Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions of Services
(Effective June 30, 2004)
Thanks for choosing Sprint. These terms and conditions are part of your
agreement with Sprint for Sprint PCS Services.
Please note these terms may not be the most current version. You can get a
current version of the terms on our website at www.sprintpcs.com or by requesting
a copy from us at 1-888-211-4PCS
A para solicitar esta literatura en español, por favor contactar a
1-888-211-4PCS (4727).
General.
This agreement (“Agreement”) covers the terms on which we agree to
provide and you agree to accept any service or product we make available to you,
including your wireless services, wireless devices, etc. (collectively “Services”).
You accept this Agreement when you do any of the following: (a) provide your
written or electronic signature; (b) accept through an oral or electronic
statement; (c) attempt to or in any way use any of the Services; (d) pay for any
Services; or (e) open any materials or package that says you are accepting when
you open it. The Agreement includes the terms in this document together with
the terms associated with the Services you select (as described in our marketing
materials, e.g., service plan brochures, or on our website). You represent that
you are at least 18 years old. In this document, we use the words “we,” “us,” “our”
or “Sprint” to refer to Sprint Spectrum L.P. and its affiliates doing business as
Sprint PCS.
Agreement.
We may change the Agreement at any time with notice. Any changes
to the Agreement are effective when we publish them. If you use our Services or
make any payment to us on or after the effective date of the changes, you accept
the changes. If we change a material term of the Agreement and that change has a
material adverse effect on you, you may terminate the Agreement without an Early
Termination Fee by calling 1-888-567-5528 within 30 days after the changes go
into effect. You understand and agree that taxes, Universal Service fees and other
charges imposed by the government or based on government calculations may
increase or decrease on a monthly basis, and that this paragraph does not apply to
any increases in such taxes, Universal Service fees or other charges.
Activating Service.
Before activation, we may check your credit and verify your
identity. You must have and maintain satisfactory credit to receive and continue to
receive Services. We may charge a nonrefundable activation fee, deposit,
prepayment or other fee to establish or maintain Services.
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Term Commitments.
Unless we specifically tell you otherwise, our service plans
require that you maintain service for a minimum term (“Term Service Plan”),
usually 1 or 2 years. After satisfying this minimum term, your service plan will
continue on a month-to-month basis unless you have agreed to extend the term for
additional period(s). Certain service, promotional or product offers may require
that you agree to or extend a Term Service Plan. As discussed below, we may
charge you an Early Termination Fee if you deactivate a Term Service Plan before
the end of the term.
Using Services.
You agree to not use our Services in an unlawful, fraudulent or
abusive manner. You may not resell or lease Services to anyone. Sprint is not
responsible for any opinions, advice, statements, services applications or other
information provided by third parties and accessible through our various Services,
including the internet. Neither Sprint, its vendors or licensors guarantees the
accuracy, completeness or usefulness of information that is obtained through
these Services. You are responsible for evaluating such content.
You are also responsible for any use of our Services through any wireless device on your
account including, but not limited to, use by children or minors. We strongly recommend
that you closely monitor any such usage.
Changing Services.
Changes to Services will generally be effective at the start of
your next full invoicing cycle. In certain instances, the changes may take place
sooner, in which case your invoice will reflect pro-rated charges. Certain changes
may be conditioned upon payment of an Early Termination Fee or certain other
charges.
Termination of Services.
Consistent with this Agreement: (a) we may terminate
Services at any time with notice to you and, in certain instances, without notice;
and (b) you may terminate Services at any time with prior notice to us. Except as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, IF YOU TERMINATE YOUR
TERM SERVICE
PLAN
EARLY, OR WE DO SO FOR GOOD CAUSE, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO
PAY THE APPLICABLE EARLY TERMINATION FEE ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR
SERVICES. We will not charge an Early Termination Fee for deactivations
consistent with our Return Policy or for service plans being provided on a month-
to-month basis. If any Services are terminated before the end of your current
invoicing cycle, we will not prorate charges to the date of termination, and you
will not receive a credit or refund for any unused Services.
Wireless Devices, Numbers & E-mail Addresses.
We did not manufacture your
wireless device and we are not responsible for any defects or for the acts or
omissions of the manufacturer. The only warranties on your device are any limited
warranties extended by the manufacturer directly to you or passed on to you
through us. Your device may not accept Services directly from any other carrier.
You do not have any rights to any number, e-mail address or other identifier we
may assign to your device or account; you may not modify, change or transfer any
of these except as we allow or as allowed for by law. In certain instances, you may
transfer your number from another carrier to us, or from us to another carrier. We
do not guarantee that transfers to or from us will be successful. If you transfer
your number away from us, the terms of this Agreement (e.g., Early Termination
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Fee, etc.) still apply. If a transfer to Sprint is not successful, you will be
responsible for any discounts provided to you with the purchase of your
device. See our printed in-store materials or visit www.sprintpcs.com for
additional important information on number transfers.
