Sprint dropped 1.09 million subscribers in Q1

Q1 2008 wasn't a pretty one for Sprint. The company lost 1.09 million subscribers to the competition, while also losing a bit of ground on its average revenue per customer, now at $56 a month. Sprint's got 52.8 subscribers left to squander work with, so we'll see if initiatives like a potential Nextel spinoff or the upcoming Samsung Instinct (pictured) can do anything to staunch the bleeding.

[Via Electronista]

[Luigi193 @ May 12th 2008 10:47AM]

I don't know ANYONE that uses Sprint... not one person.

Then again I have no life...

[BMEdin @ May 12th 2008 11:52AM]

Hi. Name's Ben. Nice to meet you.
Now you do! :-)

[Josh @ May 12th 2008 12:49PM]

make that two!

[Flashpoint @ May 12th 2008 1:13PM]

Sprint always sucked. I dumped the shares I had in that company a long time ago. When they took over NEXTEL, they KILLED IT (as I feared they would).

Their phones never appealed to me and they were notorious in my state for overcharging and damaging people's credit - I hope the company goes BANKRUPT honestly.


As for the phone above - IT SUCKS TOO.

Why would I buy an iPhone clone from a substandard ceellular carrier, when I could have the iPhone itself (with all its crippled features and lack of 3G)

[Flashpoint @ May 12th 2008 1:19PM]

If they truly want to save Nextel, they are going to need a NEXTEL iDEN version of the instinct that can get wireless television, and has Flash/Java and a Youtube client.

Then they need a cheaper data plan for it, at around $50 a month for a 2 year introductory.

NEXTEL's problem is high fees, high tax, subpar service, lack of real-time AOL IM texting, small screensize, and shit battery life.
The Sidekick stole Nextel's subscribers because its phone's managed to have all those things.
Nextel went dead when they released that pisspoor I930 - a smartphone without bluetooth :-/

With iPhones, Blackberries and Sidekicks on the GSM market, its gonna be easy for those 3 companies to chip away at Verizon and especially Sprint. While Verizon offers the widest American coverage and good download speeds, Sprint offers "more of the same" - like Hillary Clinton.

[Drew @ May 12th 2008 10:47AM]

"Sprint's got 52.8 subscribers left to (squander) work with"

I don't get it...

[roole @ May 12th 2008 11:05AM]

Your education may have been squandered.....

[roole @ May 12th 2008 11:07AM]

Or mine, apparently,....... :-/

[Matt @ May 12th 2008 12:23PM]

52.8 million Drew.

[Chad @ May 19th 2008 9:59AM]

No, that number's right. I'm subscriber # 0.8, and they have 58 others left besides me.

[jfunk @ May 12th 2008 10:48AM]

"Sprint's got 52.8 subscribers left to..."

Erm..

[jerry @ May 12th 2008 10:50AM]

I wonder who the 0.8 dude is? an amputee?

[omoks @ May 12th 2008 11:21AM]

Sprint should be studied in colleges. A business with stellar infrastructure but horrid customer service.

I'm only with Sprint because of their 3g network, fastest in the business. However, once T-Mob launches some nice 3g phones for their network I'll be jumping ship.

[riggs @ May 12th 2008 1:08PM]

its Hands Mcgee.

[DP @ May 12th 2008 1:47PM]

Haha, yes Riggs! Well done.

[DIEGO @ May 12th 2008 6:48PM]

I LOL'd , that made my day...

[Stelios @ May 12th 2008 5:51PM]

jerry: the .8 is probably "Assy McGee" http://adultswim.com/shows/assy

[zargon @ May 12th 2008 10:52AM]

I assume it is 52.8 million?

[ahdok @ May 12th 2008 11:34AM]

nah, that's accurate.

[Todd @ May 12th 2008 10:53AM]

Got zero sympathy for Sprint or any other carrier that still insists they are not a "dump pipe" and continue to stay closed, offering crappy handsets ( iPhone excluded ) charging outrageous prices, really Consumer hostile business practices, paying to have government in your pocket.

