Sprint Unlimited Access Pack is $119.99 a month for unlimited everything

Took long enough for the limited offering to go national, didn't it? Unlimited everything, the holy grail of phone plans, is now available everywhere at Sprint. The Sprint-powered Helio has had an unlimited everything for a while now, and just cut the price to $99 a month, while other carriers have piecemeal "unlimited" offerings like text messaging or in-network calling, but Sprint is the first of the big four to offer a true unlimited everything plan. For $119.99 a month you get unlimited voice, texting, web, email and picture mail, though no mention is made of MMS. The plan should be available now.

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Update: We've just been told that the Unlimited Access Pack is still restricted to four markets -- San Francisco, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Minneapolis-St. Paul. To folks in those towns, we envy you. To everyone else, our apologies!

[William @ Feb 6th 2008 12:09PM]

Isn't picture mail MMS?

[Polymira @ Feb 6th 2008 1:50PM]

Yes, MMS is picture mail. Besides, with Sprint, any unlimited data plan gives you unlimited picture/video mail.

[packetsniffer @ Feb 6th 2008 1:14PM]

Indeed.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 6th 2008 12:09PM]

$120 a month with a commitment contract is STEEP - I'm having Fios installed this saturday with Unlimited Long distance +unlimited internet for $75 w/ taxes.

I doubt many customers other than business owners will snap this up, but, Sprint's problem is much deeper...their handsets suck, they have killed NEXTEL just by taking ownership of it, and slowly but surely, they are losing customers to T-Mobile and Verizon.

I would have set the Unlimited price at $100 just like Helio.

[ChillyWilly @ Feb 6th 2008 12:15PM]

$99 would be a better price and if I only had one phone, I'd jump at this one. But for $120 a month before taxes are added on, it's not such a great deal.

Maybe give them a few months and it will drop to $99.

[nerdtalker @ Feb 6th 2008 12:22PM]

Honestly, this still doesn't beat SERO.

I don't use anywhere near the 500 minutes/month in the SERO $30.00 plan which already includes unlimited text, picture mail, data, long distance, nights and weekends.

Essentially the extra 90 bucks is all just for calling? Seems rather extravagant for me.

Sprint should advertise their SERO plans and make them normal plans. Those alone make them untouchable.

[ChillyWilly @ Feb 6th 2008 12:37PM]

I agree the SERO plans are good, but not too many know about them.

I see people that push up against their 2000+ messages plans would want this plan.

[danny @ Feb 6th 2008 1:21PM]

I have T-mo with MyFaves and unlimited messaging (any variety) for 60 a month. I regularly hit 4000+ SMS a month. It is sad, I know.

[StrangeBum @ Feb 6th 2008 2:33PM]

I've got the SERO plan myself. Best deal around. I get 1250 minutes, unlimited everything else including data for 55 dollars a month. Granted, my phone is a RAZR, but it's still an amazing deal. Especially when you consider I upgraded from a T-Mobile account with 600 mins and unlimited messaging (no data included) for 60 dollars a month.

The only thing about SERO is it's not supposed to be a widely known deal. It is supposed to require a customer actually speaking with a rep or sales person at their stores to get it. And that's only if they even know about it themselves.

[Neoprimal @ Feb 6th 2008 11:52PM]

Yeah, but your Fios serves you no good down the road so that is not exactly a good comparison. I was very tempted to get on this but gawd, sprint is just such a nightmare....don't think I could stick it out for 2 years, oh well. Hopefully Tmo will get something to compete with this. I thought about Helio but I'm pretty scared, so many mvno companies have bitten the dust between last year and now.

[gage @ Feb 6th 2008 12:10PM]

sprint still sucks

[Dax @ Feb 6th 2008 1:12PM]

I used to think so, then I switched to AT&T. Now my bill is 75% more for the same services and fewer minutes. What turned me off to Sprint was the handset selection. Just dozens of silver clamshells and a couple Treos and winmo devices.

[Dafreshman @ Feb 6th 2008 12:11PM]

this seems like a pretty good deal

[Devon @ Feb 6th 2008 12:12PM]

I agree $99 does sound better.
I get all the minutes I need with my SERO plan though.
It's only $49.99

[Annette Bernhardt @ Feb 6th 2008 4:24PM]

A bit off topic, but how did you all onto your SERO plans? I'm nearing the end of my contract and need more minutes, but don't really know how to go about negotiating with them to get on one of those plans. Any and all advice welcome!

:) Annette

[Todd @ Feb 6th 2008 12:13PM]

( in tiny fine print ) ***Unlimited does not include tethering. Data transfers through tethering are limited to 2 MB a month, with a 700% surcharge for data transfers exceeding the monthly limit.

[bob cobb @ Feb 6th 2008 11:43PM]

Ive tethered to my sprint phone on a sero plan for almost two years now and there are absolutely no issues. Sure you might get in trouble if you're downloading 4 gig torrents day after day, but for regular web usage its perfect.

