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UPDATE, Thursday, March 12, 2015 11:40 AM MDT: BYOAD is back. Follow this link for new article: http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/entry-384-take-two-sprint-offers-byod-for-apple-devices/

UPDATE, Saturday, December 20, 2014 12:15 PM MST:

I have received a message that Sprint is postponing this until further notice. Hopefully it will be instituted soon.

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by Robert Herron

Sprint 4G Rollout Updates

Friday, December 19, 2014 - 4:40 PM MST

As most of you are aware, Sprint does not allow devices from other providers on their network. If you want to become a Sprint customer and bring a device with you, the answer has pretty much been no, with only a handful of limited exceptions. No matter how compatible the existing device is with the Sprint network. You had to buy a phone from Sprint or bring a Sprint activated phone with you. Well now there is a big change coming.

Sprint is about to open up their network to other Apple devices not purchased directly from Sprint. This marks a significant change in course for Sprint. Initially it will only be for a few Apple devices that were purchased from Apple or Best Buy. But based on the content of a Sprint memo to retailers posted below, Sprint is open to the idea of expanding the list of Apple devices in the future, as well as Apple devices purchased from other sources. Maybe even unlocked from other providers down the road.

Although we are not certain of the timelines involved, we are told this is starting immediately. Not sure if that means tomorrow or next week. But it is happening. It is currently limited to just the iPhone 6, iPhone 6+, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 only. 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. Also, not all Sprint plans will allow "BYOAD" and we currently do not know which plans are blacklisted.

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.

Although this will create some headaches for Sprint in managing these devices, we hope this is a new era toward an open device ecosystem. And in this case, to block possible customers from buying your service just didn't make much sense. Thank you Marcelo. We like the changes. And can we interest you in some more from our Laundry List?

Sprint Memo said:

Bring Your Own Apple Device (BYOAD) to Sprint is Now a Reality

 

URGENT

 

Consumer (IL) and Business (CL) postpaid customers from Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile can now bring some of their unlocked Apple devices to Sprint as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and activate them on our network. SKUs will be added for eligible BYOD Apple devices in our systems.

 

Eligible Devices…

 

Note the following device requirements

• Models include: iPhone 6, 6+, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 only. Other device models may be available in future phases. i.e. iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s
• Device must have been purchased via an Apple fulfillment channel (Apple store, apple.com or Best Buy). Devices purchased from other outlets may be available in future phases.

SIM Cards…

 

Customers will need to have a compatible Sprint SIM card (UICC) for the selected device.

 

Use the Compatibility Matrix tool to see the compatible Sprint UICC cards for the customer's device. If the SIM is compatible, the customer must order or provide a compatible UICC card. If the SIM is not compatible, ask the customer to visit a Sprint Retail store to obtain UICC card and account setup.

 

More Details

 

These BYOD Apple devices have specific Device Based User Rules (DBUR). Not all current price plans will be eligible to be used on BYOD Apple devices. Some Apple devices have other limitations like they may not support the Sprint Spark network.