Advice: Sprint just be the most awesome handler of my ones and zeros ( in whatever form it comes from me in ( voice, data, my personal media, etc . ) and and open your network to any handset I want to use. You are a dump pipe, be the best at it.

[xtole @ May 12th 2008 12:31PM]

You getting paid for that avatar?

[shaniac @ May 12th 2008 2:19PM]

You trying to tell me that AT&T and the iPhone are open?!?!?!?!

Apple has just created a new type of walled garden that even though their selling a large number of phones, most of the phones uses don't think it is a good phone or a good input device (that is why 40% carry another phone to make calls and type emails).

Sprint is one of the most open in terms of network and expect that to grow in other ways as they work to support customers and the market.

[Todd @ May 12th 2008 12:52PM]

It's actually the Death Star painted AT&T colors. So to answer your question, no I am not getting paid for the Avatar. Ttrust me I am the most unsatisfied AT&T there is.

[Loker @ May 12th 2008 6:10PM]

If I am not mistaken wasn't Sprint the first carrier in the US to open their network? If you bring an unlocked phone to them from Verizon or any other CDMA carrier they will activate it on their network...and at the same time they will give you the necessary unlock codes to unlock a phone you bought from them...

It sounds to me like they have already opened their network to any handset you could want...maybe next time the pro-AT&T guy should do his research....

Reference: http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/26/sprint-nextel-agrees-to-start-unlocking-phones/

[MasterCKO @ May 12th 2008 6:44PM]

I'm sorry, I hate Sprint's phone selection and their customer service (sometimes) as much as the next guy, but you are so very mistaken on a couple of your points. I'll take the "charging outrageous prices" bit.

In terms of $/byte of data in whatever form, Sprint is without question THE BEST DEAL OUT THERE. You might think this is me and my opinion talking, but it's not. This is simple mathematics talking.

That is, unless I misunderstood what you meant to say. In which case, please forgive me.

Also, as stated earlier, your network-openness remark was basically wrong, too, but I think that what you're thinking about has to do with CDMA vs GSM, which is a different issue.

[Jared @ May 12th 2008 10:55AM]

I just switched over from Verizon to Sprint after being a customer for 4 years and degrading and reception and, what seemed like, monthly increases in "administrative fees." I was pleasantly surprised to save money and get better reception. I do have to admit that the few times I have dealt with customer service have been less than stellar.

[apeguero @ May 12th 2008 10:56AM]

That's too bad. I used to be happy with Sprint but decided to leave because of the limitations of CDMA. I wanted the latest and greatest handsets and GSM is the way to go since you are not limited to just what you carrier has to offer. I lucked out by doing so since iPhone went with the carrier I switched to: AT&T. But otherwise, should I ever leave AT&T then it will probably be back to Sprint. I think Sprint's only solution will be to go GSM or at least offer both technologies.

[shanoboy @ May 12th 2008 11:01AM]

The new Sprint Instinct looks nice, but I'd never get Sprint even if they were giving the damn phone away for free.

[element8 @ May 12th 2008 11:03AM]

i can admit i dropped sprint as well. it was last year, but they're service was so bad here in nyc that i couldn't receive or make a call, voicemails showed up days late, texts never came, and i had no signal anywhere in the city.

i called and complained to them, they sent tech's out to different areas i said had no service, discovered there was no reason i should have had that bad of service, offered to replace my phone and give me two free months of service, but i told them i'm cancelling AND i want them to waive the 250$ early termination fee, which they did.

at&t hasn't been a problem for me in the city, so sprint better fix whatever is broken, because it sounds like i'm not the only person that's having the same problems.

[fashionista @ May 12th 2008 11:05AM]

Huh. I use a Samsung m610 on Sprint in NYC and Brooklyn without issue. I can even get a signal standing in the 33rd 6 station. I have no issues with Sprint, going into my 9th year with them.

[element8 @ May 12th 2008 11:08AM]

i had a treo 700p and got zero service anywhere. it wasn't common for me to be sitting at my desk at work in dumbo and all of a sudden it tells me i missed nine calls and have six new voicemails. but then i couldn't even call to listen to them on my phone - had to use my desk phone to retrieve them.

and often, when exiting the subway, it would take over an hour for service to "resume," if you will - it would never find a carrier unless i hard rebooted the phone.

