Sprint PCS Ripoff

[jee70611]

Hi Everyone,<br /><br />Is it just me or is SprintPCS the sorriest wireless provider out there. I've been having problems with the service for over two months now. First, I usually don't get my voicemails until the next day. Second, they charge you to pay them. Third, last month, they charged me for going over my minutes when it clearly shows on the bill that I didn't. I tallied up every single call for nights and weekends, and day calls. I know my math is right because I came up with the same total as they did for total minutes used. What they have done is to charge some of my night and weekend minutes against my daytime minutes. This angers me greatly. When I called and asked about it, the person on the other end couldn't explain the charges. I don't even think he got more than twenty words out for his mumbling and stuttering from shock. Don't get me wrong, I was as nice as I could be to him personally and even told him that I wasn't mad at him but rather Sprint. I told him that if I don't begin to recieve the service I pay for then I was going to hold Sprint in breach of contract, cancel my service, and not pay the $175.00 early termination fee. It's not like I don't pay my bill on time either. I always pay it, sometimes I even carry a negative balance. Then they had the nerve to pull this on ME. They were trying to charge me $101.00 for ONE MONTH! That is outrageous. Sprint has played with fire and now they will get burned if I am not appeased. I'm not trying to be spiteful. I just don't think it is right for them to rip off their customers like that. The extra charges were only like $17.00, but how many people are they screwing out of that $17.00. Anyone have any comments or suggestions that might help? Have any of you encountered this same situation before? Sorry for ranting. I feel a little better now that I've made it known to everyone here at Iboats. Any input is appreciated. <br /><br />James

 

[roscoe]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

Hang em High!!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

i've had sprint for 4 years now with minimal problems and good coverage, but i agree they are dirty rotten crooks. wish they all died. how about the new feature we're stuck with? when you check your messages, some retard tells you the number that called, before you can hear your message, in a slow southern drawl. takes 20 seconds before you even get to your message. and as you pointed out, its simply making them more money. hate em-

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

you will find out that most cellular carriers are like that. I have to call on my Verizon bill every month because they charge me the wrong rate. It is what their new plan is, but I'm still on the old plan (I have the contract). They also charge me roaming when I'm to have the entire state of TX, no roaming. They have to remove those charges.<br /><br />Every month it is "I'm so sorry Mr. Kelton, I'll have this problem fixed and it will be corrected on your next statement and I put a note on your account that we are billing your incorrectly"<br /><br />Guess what next statement shows.....same old charges.<br /><br />I've stayed with them because I've heard horror stories from other carriers, with Verizon, I at least know their faults!

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

People around here (Iowa) went to SprintPCS in droves about 3 or 4 years ago because they were the hot setup and US Cellular was starting to suck. Recently the same people are dropping SprintPCS in droves (for most of the same reasons you have stated plus many, many dropped calls, interference, cross-calls, etc.) and going to US Cellular, which is now the new hot setup. <br /><br />What seems to happen, a cell provider comes up with some hot new feature that everybody wants, then oversubscribe the hell out of it, then go down the crapper because they can no longer provide decent service to anybody.

 

[DaleT]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

I had the same problems,not receiving voice mail, dropped calls and poor coverage, with Sprint. however when I upgraded to a newer phone I no longer had the problems. That may be the same problem you're having, my problem phone was a Samsung. With the billing I've never really noticed any problems. The gimmick with the voice mail is garbage, I generally don't check them until I have three or more so I can actually get the value of the call.

 

[jee70611]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

Thanks for the replys everyone. Dale, I have a samsung as well but it is one of the newest ones out. It is the model A460. I like the phone but am tired of the bad service. I get network busy messages all the time too. I think what happened is that I got so close to going over my minutes that Sprint thought they could get away with it. I used 498 of 500. I audited the bill very carefully so I wouldn't look dumb when I challenge it. Roscoe, I will hang 'em high if they don't give me what I want. I'm not afraid one bit of taking on a multimillion dollar corporation, as I know I am right. If it requires going national I will. It isn't right for them to rip people off. What do y'all think about it qualifying as criminal fraud. If they don't fix it or it happens again I will attempt to involve the FBI, BBB, TBI, and FTC if necessary . Oh well, I'll let y'all know what happens as I plan on confronting them at the local Sprint Store. <br /><br />James