[PhilR8 @ Feb 6th 2008 1:18PM]

*cough*Chainfire's WMWiFiRouter*cough*

What they don't know can't hurt 'em. Or you.

[Djunior80 @ Feb 6th 2008 12:14PM]

I just went to the sprint.com, and this unlimited plan was nowhere to be found. I really don't know why people say sprint sucks, their coverage is the best in South FL. I guess if you are stuck somewhere in the Colorado mountains their service does suck. On another note...their Customer Service does take forever to do anything, and their handsets kind of lack, but they are getting better. They do have the cheapest data plans available, and once you have a data plan you dont get hit with those ridiculous ATT charges of $8.99 for 1000 SMS. They are unllimited...my data plan is 15bucks a month!

[Prokanda @ Feb 6th 2008 12:24PM]

I'm in a HIGHLY populated area (Hampton, VA.. about an hour from richmond, 30 minutes from va beach) and the signal here with sprint is only so-so in the areas where I spend my time. just because you have signal in the retirement capital of the US doesn't mean the people without signal on sprint are int he boonies.

what's hurting them is that their phones suck...

and I pay 25 bucks a month with verizon for unlimited data and broadcast tv (I have a voyager). unlimited text/picture/video messaging is included in my plan.. I pay about 140 a month for THREE phones (with tax, ringback tones and full insurance on two of the phones) with unlimited everything but minutes (and pretty much everyone I know but my parents have verizon.. we never go over our plan minutes).

and saying that their customer service is "lacking" would be putting it mildly.. my parents have had sprint for over 5 years now.. and I had them for 3... I didn't go a month without having to call them about erroneous charges and their lies about the plan details I had right in front of me on my original contract... not to mention that I had to call and hang up about 10 times... EVERY time, just to get someone that could speak english.. and then it was still hit-or-miss on whether or not they could properly take care of my problem. I spent more time on the phone with their cx/svc than I did talking to my friends and family. the cx/svc of a phone company is ESSENTIAL... so this isn't a part of the provider that should be taken lightly when talking about who's better. verizon kicks everyone else in the industry around like a soccer ball when it comes to phones (cdma) and their customer service.

[Josh @ Feb 6th 2008 12:53PM]

I think verizon has the worst phone selection around, at least their PDA selection...thats why i switched my office to ATT.

[Trent @ Feb 6th 2008 12:58PM]

If you sprint signal is weak force your phone to roam on Verizon. Sprint has allowed roaming on Verizon for quite a while and AFAIK they don't get mad at people that roam a lot.

[Kris @ Feb 6th 2008 1:02PM]

Trent, Sprint has a clause in their contracts where if you roam over, I think it's, 30% of the time, they automatically cancel your contract. It's quite useful to get out of your contract. So, they do care.

[Scott @ Feb 6th 2008 1:53PM]

@prokanda
I don't know where you got this plan from Verizon, but I just looked at their plans and the voice/unlimited data plans START at $80 with 450 minutes. In contrast, my T-Mobile plan with unlimited data is $56 a month (final price including all fees) with 600 minutes. EVDO is not worth a $25/mo premium over EDGE/WiFi combo to me and the lack of SIM cards also makes this choice easy.

[Prokanda @ Feb 6th 2008 5:21PM]

@Mike:
if I "honestly don't" need the details of your life.. then why did you offer them up in a PUBLIC comment on a tech forum? you did that before my first reply... most people that read this site LIKE gadgets and new technology.. yet you get on your soapbox to talk about how you won't pay the current prices.. great.. that's not going to make them go down. that's just going to show that you're reading this site for no reason.. those that want to keep up with technology do so, so that they may apply it in their lives. and 100+ per month covers a family plan for 3 phones with unlimited messaging, TV, unlimited data, ringback tones, full coverage insurance/warranty. not just the ability to make calls.

[Mike @ Feb 6th 2008 12:15PM]

My phone bill, which includes 11 standard phone features, is $15.34/month with taxes. Until cell phone plans come down to a reasonable monthly cost, I'll continue to live without them.

[Prokanda @ Feb 6th 2008 12:31PM]

ha. what are you doing reading engadget? I can't believe your startac is still functioning.. didn't they phase out analog?

[Mike @ Feb 6th 2008 12:36PM]

"what are you doing reading engadget?"

Staying informed on things unrelated to mobile devices... and laughing all the way to the bank at people that are spending $100+/month on cell phones.

If you must know, and you honestly don't, I have a VOIP provider for my home phone. Just because I don't throw money at a cell phone doesn't mean I'm out of touch with technology.

[mlb @ Feb 6th 2008 12:47PM]

I hear you on the cell phone deal man. I swore I'd never get one when I was in college. However, my company signed a deal with Verizon a while back that is pretty sweet. I only have to pay $35/month for my Verizon service and I got the phone for 19.99. I'm under no contract at all, just month to month. Plus I got a phone number with the same area code as my parents so they don't have to call me long distance any more. I can't stand cell phones, but this deal was just something that I couldn't pass up. I no longer have a land line and just use my cell phone for any calls I need to make (which are very few).