Coverage.
Available coverage areas for Services are generally identified in
our mapping brochures and at www.sprintpcs.com. This may include coverage
on our digital network (the “Sprint Nationwide PCS Network”) as well as
coverage we make available to you through agreements with other carriers
(“off network” or “roaming” coverage).
All coverage maps are high level
representations of outdoor coverage and there are gaps in coverage within areas
shown as covered on the maps. Coverage is not available everywhere, nor can we
guarantee you will receive coverage at all times, or without interruptions or delays
(e.g., dropped calls, blocked calls, etc.) in the coverage areas we identify. Actual
coverage and quality of Services may be affected by conditions within or beyond
our control, including network problems, software, signal strength, your equipment,
structures (including buildings in which you may be located), atmospheric,
geographic, or topographic conditions.
Roaming Coverage.
You are roaming anytime your phone indicates that you
are roaming. Roaming coverage is only available with certain devices and,
unless included as part of your Services, will result in additional charges.
Roaming calls placed “manually” (through an operator or with a credit card)
will always incur separate and additional charges. Depending on your phone
settings, you may automatically roam if there is a gap or interruption in
coverage within the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network coverage area and
roaming coverage areas. See your phone guide for how to adjust phone
settings. Certain features and services may not be available in roaming
coverage areas (including PCS Vision, voicemail, call waiting, call
forwarding, etc.).
Charges.
Carefully review the terms of your Services. You will be assessed
charges based on the terms of your Services including, without limitation,
monthly recurring charges and charges based on actual usage (e.g., charges
for long distance, roaming, call forwarding, directory assistance, etc.).
Airtime and other time based usage charges are calculated from when your
device first initiates contact with a network until the network connection is
broken, whether or not you were actually successful in connecting to the
intended destination. However, you will not be charged for voice calls that
ring and do not pick up, or if you get a busy signal. For voice calls received
by your device, you are charged from the time shortly before the phone
starts ringing until the call is terminated. You are charged for an entire voice
call based on the time period in which the call is initiated. Partial minutes of
use are rounded up to the next minute.
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Sprint PCS Vision Charges.
Vision usage is measured in bytes, not in minutes.
Bytes are rounded up to kilobytes. Usage rounding occurs at the top of each clock
hour while in a session and at the end of each session and is then charged to you
based on the terms of your Services. Depending on your Services, usage may be
charged against an allowance or on a fixed price per kilobyte. Usage charges may
be rounded up to the next cent at monthly or other intervals. In certain instances,
you may not know that your session has not ended. As long as your device is
connected to our network, you will incur data usage charges. You will be charged
for all data directed to the internet address (or “IP address”) assigned to your
device, regardless of who initiates the activity or whether your device actually
receives the data. This includes, but is not limited to, the amount of data
associated with the particular information/item (e.g. game, ringer, email, etc.),
additional data used in accessing, transporting and routing this information/item
on our network, data from partial or interrupted downloads, re-sent data, and data
associated with unsuccessful attempts to reach websites or use applications.
Based on these and a number of other factors (e.g., the specific application,
network performance, etc.) data used and charged to you will vary widely, even
for the same activity. Estimates of data usage – for example, the size of
downloadable files – will not be accurate or a reliable predictor of actual usage.
Your invoice will not separately identify the number of kilobytes attributable to
your use of specific sites, sessions or services.
Taxes and Surcharges.
We invoice you for taxes, fees and other charges levied by
or remitted directly to federal, state, local or foreign governments including,
without limitation, sales, gross receipts, Universal Service, use, and excise taxes. If
you claim any tax exemption, you must provide us with a valid tax-exempt
document. Tax exemptions are not applied retroactively. We also invoice you for
surcharges that we collect and keep to pay for the costs of complying with
government programs such as number pooling and portability, and Enhanced 911
service; these charges are not the taxes nor government imposed assessments.
Invoicing & Payment.
Invoicing cycles and dates may change from time to time.
Monthly recurring and related charges for Services are generally invoiced one
invoicing cycle in advance. Other charges are invoiced soon after they are
incurred. Most usage is generally applied to the invoicing cycle in which they are
incurred, but in some instances may be applied to subsequent invoicing cycles.
You are responsible for all charges associated with any device activated on your
account, regardless of who used the device. You must pay all charges by the due
date on the invoice.
Past due amounts accrue late charges until paid at the rate of 5%
per month or at the highest rate allowed by law and may result in immediate suspension
of your account.
