at 6:57pm 21st October 2011 dumb.
Waris Dirie at 6:55pm 21st October 2011 Dear Sprint. You're unsatisfactory. Love, Waris.