Sprint debuts new mobile hotspot plans for HTC EVO
Sprint is now offering a couple new mobile hotspot packages for customers, both of which are compatible with any device in the HTC EVO lineup: for $19.99/month, customers can now get 2GB of hotspot data, or 6GB for $49.99/month.
Formerly, Sprint offered a single add-on for $29.99/month, which offered unlimited access to 3G/4G data using the EVO's hotspot functionality. Then, last October, Sprint capped mobile hotspot data at 5GB. Now, the old $29.99 / 5GB plan is no longer available; customers who have this plan will be notified of the changes and forced to pick a new one.
Those who sign up for a new hotspot plan will proactively be notified by Sprint once they have reached 75%, 90%, and 100% of their data cap. Additional data will be billed at $0.05/MB.
On the one hand, I think this is a good move: now that the mobile hotspot feature has a lower price point, more customers will consider actually paying for this service, especially among those who do not root their devices. On the other hand, I am not happy that Sprint refuses to grandfather those who already have the 5GB plan. Additionally, since features are not necessarily part of one's contract, it's unclear whether or not Sprint will let affected customers out ETF-free.
What are your opinions of the new hotspot plans? Are they a good move for Sprint, or will the higher price for anything over 2GB just cause more people to root their phones and tether for free?
[Sprint]
