# SprintPCS can suck my ass!! (warning: VERY LONG)
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [June 21, 2002, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290 "2002-06-21T16:35:04Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@LilShieste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilShieste)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/1 "2002-06-21T16:35:04Z")
I am not normally the type of person to yell all sorts of obscenities or anything, but…
WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM SPRINTPCS???
Two FUCKING things:
1. You have _NO CLUE_ about how the idea of Customer Service really works, do you? You have this “virtual customer service representative” which I’m sure works fine for all those little problems that come along with cell phones… but what about the fucking problems that arise when SprintPCS makes a mistake?? No, then we have to pay $3 in order to fucking talk with a “real life” customer service representative… unless we ask them a question via e-mail ( **see part 2** ) Why in the world should I pay _YOU_ $3 to clear up a mistake that _YOU_ made??!!
2. I send off an email to one of the customer service representatives, asking-- **in great detail** – why it appears that two calls I made after 8:00pm (actually right at 8:00pm) were deducted from my “Anytime Minutes” (minutes other than Weekend/Evening) instead of my “Weekend/Evening Minutes”. Actually, why don’t I just post my email exactly.
> [@](#):
>
> I believe there is an error in my current account balance.
>
> Two days ago, I had 77 evening and weekend minutes remaining, and ~11 anytime minutes remaining. For the last two nights, I have made calls for 29 minutes and 22 minutes, respectively, at 8:00pm exactly (by the time represented on my
> SprintPCS Phone). It appears that these minutes were not deducted form my Weekend/Evening minutes, but were instead deducted from my ANYTIME minutes-- thus making me approximately 52 minutes OVER for my plan. Meanwhile, my
> Evening/Weekend minutes are still at 76.
>
> I have the Time/Date stamps on the calls that I am talking about, and they both say “8:00 pm”.
>
> Please contact me so we can straighten this out.
I think I was pretty straightforward, and specific. If anyone else sees differently, please let me know, because I really don’t see where any confusion can occur from this email.
Anyway, here is her response (broken up, by some of my comments):
> [@](#):
>
> Hello Joe,
>
> This is in response to your inquiry regarding the plan minutes.
>
> Upon reviewing your account, I noticed that you are currently on $34.99 service plan which includes 200 Anytime and 1000 Night and Weekend minutes. I also noticed that your Night and Weekend minutes are 8:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 p.m. on Friday until 7:00 a.m. Monday. This is based on the time zone that the phone is currently in.
Wow, I had no fucking clue that I signed up for this plan! Thank you so much for informing me of this!! When I signed the YEAR CONTRACT with you fucks, I thought I was just going to pay you $40 a month for NOTHING! (These comments are riddled with sarcasm)
> [@](#):
>
> I would like to inform you that Sprint PCS does not use peak minutes, we use Anytime minutes. Anytime minutes are used for any time the Off-Peak minutes may not be used. For example, a phone call received at 6:00 p.m. would be taken from the Anytime minutes. Also, if you have expended all of your Night and Weekend minutes and then make a call at 9:00 p.m., Anytime minutes will be used.
Hmm, very interesting… however, you still haven’t even fucking _started_ to THINK about my question. Why are you wasting your time explaining these things to me, when they aren’t directly relevant to my question??
> [@](#):
>
> Your calls cannot be split between the two types of calls. If you
> start a call at 7:45 p.m. and talk for 30 minutes, this call will be
> considered 30 Anytime minutes. Conversely, a call started at 6:45
> a.m. that lasts for one hour will be considered to be one hour of
> Night and Weekend minutes, as long as these minutes are available.
Ok, well I understand that, but if you recall (I know it’s very hard for some of you people there to remember _USEFUL_ things) I told you that I made the calls in question at EXACTLY 8:00pm… according to what you said above, and what I already knew, those minutes should thus be deducted from my WEEKEND/EVENING minutes.
