Sprint/Nextel
Click here to view all Free Sprint phones…
2005 saw a merger between Sprint and Nextel. Combined, the merged network is the third largest wireless carrier and second largest CDMA carrier in the United States to date.
Sprint offers unlimited calling plans to subscribers. It was the second major carrier to offer 3G (EV-DO) network.
Sprint has exclusive rights to distribute Sanyo phones. Its handset lineup also includes a good variety of LG and Samsung phones, as well as a decent selection of smartphones.
The Sprint network runs on an advanced CDMA coverage, but now upgraded to a dual-mode CDMA/GSM platform.
The Sprint and Nextel merger combined turns out 50.5 million subscribers. Sprint’s CDMA network covers every state except Alaska, which runs on analog roaming only. Connection varies depending on location, as with other networks. CDMA roaming is available in 26 countries.
Sprint Coverage Review
The Sprint network runs on CDMA, 1xRTT and iDEN technologies and is 3G/EV-DO compatible. It also offers video streaming via the Sprint Power Vision service, and music downloads through the Sprint Music Store application. Push-to-Talk is available only in compatible handsets/phones. Sprint offers family plans but has no prepaid plan provision to date.
Here are some pros and cons regarding Sprint phones, plans and features:
|
Sprint/Nextel Pros |
Sprint/Nextel Cons |
|
|
Sprint Individual Plans
|
Plan |
Unlimited Data |
Unlimited Direct Connect |
Unlimited Messaging |
Unlimited Talk |
Cost/mo. |
|
Simply Everything |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
$99.99 |
|
Everything Data |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Starts at $69.99 |
|
Everything Messaging |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Starts at $49.99 |
|
Talk |
– |
– |
– |
Yes |
Starts at $39.99 |
|
Basic |
– |
– |
– |
Yes |
Starts at $29.99 |
Sprint Family Plans
|
Plan |
Unlimited Data |
Unlimited Direct Connect |
Unlimited Messaging |
Unlimited Talk |
Cost/mo. |
|
Simply Everything Family |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Starts at $189.98 |
|
Everything Data Family |
Yes |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Starts at $129.99 |
|
Everything Messaging Family |
– |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
Starts at $99.99 |
|
Talk for Family |
– |
– |
– |
Yes |
Starts at $69.99 |
|
Family 550 Talk |
– |
– |
– |
Yes |
Starts at $59.99 |
Sprint/Nextel Phones
Sprint carries phones from the following lines: Blackberry, Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and Sanyo among others. Subscribers can also select phones based on usage (music, pictures, connectivity, basic usage), or characteristics (bar, flip, Bluetooth, PDA/Smartphone, GPS Navigation). Phone prices start at Free with a 2-year subscription to $299.99 and above.