Rumor: Sprint Will Offer Unlimited Data Plan with iPhone 5
Bloomberg is reporting that, according to their sources, Sprint will offer an unlimited data plan with along with the iPhone 5 next month.
If Sprint does land the next iPhone as rumored, launching it with an unlimited data plan is an aggressive strategy to land new customers. Sprint, the number three wireless carrier in the U.S. behind Verizon and AT&T, currently offers unlimited data plans on BlackBerry and Android phones. Both AT&T and Verizon originally had unlimited data plans when they launched the iPhone, and both eventually phased them out -- much to the dismay of their customers.
Is an unlimited data plan enough to lure customers to Sprint?
Sprint seems willing to try. Internally, sources claim that carrying the iPhone is seen as a huge win to Sprint; according to the report, the company has been using the promise of launching the iPhone, along with the expected positive impact on stock prices, to keep executives on board. Also, sources claim that Sprint has delayed the release of a 4G smartphone, originally scheduled for September, in an effort to clear the field for a big October iPhone launch.
It appears Sprint is counting on the new device to really boost business, and is willing to open up its data network to bring in as many customers as possible.
Via Bloomberg
Adrian covers daily news as well as the weekly Law & Apple column for MacLife.com. You can follow him on Twitter, if you want to.
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rtamesis
September 09, 2011 at 3:35pm
If history serves as any guide, Sprint will later cancel the unlimited data plan for those who signed up for the iPhone 5 after it finds itself losing money on it.
brandonwalkermedia
September 09, 2011 at 12:20pm
the Q is "For how long?" remember a Verizon selling point? i think it was "Unlimited data!"
BTW there service is the worst out of all the carriers (even t-mobile.) the last campaign i worked on i had a boss with a sprint phone... the office called me when they needed him.
Adrian Hoppel
September 09, 2011 at 1:10pm
Thanks for the comment, brandonwalkermedia!
My first cell phone was on Sprint, so they will always have a place in my heart. I had it when I lived out in Seattle, and coverage was great. I guess, like with all carriers, it depends on where you use it.
In my opinion, whatever carrier you choose, the more options for the consumer the better. If T-Mobile and Sprint both come on this fall, we could really see some aggressive pricing by years end, don't you think?
- Adrian
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