Hoystory does math

Matthew Hoy
By Matthew Hoy on May 3, 2008

The end of March Madness also marks the time that my cell phone contract is up. My cell phone -- which is more often used as a PDA and for its Internet browsing capabilities -- is a pretty nice HTC 6700 that has worked well. I've experienced none of the horror stories others have with Sprint's customer service or billing systems. In total, I've been pretty satisfied.

A couple of weeks ago I became amused. I got a "retention" letter offering me 10 percent off my current bill if I sign up for a new, 2-year contract with Sprint. As a bonus, if I replied before May 16, I'd get a one-time $15 credit on my account. My current bill runs right about $70 a month, so that would make it $63 a month -- not bad, but not great.

Then I read the fine print.

This deal required a new, 2-year contract (even though I wouldn't be buying a new phone) which comes with an Early Termination Fee of $200. So, $7 a month savings for 24 months is $168. Add in the $15 bonus and we're up to $183. And if I get angry at Sprint anytime before the 2 year contract is up, I'd owe them more than I saved through their little retention plan -- and not have a new phone to boot.

So, I poked around on the Internet and came across Sprint's little-advertised SERO plan. A quick perusal of some Internet consumer sites turns up an e-mail address: [email protected]. Those two facts together get you some cell phone plans better than the one I've got now for $40 less a month.

The only downside is it appears that it may be difficult for telephone numbers currently assigned to a Sprint phone to get transferred to this new plan.

All of the sudden a new phone -- with the cost recouped in just a few months through substantial savings on the phone plan -- is starting to look pretty attractive.

Now I've got to pick a phone out.

0 comments on “Hoystory does math”

  1. I've used SERO for over a year and it's been great.

    I got a free Motorola Q (after rebates) with my 2 year plan and I only pay $30/month for 500 minutes and unlimited text messages.

    I like the Q, but it's not perfect. It tries to do everything a PDA does in a very small form factor. It winds up doing everything in a good but not great way, so it's really a Jack of all trades but master of none, I guess.

    But whatever phone you pick the SERO plan is highly recommended.

    BTW, I believe if you have a friend who is an existing SERO customer refer you to the plan, both you and he/she get a cash bonus ($25 or $50 if I remember correctly).

    If you need a name to do the referral, drop me a line at [email protected]

    Either way, I think you will be very happy with SERO.

    -Steve

    BTW, I like the blog...

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