 

[jee70611]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

Oh, I almost forgot. Matt, how do you like the "wonderful" Claire we get to talk to for support?<br /><br />James<br /><br />PS: Claire is their automated customer service system.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

My 2 cents? To hell with them all!<br /><br />I know some of you will disagree, but wireless/cell phones is a technology we could do without. I realize they have their advantages, however the cell businesses know how to screw you. <br /><br />I might own a cell phone someday. I've been thinking of it more, since my teenagers are getting older (and dating) lol<br />This would be the only reason I would want one.<br />Emergencies...<br /><br />Now back to the topic... Sprint.<br />I've had my dealings with them, but not on a cellular level. My land line was with them.<br /><br />We used to have 2 lines to my home. One for internet, and the other a regular line.<br />Being internet-junkies, our internet line was constantly used. Well, as time passed, Sprint notified us that they would be installing digital lines on the 'computer-only' lines, and as a result, would be charging higher rates based on usage.<br /><br />We promptly told them no thanks, and to cancel the second line and put the regular line down to its most basic service, as we were going to be installing satellite internet and will no longer be using a phone line for the internet.<br /><br />But then they tried this:<br /><br />'Since your usage over the last 6 months was ***x , we will be charging your rate based on that amount' <br />This amount totaled almost $70 a month for a basic line! I DON'T THINK SO!<br />Even after I proved that I no longer use the line that much, it didn't matter. They wanted to charge the higher rate.<br /><br />Now, being in a small community, there was only one phone company available at that time, so Sprint basically had a monopoly. ( I despise monopolies)<br />We did some checking around, and found a new company was available and was leasing Sprints OLD analog lines for 1/4 the cost. We of course promptly signed on and told Sprint to take a hike. And believe it or not, Sprint tried to tell us that 'We are the only company out in your area' so you have no choice!<br />Needless to say, they weren't too happy when we told them, "No you're not" !<br /><br />They are all scam artists, and thieves in my humble opinion. I hate any business that has a monopoly. And I really hate it when someone tells me, "you have no choice"<br /><br />Last time I checked, I was living in the USA. The land of choice... At least for now...<br /><br />Let's go back to strings and cans!<br />Now that would be fun to watch going down the highway....<br /><br />H.

 

[snowman610620]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

There is a way to get out of sprints service (or lack of) without paying the fee . It is a little known fact that if you move to a location that sprint does not service (look on their coverage map) Then they let you off for free. All you have to do is provide them with a address to send the last bill.-------- then go online and pay it, because you probably will never receive it at that address Worked for me and alot of other people I let know.

 

[durk187]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

I hope everyone dosent wish that I was dead like matt , but maybe I can shed some light on some of you questions. I used to manage a store, although not anymore I can still answer most questions you may have. <br /><br />I agree that the companys customer service is like talking with a sack of hammers, I dont blame you one bit for getting pissed off. Hell I would. Its kind of sad to see big buisness in America today, no respect for the customer. <br /><br />Though, how can you blame them, really. The bottom line with any company is you cant sell what the customer dosent want. The comsumers in America today generally only think of one thing when they purchace a product, whos got the lowest price. Sprint was one of those who could suceed at that. If it was important to most consumers to have good customer service, companys would do that. That costs money, money average consumers arn't willing to spend.<br /><br />After all it is the comsumer who dictates what they want in a product they buy. Dont blame the company for fufulling a nitch, blame yourself for being an uninformed consumer.<br /><br />Now that said, as a person with integrity, I can give suggestions on what steps to take to get your problems resolved. More than likely though, the service just isnt a fit for you.<br /><br />Flame suit on <br />DC

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

die claire, die.

