Why would Sprint want you to renew contract to activate a phone?

R

Randy

Member
I sold a samsung instinct with a clear ESN on ebay, and the buyer says Sprint will only activate it if he signs a new contract.

How is this possible with a clear ESN?

thanks

Thanks
 
C

ChickenLittle

Member
They want money; the contract is where they make their money - phones cost comparatively little, which is why they give them away like candy. If you're locked into a contract, they KNOW they will be getting money (unless of course you're willing to risk your credit rating), so they practically give the phone away.

It's one reason I switched from a CDMA carrier to a GSM carrier (one that uses sim card technology). The sim card doesn't care what phone it's in, as long as the phone is unlocked, so you can change handsets any time you want.
 
K

KarmicKoala

Member
He should be able to have activated on a month-to-month option but NOT on a pay-as-you-go/prepaid.

Unless Sprint is simply trying to tie him up to a data contract (which is more expensive).

In any case, he should try different stores but I doubt the answer will be different.
 
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