Arysyn

Certainly not everything over the phone is perfect. For example, my mother and I have been dealing with a sudden very odd loss in my Xfinity home internet download speed, while the upload speed has been just fine/the same 30mbps it has been since getting the service some months ago after realizing AT&T's home internet offerings in this area weren't going to be fast enough for 4k streaming, otherwise we would have kept it along with the AT&T wireless bundle we had. We spent several hours on the phone with Xfinity the other day trying to fix this problem, and they are incredibly difficult to deal with, and nothing has been resolved about it so far. My mother had a different issue with them some years ago, but with the same frustrations over the phone. So, she went into one of their local tech dispatch offices to complain, and got the issue taken care of right away. This is where having retail does still have value, in providing a place for customers to at least discuss issues with someone in person. Problem is though, most carriers haven't been training these salespeople in tech support knowledge like they use to, and now going into stores for that is becoming more often useless. I definitely support a return of in-store helpful tech support as giving more purpose to these places than as just a sales outlet.

Nothing against this site's name, but wouldn't it be conflicting after a merger if the new company is called T-Mobile?

One of the things I've written alot about here on S4GRU, is my dislike for wireless retail stores in general, and one of the biggest reasons for some of my past switching between carriers, was due to a bad experience/situation involving some error made at the store level when I'd sign up for wireless service in a store. Nowadays, I've pledged that I'll only buy online or over the phone, as typically things work out better that way. I would hope though that the negatives in wireless and home internet would get fixed, especially from my experiences, which I believe would more likely happen if more resources would be dedicated to the technical issues and less towards physical retail, focusing more online. However, I do believe there is a need for some retail stores, where carriers could either go more elaborate with additional offerings to draw people in, or simplify to just the basics to make retail as inexpensive as possible, while still providing a physical presence for people to go to if they really want to try out devices in person, or simply prefer not to order online. Either way a carrier decides to go, its important to make a store look presentable. All carriers have stores that look good and those that look really bad. In the case of Sprint, most of the stores I've been too don't look very good, in my opinion. However, I went into the store on Roosevelt Road yesterday (here in the Chicago suburbs), which probably is the smallest Sprint store I've ever seen, yet definitely the best appearence that looked nothing like any other carrier store. I wish I would have taken a photo to post here, and I may go back sometime and get one. I think if Sprint is set to expand retail as they've announced, they'd be smart to model them after that store, as it was very compact, yet well designed so customers are right near access to the devices, unlike these new huge stores carriers have in expecting customers to walk all around from one area to another just to look at stuff.

I think this was a good decision. It helps to further separate Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile.

I'm curious what the new name of the site would be if T-Mobile took over Sprint. TmoNews is already taken, obviously. My suggestion if the site wants to be a T-Mobile site as its been a Sprint site over the years, tmoforum.com shows as being available currently in the domain name search website I checked. That probably would get a strong following. Although, I've mentioned on S4GRU many times that I think this site would make a great competitor to HowardForums, but on a more intelligent wireless network-focused format, not so much a general consumer one. For instance cellsiteforum.com is available, though I'm not sure if thats the best name. Some of the better ideas I thought of are already taken.

Very true. Another thing perhaps a customer's needs change, which Sprint may not be able to serve, or a customer moves to an area where Sprint may not be as good at. When a person says they still hope for Sprint to succeed, but may not be or no longer be a Sprint customer, doesn't mean they are against Sprint in any way with some sort of vendetta, just that they wish the best for the company perhaps in hopes that one day they will be able to be served by Sprint.

I completely agree. I've always admitted to people who've mentioned to me about my habit of not keeping to something/changing my mind alot, and its true, something I won't deny. It isn't that I'm trying to be difficult or frustrating others by it, but these things seem to happen with me when I go to get something, and either there is an issue immediately I didn't expect, or something occurs later on. I've been trying better on some things though, like with my television purchase. I finally made a decision on it after a few months of thoroughly researching features, taking into account many different things, and now am confident enough on the decision, though its going to be a few weeks until I get the tv, as the store has to get it in from Texas. I'm just hoping it doesn't end up that they tell me they can't get it in, because that is the other problem I have often with trying to get something that turns out not to be available, etc.

This is one thing I'm keeping in mind about switching, that is a serious consideration in dealing with the issues in the meanwhile, as a Sprint/T-Mobile network locked in at the same lower rate is an amazing deal. If T-Mobile were to raise those rates on current customers though, then many will get very upset, something I'm not sure T-Mobile would do.

