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It’s back! For a limited time, Sprint is offering current Verizon or AT&T subscribers a free year of unlimited smartphone service when they switch to Sprint with an eligible unlocked smartphone. They’re calling the promotional service: “Unlimited – Bring Your Phone Plan.”
When this program debuted in 2017, it was well-received by the Slickdeals community because the savings for a single person over the course of a year added up to $840. For reference, one line of Unlimited Plus service from Sprint costs $70 per month.
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Are you currently on a family plan? Feel free to switch everyone over. Sprint claims a savings of $1,920 on four lines of service during the first year when compared to similar Verizon and AT&T unlimited plans.
This time around, Sprint is promising a “hassle-free” experience that allows you to keep your phone and phone number, as well as no annual contracts or activation fees.
How to Switch to Sprint for a Free Year of Unlimited Service
Get started by visiting the promotion’s landing page to see if your phone is eligible and compatible with Sprint’s network.
Next, you’ll need to order a SIM card for $2.99 plus $10 shipping & handling. (What happened to “hassle-free,” Sprint?!) If you order by 2 PM ET Monday through Friday, your SIM card should arrive by the next business day.
The last step is activating your service via Sprint’s activation portal, which claims to walk you through all the necessary steps. If you run into an issue, last year’s deal thread is loaded with helpful tips and tricks.
What Phones Are Eligible to Switch to Sprint?
Here’s a list of phones that are compatible with Sprint’s BYP plan. Your phone may still be eligible even though it’s not listed here.
Apple iPhone
- Apple iPhone 5c (Verizon only)
- Apple iPhone 5s (Verizon only)
- Apple iPhone 6
- Apple iPhone 6 Plus
- Apple iPhone 6s
- Apple iPhone 6s Plus
- Apple iPhone 7 (Verizon only)
- Apple iPhone 7 Plus (Verizon only)
- Apple iPhone 8 (Verizon only)
- Apple iPhone 8 Plus (Verizon only)
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone X (Verizon only)
- Google Nexus 5 (16 & 32 GB – black/white/red) (Verizon only)
- Google Nexus 5X (all versions)
- Google Nexus 6 (32 & 64 GB – black/white)
- Google Nexus 6P (all versions)
- Google Pixel
- Google Pixel XL
- Google Pixel 2
- Google Pixel XL 2
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy Note8 Special Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Special Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S7 Special Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S8 (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile)
- Samsung Galaxy S8+ (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile)
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Special Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S8+ Special Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Special Edition
- Samsung Galaxy S9+ Special Edition
Motorola Other Brands
- Alcatel IDOL5
- Asus NovaGo
- BLU S1/VIVO S
- Essential Phone
- HTC One A9 (Sprint Version only)
- Lenovo Miix 630
- LG X Charge
- LG V30S
- LG V35 ThinQ
- LG G7 ThinQ
- LG Stylo 4
- Orbic Wonder
What’s the Catch?
In terms of getting free cell and data service for a year, there’s really no catch other than you’ll be using Sprint’s network – which will be completely fine for most people – and you must enroll in AutoPay to receive the maximum discount.
But when it comes to the type of data you get for free, this is where the Unlimited – Bring Your Phone plan differs from the standard Unlimited Plus plan. On the BYP plan, video streams up to 480p, music up to 500 Kbps, and gaming up to 2 Mbps. Oh, and your data will be de-prioritized during peak congestion. And while it sounds dire, we’re confident this type of service is good enough for most people.
The savings that net you a free year of service ends on September 30, 2019, so if you want to take full advantage of a zero monthly rate (the usual regulatory fees still apply), you’ll need to sign up before the end of September 2018. After the promotional discount expires, the rates increase to $60/mo. for line 1, $40/mo. for line 2, and $20/mo./line for lines 3 – 5.
If you’re a current Verizon or AT&T subscriber, there are few reasons not to switch to Sprint. Even with the throttled data rates, the potential savings far outweigh any inconveniences.
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