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I used to be a Sprint customer and a relatively happy one -- if only because their data plans are on the order of $25/month cheaper than what I'm paying now. But I needs me my GSM and SIM swapping. Apparently I'm lucky to have left, as the tech blogging world is all aflutter recently over Sprint and their evils. Check out the related stories:
- They are kicking out as many as 1200 users because they called tech support too much
- There's an interview over at Consumerist with some details - could be that these users really were at fault.
- ..But these users aren't: Sprint has been canceling US Soldiers' accounts for roaming too much. Update: Joe rightfully corrects me - Sprint only was going to cancel them because they weren't aware of their military status. Calling in and saying "Hey, Jerks! I was, you know, fighting a freaking war." solves the issue. Thanks, Joe!
It all adds up to a gigantic headache for Sprint and power-users on Sprint's network who suddenly feel much less secure about it than they once did. I'd like to say I could whole-heartedly recommend another carrier for those wishing to get away from such malfeasance, but I just plain can't. T-Mobile usually gets credit as the least-evil of the bunch because of their decent customer service. But T-Mobile... where the heck is your 3G? I digress.
Is anybody happy with their carrier or their carrier options these days?
No, I can't say I'm particularly happy with my carrier (AT&T), mostly because when I conscientiously report signal issues or apparent dead spots where none should be expected, they blame it immediately on whatever device I might have and don't seem to give a second thought to the idea that it might just be their network. That they seem to be completely oblivious and care not even one iota about problem reports affects my perception of them immensely. You can have the greatest network in the world, but if you treat your customers like crap it's not worth anything.
Sadly, I also cannot say I've ever heard of a white knight of cell providers. They all suck in one way or another... but some more than others. With such consolidation as we've seen, it's no wonder. Reduced competition reduces the perceived need to value one's customers. And it shows... oh my how it shows.
http://www.billsden.org