Sprint Raising Data Fees for Smartphones

Faced with rising traffic on its network, Sprint Nextel is adding a $10 fee to its smartphoto data-service plans. Customers on existing contracts won't be affected.

"The charge will assist Sprint in offering simple and affordable unlimited plans for its customers while maintaining a wireless network able to meet the growing appetite for a richer mobile experience. Subscribers with smartphones will still receive the best value in wireless, including the Any Mobile, Anytime feature offered nationwide only by Sprint," the company said.

Sprint already charges a $10 fee for its 4G smartphones and will expand the fee to all of its smartphones at the end of January.

The new fee marks a change for Sprint, which has been trying to undercut its rivals to stem customer losses. Sprint's current "Everything Data" plan costs $79.99 a month, compared to $119.98 for a similar Verizon plan and T-Mobile's $99.99. AT&T no longer offers unlimited data plans.

Sprint says the price increase is needed to deal with increased traffic demands from smartphone users. A company spokesman said smartphone customers use 10 times the data of regular cellphone users.

Verizon Wireless may be next to impose new data fees, now that it will be selling its version of the Apple iPhone. The company says it is looking at its pricing options.

Sprint argued in a statement on its Web site that, even with the extra $10, its plans are simple and easy to understand.

“While some of our competitors impose overage charges and complex plans, Sprint continues to provide a worry-free, unlimited data experience while on the Sprint network. This is responsible, sustainable and reflects our commitment to simplicity and value,”said Bob H. Johnson, president of Sprint’s consumer business. 

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