Sprint Rolling Out Free (and Slow) International Data Roaming
Sprint is rolling out a new international plan that lets customers roam in 15 countries without any additional charge.
With the new International Value Roaming Plan, travelers will be able to check email, Facebook, download pictures and stay connected on the wireless Internet connection at no additional cost in Latin America, Europe and Japan.
According to the plan subscribers with the devices that are internationally compatible will get free text messaging and unlimited data roaming up to 2G speeds. Phone calls are going to cost 20 cents per minute in countries included in the plan.
"The continuous feedback from our customers indicates how important it is to travel without the fear of high roaming charges," Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure said in a statement.
If you'd prefer a faster data connection while you're overseas, Sprint also offers International Speed Data Roaming Passes. These packages offer data up to 3G speeds at rates of 1 day/100MB for $15, 7 days/200MB for $25, and 14 days/500MB for $50. Once you use up your data allotment, your speeds will return to 2G, International Value Roaming levels, Phone Dog noted.
However, Sprint is not the first telecom service provider to offer such plan. T-Mobile introduced a similar plan in October 2013 as a part of "Uncarrier" marketing strategy.
Sprint will also allow customers to make free calls using Wi-Fi hotspots while abroad. The new Wi-Fi calling feature is available in more than 200 countries. Wi-Fi calling is supported in devices such as iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5S, 5C and some Android devices.