 

[jee70611]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

Here's and update y'all. I called them again today and told the lady on the phone what I found. She pulled up my statement on her computer and said that she was sorry for the mistake and that it will be credited on my next bill. I just hope they don't try to do it again or not give me the credit. If it doesn't happen again, I may give them the benefit of the doubt. Duckcommander, I don't wish the employees of Sprint to die. They are only doing their job. It is when they are unwilling to help me when I get mad. I'm always polite with them at first. As long as they do the right thing and don't try to screw me, I will remain polite. I also told her that every time I "go over" I will audit my bill. I don't mind paying for it if it is legitimate, but trying to screw me out of my hard earned money is just plain wrong. Here is a number for any other Sprint customers that will get you away from Claire--1-877-783-1422. There still is an automated system at first, but all you have to do is say "Specialist" when you are asked. Duckcommander, just out of curiosity, what are the proper steps to dispute issues with Sprint. Thanks for everything.<br /><br />James

 

[clanton]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

I do not have to pay my cell phone bill, so I just burn up the minutes, its Alltel, service is not great. I have Sprint in home, with At&t long distance, someone else pays this bill also. I have no problems with At&t, they take care of any billing problems with one call. I think Sprint would over bill any chance they get, have had one problem with them, the next time sprint will be removed.

 

[durk187]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

Jee, the best thing I can recommend is going to a local store. As I said earlier their 1800 support is almost non-existant. The single best thing to do though, and this applies for all companys, is to get what they said there going to do in writing. Be it a credit on a bill or a minute adjustment, get it in writing. This way you dont have to jump through the same hoops again when the person dosent come through. The 1-800 customer service position is full of untrained unmotivated people, insure yourself.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

I always like to practice this when talking to customer service:<br /><br />My attitude is directly proportional to their attitude. <br /><br />H.

 

[Scoop]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

Every wireless company has it's bad service. I have had US Cellular since I don't even remember when (it used to be Cellular One). They were one of the last to go digital and then is was a fake digital. We were the last area for text messaging. The voice-mail works great although when they went with the new voice-mail, the feature I used the most was eliminated. The service has improved. I do have some areas that are always dead and will always drop my call on the way home. My wife had the car breakdown in one of these. They have this policy that you need one cross road at the spot of the trouble. They will not let me give them the 15 miles it does not work.<br /><br />The people on their help line have been good and bad. My bill has always been right. <br /><br />Of course my phone is owned by the company I work for and we have probably 50 phones with them. I can say that when my call is dropped at that same place when I am conducting business or trying to find if my son is home I swear up and down at them to fix the problems. I have learned to live with the them day to day though. I also have heard that they are the best of the carriers in my area.<br /><br />I have had 5 different models of cell phone. They are different in performance. I currently use a Motorola Startac 7790. It works ok and gives less echoes than my previous Nokia. I am waiting on a new Nokia that has not come in yet since I need text messaging features to replace my pager. I spoke with my Sales Rep and asked him which one had the best reception and range. That is the one I am getting. The one bad thing about my Startac was the volume does not go loud enough to used an ear piece. that is a pain. The new is supposed to be better at that.

 

[jee70611]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

Here's an update from this month. They DID IT AGAIN!!! They charged me for 91 minutes over when I only used 57 over. I went straight to the local store here and the people there actually were polite and tried to help. I did end up having to get on the phone with their billing department though. The woman on the phone said she come up with 91 minutes and I told here to go over the bill and add them up. On hold I waited. She comes back and says she comes up with 91 and that I will not get a credit again this month. She got a really bad attitude with me and I got one back. I was out in the general area of the store too and EVERYONE knew what was going on. When I told here to go over the bill line by line minute by minute she put me on hold again. She come back and said the same thing. Then I told her that if she didn't give me my credit I was gonna have five different government agencies after their sorry A***s. She had the nerve to say "well that's your choice." I then told her I was going to hold them in breach of contract, cancel the service, charge them for the phone, and dare them to charge me the $175.00 fee. Then when I don't pay it and they put it on my credit report I will file another suit for a very large amount for slander and defamation of character. I then got the same response from her. It was almost robotic. Just as I was going to leave for the local FBI and BBB offices this morning, I decided to try one more time. This time the guy on the phone was quick in meeting my demands. He said it was a "technical error." Yeah right, the only error they had was failing to cover their tracks. You know the funny part, they actually unintentionally gave me the MSL for my phone. That is the number that will unlock it from being Sprint only. Now, if I have more problems, I can take it to another carrier who stocks the same phone and have it flashed with their software and use it on their network. Isn't it great HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! Thank you Sprint. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! I will keep y'all updated if it happens again. <br /><br />James

 

[Homerr]

Re: Sprint PCS Ripoff

I avoid Sprint whenever possible.<br /><br />They are the biggest POS service around in my opinion. (Next to the government that is....lol)<br /><br />H.