[fashionista @ May 12th 2008 11:55AM]

Sounds like the issue is your Treo, not the network. Those phones suck (I had 3 of them).

[Ryan @ May 12th 2008 1:02PM]

the issue might be that you work somewhere called "dumbo"

[jftjunk @ May 12th 2008 11:11AM]

I am thinking of setting up a website to host the most horrid sprint stories and pay for the winner to get a new phone line of service elsewhere. I have deactivated a line 3 times w Sprint, and they keep turning it back on. Now they have a collection agency on me... I am nuclear PO'd. I am mad at sprint and their customer service, NOT COOL!!!

[sash @ May 12th 2008 11:07AM]

No big surprise considering they have the worse piece of crap for customer service. They are rude, unyielding, and unfair. Their business model sucks.

[Rboyett @ May 12th 2008 11:07AM]

There has been a new addition to the endangered species list; The now rarely seen Sprint Customer.

There have been many valiant efforts by Sprint Telemarketers to extend contracts and rescue the last remnants of the customer base. Unfortunately their efforts have been self defeating as Sprint continues to use telemarketers from India which constantly remind Sprint Customers just how horrid Sprint service is.

Recently, the Katana phone has been declared an endangered species refuge. However it appears to be too little too late. As many expect the 3G iPhone to create another huge migratory wave that will lead to the end of the Sprint Customer.

But there is hope.

Sprint is building new breeding grounds for customers with the XOhm service and has brought new partners on board. There is also the possibility of an acquisition that may stem the tide of lost revenue. However it appears that the greatest threat to the Sprint Customer is apathy. The Apathy that comes from Sprint itself as it constantly pollutes the Sprint Customer habitat with poor service.

[ThePremierAssassin @ May 13th 2008 12:51AM]

WORD

That about sums up my position.

I'm on a month to month basis with Sprint now. It wouldn't take much for me to jump shipping. I'm just waiting for a decent touch screen phone that has all the features I want it to have.

The 3G iPhone looks to be really good. I'm also interested in some other phones.

So unless Spring like unleashes some uber sick phone that truly is on the iPhone's level if not better than it I'll be gone by the end of the year most likely.

Its sad but thats how bad Spring has gotten...

[Richard Shipp @ May 12th 2008 11:09AM]

Sprint was the "big dog" about 7-8 years ago. I left them because of their crappy customer service in their stores. Stupid in-store representatives playing God when customers phones would break and needing replacement.

[Ninja @ May 12th 2008 11:18AM]

I have sprint. I bought the Touch phone and I am happy with it. I'm just wondering when the Rev A update is coming for it. the rumors say at the end of the 1st quarter....well aren't we here now? Customer service does suck but who cares really as long as my phone works. I'm still finding ways I can alter this phone. Satisfied customer here and looking to upgrade when Sprint gets the HTC Touch Diamond. (I'd do it now if I could.)

[Rob Schoenfeld @ May 12th 2008 12:24PM]

There are some easy steps to upgrade (hack) your touch to Rev A. Here's the site http://www.cellfanatic.com/2008/04/27/update-your-sprint-htc-touch-to-rev-a-gps. I may void your warranty, but if you have insurance just let one of your kids drop it in the toilet.

[John P @ May 12th 2008 11:16AM]

I know I am one of the few people who still enjoy using Sprint, they have always been helpful with me in the store (not on the phone, though) and the service around here (Houston) is pretty stellar. In fact, AT&T's service can blow me. I have a phone with them too and they just constantly drop my calls. I hate them with a passion.

[Eric @ May 12th 2008 11:19AM]

Not sure why everyone rags on Sprint. I think call quality and data service is the best out there. To qualify that statement, I use an ATT blackberry for work, and had TMobile a few years back and both GSM service had way more dropped calls and super-slow data connections using edge. My Samsung M610 is the best phone I've ever had.

