Upgrade changes at Sprint and Verizon

It seems that both Sprint and Verizon have changed their subsidized phone policies going forward. Here's what you need to know for Sprint since I have experience with them. There will be two tiers and this is from their site.

Sprint Premier Gold

What You Get: One upgrade per year per account. (main line)

Qualifications: 1). Individual plan that has a 3 month average of $89.99, 2) Family plan that has a 3 month average of $169.99, or 3) 10+ year customer


Sprint Premier Silver

What You Get: Upgrades every two years under the Sprint standard "New For You" program. (annual upgrade benefits will not be grandfathered to customers already in premier program)

Qualifications: 1). Individual plan with a 3 month average of $69.99- $89.98, 2). Family plan with a 3 month average of $99.99-$169.98.


What Is Staying The Same:

1). 25% discount off of two accessories
2). First To Buy Occasion
3). Anniversary Thank You Letter (choice of $5 bill credit or 75 bonus minutes 

4). Just Because Perks

This is it basically, if you have a current plan or you have been with them over 10 years, you'll continue to get the good deals. However, if you've been with them less than 10 years and/or you have a cheap plan, no more subsidized phones for you.

US cellular customers have become accustomed to subsidized phones which are given to them for a fraction of the device's actual cost in exchange for a 2 year contract instead of paying full price like what is done in many other countries. Prepaid is the wave of the future unless you feel like shelling out 90 dollars a month or more with Sprint. Looks like I need to go ahead and get one last subsidized phone before the gravy train ends on April 1st. That is April Fools isn't it?