So last week we reported that Sprint, like all the other carriers, will be putting a 5gb/month cap on data use.
Although 5gb is a lot of data and honestly with RevA devices coming around, we sort of understand where Sprint may be concerned. Still, considering they were the last hold outs on such a cap and yet all these companies still do the " * Unlimited Data" asterisks thingy, it was a bit disconcerting.
Kent German at Crave.net has received some clarification from Sprint on the exact details and low and behold, Sprint is actually doing the right thing here: the data cap does not apply to the "Simply Everything" plans; just "Phone as Modem" and Data cards.
Basically, if you're just using your WM device for streaming, etc. you should not have a problem. To be specific, Sprint outlines these restrictions:
- The vast majority of current users (about 99.5 percent) shouldn't be affected. Whether it's the 300MB roaming limit or the 5GB limit on total data usage, that's enough data to meet the regular monthly usage habits of almost all of our customers.
- Going over either limit will not cause a card to suddenly stop working.
- Going over once in a while is OK. We'll check usage using a rolling, three-month basis.
- Customers would have to exceed the limit in two out of three consecutive months to face termination.
- Initially, we are contacting customers first, to make them aware of the new limits and give them a chance to change their usage, if they want to continue using the service.
- We're investigating additional options for customers who need to use more data.
- Users will be able to check and monitor their total data usage on Sprint.com beginning June 8.
- The caps are being applied to new and existing consumer and individual-liable accounts, but not corporate-liable, business contracts, Public Sector, or government contracts. We're working on additional processes and pricing to appropriately address the needs of heavy roaming and data users among the corporate liable customer group.
So, not too bad at all. Lets just hope this does not have any side effects for heavy users.
