Skip to main content

Sprint-Vivint partnership lets consumers get smart home devices in stores

The budding smart home industry has prompted some of the biggest names in tech to either develop their own products or partner up with other companies in the field. As the fourth largest cell phone carrier in the country, Kansas-based Sprint is lagging in cell phone subscribers, and so to help boost profits, it is turning its attention to non-core products, namely smart home devicesSprint’s move involves partnering with smart home company Vivint to sell Vivint’s devices in Sprint’s brick-and-mortar stores, according to a Wave7 Research report.

The Sprint-Vivint partnership initially calls for Sprint to begin selling Vivint products at 16 stores in Missouri, Utah, Arizona, and Ohio. By the end of the year, Vivint products will be in 80 stores nationwide, allowing the carrier to combine Vivint smart home devices with Sprint phones. As for what kinds of devices are involved, Vivint sells everything from smart security cameras to thermostats and garage door controllers.

Recommended Videos

“From time to time, Sprint will run trials in a limited number of markets on different rate plans, products and/or services to see how customers respond,” said Kathleen Dunleavy, Sprint manager of corporate communications. “Currently, Sprint is conducting such a trial and selling Vivint smart home services in a handful of retail stores across the country. As with all trials, once it is over, we will analyze the results and determine next steps.”

The basic bundle of smart home devices from Vivint will set you back $40, including cameras, motion sensors, and more. Expanding the service to include security products such as doorbell cameras will cost $50. The company has been around since 1999, but it wasn’t until Vivint was sold to Blackstone in 2012 for $2 billion that its products began gaining traction.

The Wave7 report indicated that the partnership will expose Sprint’s services to a wider array of consumers as door-to-door Vivint representatives will attempt to sell the carrier’s plans along with its products.

“In addition to a wide array of smart home gear (cameras, motion sensors, etc.), the offering provides two MRC (monthly recurring charge) options,” Wave7 wrote.

This isn’t Vivint’s first partnership of this type. The smart home company teamed up with retail giant Best Buy earlier this year to sell smart home consultations to customers. That initiative launched over the summer.

Sprint has also been exploring ways to bring in more consumers, launching the 1Million Project, which will provide smartphones, laptops, and tablets to students in low-income families.

Karl Utermohlen
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Karl Utermohlen is a finance and tech journalist with an MFA in creative writing from the University of Idaho. his do Zelda…
The Google Home app is getting two new features to upgrade your smart home
The Google Home logo on a Pixel phone.

New features are set to launch for Google Home users. These features are currently being introduced through the Public Preview program, according to 9to5Google.

Google Home will soon support Nest Protect and Matter-certified smart locks. This support will initially roll out to the Google Home Android app before making its way to iOS devices later this year.

Read more
Home Depot expands Hubspace smart home lineup at CES 2025
The Home Depot Hubspace logo on a white background.

Hubspace, Home Depot’s smart home platform, has seen impressive growth over the past few years, and that growth continued at CES 2025. Three new gadgets were revealed at the event, including a wireless power switch to control Hubspace products, a portable air conditioner, and a window-mounted air conditioner. All three are unique additions to the catalog -- and since there’s not much like them on the market, they should quickly become popular options in their respective niches.

The Hubspace Remote Switch is arguably the most useful of the three gadgets. Designed to look like a light switch, but with a removable remote controller, it works with select Hubspace light bulbs, fixtures, plugs, power sockets, surge protectors, and more. You’ll get standard on and off functions, plus access to brightness controls. Its sleek looks and versatility should make it a great choice for shoppers seeking an entry-level smart switch.

Read more
Should you invest in a smart home gym or stick with a gym membership?
Tonal Fitness Smart Mirror

Home gyms have come a long way over the past few years. Instead of a simple workout bench and some weights, you’ll now find smart home gyms that can provide custom workouts tailored to your needs. They can also track your stats, provide advice, showcase lessons, and even sync you with a larger community of users working with the same gear. However, many smart home gyms also require a subscription -- which can range from $15 to $50, making them an expensive proposition.

So, should you invest in a smart home gym or stick with a traditional gym membership? That’s not an easy question to answer, and the truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some folks might benefit from the ease of access offered by a smart home gym, while others might enjoy the motivation and socialization provided by a traditional gym.

Read more