Jump to content

Take Two! Sprint offers BYOD for Apple Devices


S4GRU

18,097 views

blog-0180317001426184215.png

.

by Robert Herron

Sprint 4G Rollout Updates

Thursday, March 12, 2015 - 11:40 AM MDT

 

Back in December, S4GRU brought to you news that Sprint was opening up their network for Apple iPhone devices from other networks to be brought in and used on theirs. BYOD - Bring Your Own Device. Or, as Sprint is calling it, BYOAD...Bring Your Own Apple Device. However, just before it could go into effect, Sprint pulled the program and the plan was put on hold. Well, it's back!

 

BYOAD lauches tomorrow, March 13th. Sprint is opening this up to unlocked models of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini Retina and iPad Mini 3. The iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c Verizon models are also eligible. The iPhone 5s/5c AT&T and Tmo model have CDMA disabled and thus are not eligible. BYOAD can be used with any Sprint rate plan, except for the Cut Your Rate in Half. Some special terms and conditions apply. The graphic below explains them.

 

When we reported last December, it did not include any iPhone 5s or 5c models. The addition of the Verizon models is new to the plan. We assume it will be allowed for existing account holders as well as those opening new accounts, as there is no mention of that limitation. However, the biggest limitation will be Sprint Spark compatibility, as Apple devices for other providers tend to not support LTE Band 41.

 

Sprint has been at a disadvantage in not allowing unlocked compatible devices on their network. AT&T and T-Mobile both allow customers to bring in a device from other providers if they are compatible and unlocked. Although most devices from Sprint's competitors are not compatible with the Sprint network, there are some notable exceptions.

 

Now we just look forward to the time when most devices can be brought into the Sprint network.

gallery_1_2_75295.jpg

  • Like 18

16 Comments


Recommended Comments

I'm glad to hear they are finally ready to launch this program. I wonder if Sprint has a special promo in the works for this in the near future.

  • Like 2
Link to comment

If they allow the 5s, why not allow the 5?

From posts in spark markets, it sounds like single-band experience is OK.

 

The first thought that comes to my mind is that the 5s and 5c support B25 and B26.  So at least that is dualband.  Sprint probably shouldn't allow any PCS LTE only devices on their network at this time.

  • Like 2
Link to comment

I'm glad to hear they are finally ready to launch this program. I wonder if Sprint has a special promo in the works for this in the near future.

 

What would the promo consist of?

Link to comment

Do you know if iphone 5s from boost mobile would work ? Because boost does not have unlimited data plan :(.

 

I only know what is in the image in the article, which does not address iPhones from Boost.  Since it is supposed to launch tomorrow, you can call Sprint directly and give it a try.  If it works, let us know.  :tu:

Link to comment

The first thought that comes to my mind is that the 5s and 5c support B25 and B26.  So at least that is dualband.  Sprint probably shouldn't allow any PCS LTE only devices on their network at this time.

 

but the verizon models of the iphone 5s and 5c only support band 25 LTE. I think this has more to do with the technical limitations of iphone 5. The  5s and 5c support csim and can be domestically unlocked for voice and data for both GSM and CDMA . the 5 does not support CSIM and is technically locked for domestic for said carrier. the 5 would need to use the old trick of flashing to work on Sprint for CDMA and we know that was probably not a support option.  

Link to comment

but the verizon models of the iphone 5s and 5c only support band 25 LTE. I think this has more to do with the technical limitations of iphone 5. The  5s and 5c support csim and can be domestically unlocked for voice and data for both GSM and CDMA . the 5 does not support CSIM and is technically locked for domestic for said carrier. the 5 would need to use the old trick of flashing to work on Sprint for CDMA and we know that was probably not a support option.  

 

https://www.apple.com/iphone-5s/specs/

 

You are correct.  The iPhone 5s/5c have two different CDMA models.  I thought there was just one until the 6 series.  My mistake.

 

Great points.  :thx:

Link to comment

Will the Verizon iPhone 6Plus support Band 26 or 41?

 

The Verizon model supports B25 & B26, but not B41:  https://www.apple.com/iphone-6/specs/

 

But the Sprint model fully supports Verizon.  Sprint gets screwed again.  Apple could have put Verizon and Sprint on the same exact model.

  • Like 2
Link to comment

The Verizon model supports B25 & B26, but not B41:  https://www.apple.com/iphone-6/specs/

 

But the Sprint model fully supports Verizon.  Sprint gets screwed again.  Apple could have put Verizon and Sprint on the same exact model.

It sucks, and is probably the reason Sprint has never been open to unlocking. Unless they are legally required to include B41 and BC10, Sprint will always be comparatively screwed in this department by the other three while most Sprint phones will work fine on them.

Link to comment

It would be nice it this moves beyond Apple only - i.e. there were a lot of pretty upset folks who bought Nexus 5's (2nd hand or otherwise) and were told its impossible to activate on Sprint.  I hope they continue to expand the acceptable device list.

Link to comment

I was so tiered of waiting for sprint to carry the newer Blackberry models such as the Z30 that I jumped to T-mobile.  Even though they don't sell blackberry themselves anymore, their network is open so I can enjoy the phone I want without having to wait for sprint to decide to carry the phones I want. In the past with sprint (and earlier with VZW) I would be waiting to see if they would carry a phone model I wanted.  No more..  GSM has opened my eyes.  

Link to comment
Guest
Add a comment...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...