> [@](#):
>
> Please note that Sprint PCS has made it easier for you to keep track of your account. By dialing \*4TALK from your Sprint PCS Phone, you can check the following details of your account:
>
> - Available minutes;
> - Minutes remaining in your current bill cycle;
> - Current account balance;
> - Date and amount of the last payment received.
>
> You may also access \*4TALK by dialing 1-877-855-4733 from a landline phone.
Great!! Now I can be ignored in more ways than one!! I sure am glad I’m paying $40 a month for such GREAT FUCKING SERVICE!!
> [@](#):
>
> I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry and regret the inconvenience this may have caused you. Please be assured that this experience is not indicative of the service standard we strive to provide. I appreciate your understanding and look forward to assisting you in the future.
I don’t mind the delay of your response, since you answered my question and all… oh wait, you DIDN’T!!
> [@](#):
>
> Thank you for contacting Sprint PCS.
Now, I don’t mean to sound condescending to any Dopers out there that are SprintPCS Customer Service Reps, but this is the kind of CRAP that I have had to deal with ever since Day 1 with SprintPCS.
I am going to be so glad, when my contract is finally up, and I can quit this service and switch over to someone else.
Again, sorry about the language- I’m not usually one to do that-- I just really had to get this off my chest.
LilShieste
---
### Author:  [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/2 "2002-06-21T17:43:33Z")
Wow.
Okay, call them up, telling them the e-mail did not answer your question, and you will deduct the $3 customer no-service fee from your next bill.
Good luck. (Is it possible your call started at 7:59:59p and they just rounded up the time?)
---
### Author:  [@lionel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lionel)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/3 "2002-06-21T18:12:20Z")
This is why my wife and I switched to another wireless service from Sprint PCS. Sprint has amazing quality as far as phone calls go, but they have no customer service. The company we’re with now may not have the best phone service, but at least they’ve got good customer service.
---
### Author:  [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/4 "2002-06-21T18:31:50Z")
How timely. I am on the phone with “Claire”(?) right now. Or I was, then it said it would connect me. Then the line dropped. I am just trying to cancel my account since my phone was stolen. They couldn’t do this at their store, which is irksome. I have already converted my home phone to a different carrier, and I will switch my mobile service as well if and when I decide to get a new phone.
---
### Author:  [@In\_Conceivable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/In_Conceivable)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/5 "2002-06-21T18:58:04Z")
I **HATE** Claire. I want to punch Claire in the face and I am not a violent person.
I never would have guessed that the could make a computerized service rep who was worse then the real ones. She even sounds condescending.
---
### Author:  [@Tiburon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tiburon)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/6 "2002-06-21T20:24:49Z")
Oooookay. **LilShieste** , I am a SprintPCS customer and am cell phone technology addicted. I am on a few of their forums and from those boards, I got this deal and I am recommending it to you.
First, you’re pissed about customer service. Call up the Retention Department. Their phone number is: 1-888-298-9547.
Tell them you have spoken with customer service and have contemplated cancelling your service. Then tell them you were told about a retention plan. With that plan, you get 650 anytime minutes, 3000 night and weekend minutes, starting at 8 p.m. and 500 PCS to PCS minutes.
When I first saw this posted on the forum, I thought it was too good to be true but I called retention and I now have this plan:
1300 anytime minutes
3000 N/W 8pm
$50.
In fact, I started another thread about it so that other people would know about this if they were unhappy with Sprint.
I would definitely call retention - let them know that you are unhappy. Be assertive when you call retention - they sometimes act surprised that you know about the retention plan.
Be aware, however, that with the new plan, your contract begins once more. If you can’t stand the service at all, no matter how sweet the deal, I gotta say, Verizon looks pretty good.
Tibs.
---
### Author:  [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/7 "2002-06-21T20:29:51Z")
I cancelled my Sprint PCS service about four months ago because I was tired of not being able to use my phone in my apartment, my office, my car . . . this is the freakin’ Washington, DC metro area, one of the largest markets in the country, and Sprint’s footprint was so small and its service so inconsistent, I finally got tired of it.