If I don't end up switching by the time the LG G6+ ends up being released in the U.S. next month, then perhaps I won't end up switching. I went to a Sprint store to take a look at the HTC U11, which really is a nice device, still somewhat regret cancelling my preorder. Unfortunately for my mother's line, they told us their Samsung Gear 3 smartwatch isn't LTE and calling compatible, only Bluetooth. That is an advantage Verizon has for her line with the Wear24 and Watch Sport options. She isn't good at using Android at all, so she needs something very simple. Apple is a good option for her, but we're waiting on the iPhone OLED model.

I realize they don't have Digits. Yet, it doesn't make sense to pay for something you don't have access to. Most of the time I can't even get the flash intro on the T-Mobile Tuesdays website to work at all either, leaving me unable to get that. So, as everyone has their own reasons for switching carriers, these are mine. Now I do know leaving T-Mobile for something else much more expensive without getting Digits, etc. wouldn't be a smart move, which is why with AT&T now they are not offering Freelancer Union discounts, isn't a good option for me, as I found out yesterday. Yet, one line with a smartwatch line is $90 at Verizon, a small bit more expensive than T-Mobile, but with a better network. Sprint with two lines for $90 is a good deal here in Chicago, where Sprint is actively involved with the network here and with increased PCS in areas without band 41, shouldn't be as bad when it was limited to 5x5 around here.

I don't have access to even setup Digits, which is the problem. Digits requires an app to setup, which only is available on Android and iOS. As I mentioned a few weeks ago when I had first announced my disappointment in Digits, I don't have any problem with T-Mobile making the Digits app only available for Android and iOS, as I completely understand their decision to focus on the mainstream, popular mobile operating systems. I don't even believe it is necessary for them to make an app for Digits on the Microsoft OS. The complaint I have, is that T-Mobile doesn't serve Digits the same way as they do for T-Mobile Tuesdays and the MyT-Mobile app. Both of those can be accessed by going online. Digits requires an app.

.Actually I announced here around four weeks ago that I was considering leaving T-Mobile, but I haven't done so yet, as some issues have since happened. Even today is my first day back here posting after being away for a few days. There is so much I have to arrange, I don't blame anyone for the confusion/misunderstanding of my posts lately. The reason for me leaving T-Mobile though is the same as when I announced it some weeks ago, being that I can't manage the Digits service with my Lumia. Anyways, I may actually end up going with a single-line Sprint plan, as I found out today that AT&T isn't offering their Unlimited Plan with the Freelancers Union discount, or any corporate discount, other than military/veteran discounts. So, I've got some things to consider. Both of Sprint's offers are very good right now, and is a difficult decision between them and Verizon, I was just hoping to make the billing easier for my mother by going with AT&T on all our services.

I still haven't left T-Mobile, but am about too, back to AT&T (nothing against Verizon where I was going to, but because of recent home internet issues with Comcast Xfinity that I'm going back to AT&T now that AT&T is offering 75mbps where I live, a big increase in minimum network speed from the 45mbps speed tier I had issues with months ago that led to my leaving AT&T, 25mbps vs 45mbps). Besides, I never had issues with the wireless side of AT&T. With that said, I'm not surprised to see AT&T and Verizon get better results than T-Mobile and Sprint, but I would have expected Sprint to beat T-Mobile. If a merger fails and Sprint struggles tp get funding into network development, things may begin to look really bad once T-Mobile gets the 600mhz rolled out. Sure, its going to be a while for that to occur, so hopefully Sprint will get into network building before that happens.

I agree with you, utiz4321 I like Marcelo's professionalism attitude, but I'm not so much a supporter of his business decisions. Basically everything you describe here of him sum up my opinions. The new Sprint promo, as great as it is, really isn't necessary. I know I've missed some of the discussion here lately relating to it, as I've been having breathing-related health issues that has limited my online time, but I have still been trying to read about it and the state of things in cellular. As much I like the promo, Sprint could have done something just as successful serving all customers old and new alike. Perhaps with my $45 monthly per line idea, or better yet, undercut T-Mobile's Hookup Offer discounted rate for two lines, by having a two for $75 monthly promo, no streaming limits, and $35 monthly per additional line. That would be better than "free for a year" on the fiscal side, giving Sprint income still for the network. I also agree with those who think that people may leave Sprint after a year, unless they have great service in the areas they live/travel.

