Sprint today launched a new effort to sway consumers to give up their current carrier in favor of Sprint with a promise to reimburse them for all the costs associated with switching. Sprint said it will cover the early termination fees and the remaining installments on phone payment plans for anyone who ports their number to Sprint. In order to get the reimbursement, prospective customers will need to activate a new device on Sprint Easy Pay, iPhone for Life, Sprint Lease, or pay full retail price for a new phone. They'll also have to turn in their existing handset in good working condition. Switchers will have to upload a copy of their final carrier bill to Sprint's web site within 60 days of activation, and the reimbursement will be sent in the form of an American Express Award Card. Sprint said it has created a prepaid return kit to make the process easier. Sprint will send the reimbursement within 15 days of receiving the completed forms. Sprint's move highlights the competitive nature of the wireless industry and the lengths to which companies will go to attract and retain new customers.


More...