Everyone thinks customer service is poor. Guess I'm one of the few that hasn't had to deal with CS since signing up. Nearly everything can be done the Sprint website.

[Paul @ May 12th 2008 11:21AM]

poor poor Sprint... NOT

[Tony @ May 12th 2008 11:28AM]

Oh how clever.

[omoks @ May 12th 2008 11:24AM]

I don't think anyone has really disputed whether Sprint had a good network or fastest data speeds. It's all about when you call them for help.

Their Customer service model has to be rebuilt from the ground up just like their network.

[Wrangler @ May 12th 2008 11:28AM]

I keep hoping that I end up in that group Sprint drops for calling customer service too much. My contract ends in December, and I will never use them again.

[Ian @ May 12th 2008 11:30AM]

I have been a Sprint wireless customer for 8 years. I have no major problems with their service.

The problem I have had is their totally disrespectful attitude when ones contract co0mes up for renewal. Consequently I have degraded from4 phones (in the family) to one only from Sprint.

When contracts end I have mostly been offered relatively poor renewal deals and a more or less take it or go away attitude. Then I get the follow up call asking me why I dropped phones... Totally pointless.

In one case a contract for one phone (on retention scheme) ended and the user was awaiting the launch of a specific phone slated for 2-3 months away. What did Sprint do? They doubled or near tripled the monthly charges, out of contract, because that user would not immediately lock in a new contract and gie up on their desired phone. End result that family member moved immediately to AT&T, saying he would NEVER go back to Sprint.

My wife and my phones came up for renewal and I was offerd a a terribly expensive contract. No amout of talkinmg got Sprint to budge an inch, despite my 7+ years of continous service from Sprint. End result I did the math and moved my wife to a prepid service with T-Mobile. I also opened a pre-paid phone for 3 months and morped my Sprint number across to it. I opened a new SERO acct with sprint and moved the phone number back.

End result is that Sprint, over a year, lost 75% of my family business and they kept calling asking Why? And only then offered deals to get us back.
Sprint needs a more appropriate SOP to make long term customers feel the renewal experience is satisfactory and offer long term customers an edge to make them feel wanted. It's no surprise to me that despite a decent technical service, Sprint bleeds customers.

[What the Frack?! @ May 12th 2008 11:55AM]

What? They don't increase rates. They offer $50 off a new phone after the first 12 months with a new 2-year contract and then $75 off after 22 months with a new 2-year contract. Granted you can wait the extra 2 months and get a new phone for the normal discounts for a new contract, but they're not bringing your rates above what is out there now.

They have pretty good rates too, especially compared to Verizon. I've not had any issues with their network either. I'm sure getting new phones like the Instinct and hopefully the new HTC phones would help a lot.

Sure their customer service was mean and stupid, but they've improved it a lot. I'd rather not be nickled and dimed on my usage. Although good customer service is also important to me. I've a few months left on this one and so far so good.

[rheidler7 @ May 12th 2008 11:47AM]

I'm not surprised, or sorry, to hear about Sprint's demise. I switched from Sprint to T-mobile years ago after an nightmare encounter with Sprint "Customer Service" over an incorrect billing. (They mistakenly charged me over $400 for an international call that should have been about $12 on my Sprint international calling plan.)
I called customer service, thinking the matter could be resolved in five minutes.
Over the next few days, I spent hours on the phone with Sprint, and was passed from person to person, most of whom barely spoke English. I was insulted and accused. I was told that no one in their office had the authority to make adjustments to my bill. I was finally told that Sprint had a policy NEVER to make adjustments to customer bills!
This was the worst customer service experience I have ever had with any company. You could not pay me to go back to Sprint. Perhaps companies like Sprint will one day learn that when they treat their customers like dirt... it will eventually catch up to them.

[Mathew @ May 12th 2008 11:49AM]

I was with Sprint for 5 years. Sprint had the best coverage where I live (a hilly area in So. California) but their customer service was so bad that I gave up their better coverage and went with ATT. I may not be able to get a call in the hills, but I also will not have to deal with their lousy customer service any longer.