[Trent @ Feb 6th 2008 1:06PM]

I always laugh at people that come into a cell phone thread and make the veiled assertion that they are better than everyone else because they don't have a cell phone. It also helps them justify to themselves why they don't have one, and explains to everyone else why women think they are a loser.

[Mike @ Feb 6th 2008 1:19PM]

*sigh*

Thank you for forcing my hand Trent. The reason I justify not having a cell phone is because I have two small children, and I will probably have one or two more. Why does that matter? Because it is of utmost importance to me to allow my wife to stay at home to care for our children. Since she is not out in the workforce making money, we have to make sacrifices in order to keep her home.

No, I don't own the biggest home, no, I don't have two cars, no, I don't have cable or satellite TV, no, I don't have a cell phone, no, I don't have a big TV, no, I don't have a new computer... but you know what? Not having to send my kids to a daycare where they are taught and disciplined by people I don't know very well is worth much more than all the "stuff."

Is that a noble enough justification for you?

Oh, and, no, my wife doesn't think I'm a loser for working as hard as I can so she can fulfill her dream of being a stay-at-home mom.

[Fudge Lips @ Feb 6th 2008 1:37PM]

Thanks for the riveting insight into your lifestyle decision matrix. Now we can both laugh at you AND feel sorry for you at the same time.

[Derbeste @ Feb 6th 2008 1:42PM]

Does she think you're a loser for making other people feel bad about their toys because you can't afford one?

I know I do.

[Zzephyr @ Feb 6th 2008 1:43PM]

OK, Mike, we'll accept that explanation - but I must tell you that if you hadn't thrown in the fact that you are going to have one or two more kids in the future, your story would not have been adequate.

Carry on.

[Saint Dumb Ox @ Feb 6th 2008 1:51PM]

Cut the guy some slack. to-ma-to, to-mah-to. He just has more money to spend on his wife and kids...it's great not to live or die alone.

[Scott @ Feb 6th 2008 1:56PM]

So Mike, won't you feel like a fool when your wife and children are stranded due to car trouble and must flag a total stranger in order to call you and let you know their stranded.

Do you see the benefit of a WIRELESS phone now?

[Mike @ Feb 6th 2008 2:01PM]

Of course I see the benefits of a wireless phone. They're fantastic for those types of situations. When we can comfortably afford one and avoid debt, we'll likely get one. Cell phones and plans just aren't affordable right now.

[monkfishbandana @ Feb 6th 2008 3:28PM]

Seriously, do you guys not have 'pay and go' cellular plans in America or something?

[areldyb @ Feb 6th 2008 4:14PM]

@monkfishbandana: We have prepaid-type plans, but mostly they suck. Terrible handset selection, and you pay through the nose for minutes.

Although in your case, Mike, having a prepaid phone for emergencies might not be a bad idea, especially if you're used to not having a cell phone at all. Something to consider?

[kojo87 @ Feb 6th 2008 12:16PM]

doesnt Helio offer unlimited eberything for $60 a month? i could be wrong but i thought they did. and they run on Sprint's network

[Dafreshman @ Feb 6th 2008 12:22PM]

nah helio is at 100 i think

[kojo87 @ Feb 6th 2008 1:04PM]

i just checked and you're right. $100 a month but it says it used to be $145. you can also get 1000 minutes with unlimited data for $85 a month. that would be the way to go. if i could afford it.

[Mark Kane @ Feb 6th 2008 12:20PM]

Everything Unlimited ... except for coverage.

[Jonathan Keim @ Feb 6th 2008 12:21PM]

I'd sign up if it was Verizon.

[Derbeste @ Feb 6th 2008 1:47PM]

Flashpoint...

I am mildly embarrased to admit that I found your comment to be the funniest in the thread.

[DP @ Feb 6th 2008 1:53PM]

Funny indeed.

[Tom Gabriele @ Feb 6th 2008 12:58PM]

is it truly unlimited? can i use the 3g for a laptop modem? if they really mean UNLIMITED, then this may be a good deal.

[SteveMB @ Feb 6th 2008 12:33PM]

Is this limited unlimited or is it unlimited unlimited?

[Alex @ Feb 6th 2008 12:44PM]

Yeah But it does NOT include the ability to "tehther" your phone to a Laptop so you can get broadband speeds on the Laptop

Does NOT include Sprint TV all TV channels

Does NOT include GPS

Unlimited "everything" excpet alot of stuff.

[Trent @ Feb 6th 2008 1:01PM]

What cell plan includes the ability to tether your phone to your laptop as a default? Verizon will whack you if you use more than 5mb a month and they'll drop you if you tether. Sprint is actually pretty cool about things, but tethering is a big deal and every carrier limits it. Get a SERO plan for a laptop card, it's 49.99 and includes unlimited internet (and is really unlimited).