I haven't seen this story posted here yet, so I figured to do so with some brief commentary of my own afterwards : http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/technology/article155312894.html The story is about Sprint buying out the other half of a retail store business partnership they've had for a few years with Dixons Carphone. Of course I don't know all the details about this, nor do I pretend to, but from what I've read, this seems like a great move by Sprint. While I'm not a fan of wireless carrier retail, I think its good for Sprint to take full ownership control of these stores, while still working with such partners. I was wondering what others here on S4GRU think about the idea of Sprint possibly stop selling devices directly, but have partners selling devices through Sprint retail stores as means for Sprint not taking losses on devices they can put through on funding the network?

I've decided against getting the Sony Z9D for a very good reason anyone here who may be interested still in 3d ought to know. There are two televisions currently that have some form of 3d to them. One is the Z9D and the other is the LG C6p, which the C6p set I had, was the one with the image retention issues. I've decided that it may just be I had a bad set, and to try another one, and for good reason. Unlike the C6p, the Z9D does not allow for 2d to 3d upconversion. It only will show 3d on native 3d video sources. Whereas, the C6p will allow for any content, including video streaming services, video games, computer applications, etc, to convert from 2d to 3d on the television, and does a pretty good job at it too. Of course, this isn't important to everyone, but to those it is, I figured to mention it here.

I know there are third party connectivity services that allow for a smartphone to connect with a tv regardless of brand, but I was trying to avoid having that, rather going through a direct Sony app instead. I also was considering possibly getting a PS4 in the future which has connectivity with the Sony phone. Someone else here made mention of the perfect term for this being brand ecosystem, where I was wanting easy integration between devices.

The benefit would be for using in connection between the phone and tv. I've completely ruled out on getting the Z9D though, since finding out last night at a late moment, that the tvs 3d features do not include a 2d to 3d conversion upscaler, unlike the LG OLED tvs from past year. So, if the HTC U11 does arrive to me, I most likely will keep it and use it until the LG V30 gets released.

I've had it with these mothafuckin' snakes, on this mothafuckin' cell tower! ????

Whoa! I almost thought you were joking or were stuck in time on April 1st transmitting through a time travel device or something, RedSpark. How on earth can Sprint do this? There is no doubt this is damn awesome! Now I've got some thinking to do.

I may decide to reorder it, or keep the device if it ends up being shipped. HTC was very nice and polite about my order cancellation, but told me there is a possibility it may still ship out. They weren't entirely sure if the order had gone far enough in to reverse the order shipment or not. Really depends on my tv purchase, due to my wanting compatibility between the tv and the phone. I'm glad to hear though about it being a great device for those who have it. The HTC U11 certainly seems alot better than the HTC 10, which I wasn't impressed with.

I often get free trials from Tidal, since deciding that maintaining a regular ongoing account wasn't worth it. I don't listen to music anywhere near as often as I use to, so now I sign up for a free trial about 3 to 4 times every year, and maybe use it a half dozen times each, then cancel before the end of the 30 day trial period. Going through the normal non-Sprint process always works for me, though strangely there were a few times Tidal charged me around a dollar for the "free" trial. It was quite odd, but hasn't happened to me in quite a while. Although, it wasn't that big of a deal, and I didn't mind paying that amount. Yet for me, Tidal just isn't worth the regular $20 monthly.

I hope I don't regret cancelling my order for the HTC U11. It really looks like a great device, though I wanted to have the shipping stopped on it before it got sent out, as I changed my mind for the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, due to my likely getting the Sony Z9D television. The Sony XZ Premium has the advantage of a 4k Triluminos display, while the HTC U11 has the advantage of better audio and wider network capability within the U.S. This also means my staying with T-Mobile. Anyways, I'm still impressed by HTC for making a very beautiful looking device in the HTC U11. The Sapphire Blue especially.

Seems like a wasted effort. This would have been a great opportunity for Sprint to package HiFi as part of the service. As I've mentioned before, all Sprint would need to do to make this offer extremely compelling, especially to audio enthusiasts is a non-expiry two lines for $90 monthly with Tidal HiFi included. That would be big business for Sprint right there.

Its not just over-protective parents Sprint may have to worry about, but any negative media reaction in general surrounding any specific questionable content and the groups in which may complain about tje content, including parents. At this point, Sprint would be better just to promote its own brand as a wireless carrier, rather than attempt to connect itself to popular culture to sell its "brand", by relating its image outside of its core purpose, which is to be a wireless carrier.