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### Author:  [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/8 "2002-06-21T20:43:24Z")
I guess I won’t tell you guys about how my friend had her phone stolen, she cancelled her account, the phone was returned to her _still capable of making calls_, complained to Sprint for such a ridiculous mistake, and was refunded a grand total of 25 minutes, which equals 35 friggin’ cents worth of her plan.
But I won’t tell you, as it could simply elevate our hatred for SprintPCS.
---
### Author:  [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/9 "2002-06-21T20:54:09Z")
Fortunately (yeah, right) my phone was stolen in a foreign country with an incompatible phone service. About two weeks ago. I just got around to cancelling the service.
Then the cancellation department (which I was able to reach on only the fourth try) kept trotting out the “retention” deals on me. I think that they first offered 4000 minutes/month at $30, I didn’t pay much attention because I didn’t renew. Oh, and a $50 credit if I stayed (this may have only been good towards a new phone).
What’s sad is that I always liked Sprint’s home service.
I wonder what would happen if you obscene clone falled Claire?
---
### Author:  [@LilShieste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilShieste)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/10 "2002-06-21T20:55:47Z")
Wow, I had no idea that Sprint was disliked _THIS_ much… I have to say I am relieved (but sorry) I’m not alone in my hatred.
That’s a pretty neat idea, **Tibs**. If I could have a year’s worth of calls like what you mentioned in the Retention Plan (650 anytime, 1300 N/W) I would defenitely reconsider cancelling my account. Even if I’m entered into another year-long contract (as long as the Retention Plan minutes last the entire year… not 3 months or something).
So now I am wondering: _How in the turkey testicle-eating HELL is SprintPCS doing so well?_ I guess they sucker people (us) in with the good Phone Service, and ream us with the poor Customer Service.
GAH!
LilShieste
---
### Author:  [@Slainte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slainte)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/11 "2002-06-21T21:11:16Z")
The company I work for got a group plan through SprintPCShit so that the Managers would be “reachable” and for on-call weekends. It seemed like a great idea _in theory_. Unfortunately, if the Managers happen to be in a building their phones won’t ring - their voicemail will (sometimes) ring through while a normal call will not - go figure. I don’t dare go to a movie during my on-call weekends for fear that the phone won’t get a signal & vibrate. When you actually _do_ manage to get the damn phones to work, you are often subject to “Signal Faded Call Lost” torture. I don’t have a cell phone of my own but I can guarantee that if I ever do get one, it won’t be through Sprint.
PS - They are apparently problematic all over the US, I am in SC & I have a friend in VA who also suffers the same horrible service.
Good Luck.
---
### Author:  [@Swampwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swampwolf)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/12 "2002-06-21T21:30:05Z")
When I first got my PCS phone, it took a total of **three fucking hours** to get to someone who could **activate** my phone for me.
I was put on hold.
For another half hour.
I finally spoke to a lovely young woman who was more helpful than I could have ever imagined…she told me I’d do much better with another company.
I thanked her profusely, expressed my hopes that nobody in charge heard her say that, and hung up.
I’ve never looked back.
---
### Author:  [@Tiburon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tiburon)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2002, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/13 "2002-06-21T21:53:11Z")
I haven’t really had any major problems with SprintPCS. The forum boards are full of people who adore and hate each and every mobile phone company out there. As more people purchase 3G phones, there will be less dropped calls for everyone. I actually don’t remember the last time I had a call dropped. But anyway…
Yes, the retention plans are for the entire period of the contract. Wireless web has gone from $10 to $5 as well.
It is probably a misconception that SprintPCS is doing that well. Their stock has gone down quite a bit in the past month because the forecast of new mobile phone users is going down. Business has slowed and Sprint tends to cater toward the smaller end packages for people - and has trouble collecting money when it isn’t paid. I’m trying to find a link to a recent newspaper article about this.
I’d definitely suggest calling retention and flat out telling them you want one of the retention plans and putting forth the one I mentioned above. Their service will perhaps be spotty in the next few weeks as they unroll and unveil the 3G service. With hope, after that, the clarity and battery life will improve and the dropped calls will disappear.
