Sprint Mobile Broadband
Customer Service
This is the 2008 Review. Click here for the 2009 Sprint Customer Service Review.
The Fine Print
I called Sprint's customer service on two separate occasions because:
1. My rebate was declined
2. I had a $0.20 text message charge on my bill
When I first called Sprint with regards to my rebate, I got confused. The rep told me that I was denied because I needed to extend my contract. When I told him I've had it for one month, he checked and said "oh that's right". Magically, he said it should be processing.
Several days later, I got a letter from Sprint saying the rebate denied. Looking at the dates, it came after my conversation with the rep. A couple business days afterwards, I checked online and saw that it was being processed. Much to my delight, at the time of this writing it's now approved:
It's not a stimulus package but I'll find something to do with it. With just about 7-8 weeks, it's better than the 10-12 weeks estimated. The experience wasn't bad. It just makes me think about all the other people who aren't watching the status of their rebates like a hawk.
As I mentioned in billing, I had a 20 cent charge for a text message that my broadband card can't send. Can it receive them? Beats me. All I know is, with this kind of interface, who can tell?
All the same, I call Sprint. After my usual waiting time (This is before I find out that Sprint's customer service number to skip to a live person is 888-567-5528 - Thanks, consumerist.com), I tell them my story. The rep promptly responds he can credit it back and block all future SMS text messages.
Wow! Thanks! It definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Then again, it was 20 cents and not $200. Word has it the average credit they give is $3 per call. Guess I fell into the margin.
If you have some kind of horror story, you can follow some guidelines for getting in touch with Sprint's executive customer service (Yes, they do exist) over at consumerist.com.
While my experience was a positive one (and continues to be), Sprint still has
the lowest customer care rating (J.D. Power and Associates) below the industry
average. For the full details, check out our carrier comparison for
AT&T, Verizon,
T-Mobile and
Alltel. Also, try the wireless solution survey for a quick recommendation.
To just go
ahead and get it already, check out the Top 4 Places I
recommend to get an Aircard.