Tibs.
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### Author:  [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)
#### Post date: [June 22, 2002, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/14 "2002-06-22T17:43:01Z")
pldennison
Did you switch to another company? I am in the same situation you were in. My plan is running out at the end of this month and I am looking for another company with better service or rates.
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### Author:  [@jacksen9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacksen9)
#### Post date: [June 23, 2002, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/15 "2002-06-23T13:37:37Z")
I have Sprint as well. I rarely use the phone but when I need it, it won’t work. I have lost calls frequently. My phone is always searching for a signal. I am very displeased with there service.
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### Author:  [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)
#### Post date: [June 24, 2002, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/16 "2002-06-24T16:10:36Z")
I have Sprint as well. And I won’t be able to get rid of them fast enough. I got their service because I had an old Sprint phone and could dodge that cost at first. I sign up and thing seem to be fine. After a while I decided that I wanted to buy a new phone, you know get up to date technology. I order a phone from their web site and put it on my credit card, the web site says that I should have my purchase in 3 - 5 days. Great.
A week later I still haven’t gotten my new phone and their website is impossible to follow, so I call their “customer service”. I was told that Sprint went ahead and cancelled my order (without bothering to let me know). It turns out that I haven’t been one of their customers long enough to have more than one phone on my account. I made it clear that I wasn’t adding a phone, just replacing the one that I already had. They would not sell me a new phone, it seems that they have some pyschics working there that know what I am doing, even if I don’t know what I am doing.
I have a friend who works for Nokia, if I can get a phone from her, I’ll dump Sprint and go with VoiceStream.
---
### Author:  [@Geobabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geobabe)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2002, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/17 "2002-06-25T02:53:36Z")
Interesting, I’ve had hardly any problems with Sprint PCS. I bought my phone at Best Buy, activated it online, no problems. I’ve had a few dropped calls here and there, and the occasional problem with the phone not ringing and going straight into voicemail, but given what I’ve heard from folks who use other companies, it seems to be pretty typical.
---
### Author:  [@LilShieste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilShieste)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2002, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/18 "2002-06-25T03:32:22Z")
**adam yax** : Wow, that sucks man. I know what you mean about the customer service portion of their website-- how long did it take you to find the telephone number for Customer Service? I remember it took me a while to find it the first time (saved it after that). Which brings me to another thing: _Why do we have to PAY a FEE whenever we speak to someone over the phone???_ I always thought Customer Service went hand-in-hand with whatever service is being provided, but I guess I was wrong (That’s one of the reasons I don’t bank at Bank of America too, might I add).
I mean, Sprint might as well make their Customer Service number a “900 number” and have someone talk dirty to us while we get reamed and taken advantage of.
**Geobabe** : I will agree that I haven’t had any problems with the Service of the phone itself-- it works great! The problem comes into the picture whenever the company itself screws things up (i.e. not listening to you when you tell them you want to change your contract; or making you pay a $3 Customer Service fee per call). I will agree with you, though, that the phone itself is, and the calls I make with it are very good.
LilShieste
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### Author:  [@racinchikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racinchikki)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2002, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/19 "2002-06-25T04:32:47Z")
I have no problem with the phone - the service is great and the calls are rarely if ever dropped; I almost never lose the signal, either, although this varies oddly. If **Gunslinger** and I, who have the same model of phone and identical rate plans, are in the same room, often his will be out of service while mine is fine. I don’t understand this.
But their Customer Disservice sucks sweaty horseballs. And their billing department is fuxx0red.
---
### Author:  [@Tiburon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tiburon)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2002, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprintpcs-can-suck-my-ass-warning-very-long/115290/20 "2002-06-25T14:59:33Z")
Also - if you call retention, tell them you want the first incoming minute free. They won’t offer it to you but if you say you want it, you’ll get it.
If anyone here has issues with Sprint, I strongly encourage calling the retention department and telling them you want one if their plans - there is a $35, $40 and $50 plan.
Tibs.
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