If you agree to any auto-payment option through banking or credit
account, we may initiate payment from the account for all amounts we invoice
you without additional authorization or notice. Based on your credit or payment
history, we may require certain forms of guaranteed payment as a condition of
maintaining Services. If we invoice you for amounts on behalf of a third-party,
payments received are first applied to amounts due to us. You may be charged
additional fees for certain methods of payment and for payments denied by a
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financial institution. Acceptance of payments (even if marked “paid in full”) does
not waive our right to collect all amounts that you owe us.
Disputed Charges.
Disputes concerning any charges invoiced must be raised
within 60 days of the date of the invoice. You accept all charges not disputed in
this time period. Disputes can only be made by calling or writing us as directed on
your invoice.
Account Spending Limit & Deposits.
We may impose an account spending limit
(“ASL”) on any account without notice. We will notify you of an ASL based on your
credit or payment history and may reduce the ASL at any time with prior notice.
An ASL should not be relied on to manage usage on your account. We may
suspend an account without prior notice when the account balance reaches the
ASL, even if the account is not past due. Services can be restored upon payment of
an amount that brings the account balance below the ASL and any past due
amounts. If we require a deposit for you to establish or maintain an account, we
will hold the deposit as partial guarantee of payment for Services. We may change
the deposit amount at any time with notice for good reason. Except as we allow, a
deposit may not be used to pay any invoice or delay payment. The deposit
amount, the length of time we hold the deposit and changes to the deposit
amount are determined based on your credit and payment history. The rate of
interest, if any, on the deposit is subject to change. We may mix deposits with our
other funds. If your account is terminated for any reason, we may without notice
apply your deposit to any outstanding charges. We may send any remaining
deposit amounts to your last known address within 75 days after account
termination. If the funds are returned to us, you may claim these funds for one
year from the date of return. Any money held during this one-year period will not
accrue interest for your benefit and are subject to a servicing fee charged against
the balance. You forfeit any portion of the money left after the one-year period.
Other Sprint PCS Vision Terms.
You will not receive voice calls while using Vision.
Vision is not available for use with server devices or host computer applications,
other systems that drive continuous heavy traffic or data sessions, or as substitutes
for private lines or frame relay connections. Unlimited Vision plans/options may
not be used with Sprint PCS phones or smart phones being used as a modem in
connection with other equipment (e.g., computers, etc.) through use of
connection kits or other phone-to-computer/PDA accessories, or Bluetooth or
other wireless technology. We may terminate services without notice for any
misuse. You may have access to certain games, ringers, screen savers and other
items on our Vision site (“Premium Services”) that are available for an additional
charge. You will be billed for Premium Service purchases on your Sprint PCS
invoice based on the charges as specified at purchase. Subject to the terms of the
content purchased, we may delete premium and non-premium items downloaded
to any storage areas we may provide, including any pictures, games and other
content. We may limit the amount of Premium Services you may purchase in a
specific timeframe (month, week, day, or other time period).
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Voice Command.
Calls to 911 or similar emergency numbers cannot be placed
through the Voice Command feature. See our printed in-store materials or visit
www.sprintpcs.com for additional important information on this option.
Wireless Web.
Wireless Web Services may be available depending on your device
and Service plan/option. This is not a Vision service. Usage is calculated on
minutes used and generally deducts from your Service plan minutes. See our
printed in-store materials or visit www.sprintpcs.com for additional important
information on this option.
Lost or Stolen Equipment.
If your device is lost or stolen, please notify us
immediately by calling 1-888-211-4PCS.
You are responsible for all charges incurred
before you notify us of the loss or theft.
You agree to cooperate reasonably with us in
investigating suspected unlawful or fraudulent use.
Messaging.
You may incur charges in accessing, sending or receiving messages on
your device. We may impose limits on the number of voicemail, text, email or
other messages that can be retained through your account. Indicators of messages
on your device, including mailbox icons, may not always provide an up to date
indication of new messages and you may at times need to manually reset or clear
your mailbox indicator. Legitimate messages may be interrupted by software
aimed at prevention of SPAM or similar messages.
Caller ID.
If you do not want people you call to receive the number assigned to
your phone, call us at 1-888-211-4PCS for information about automatic Caller ID
blocking. The number assigned to your phone can be blocked on a per-call basis
by dialing *67 + Destination Number + TALK (or similar key). Caller ID blocking is
not available when using Vision or Wireless Web services.
TTY Access.
A TTY (also known as TDD or Text Telephone) is a
telecommunications device that allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or
who have speech or language disabilities, to communicate by telephone. TTY
doesn't work with all devices. If you have a TTY-capable device, it may not
function effectively, or at all, when attempting 911 calls and should not be relied
on for such calls.
Disclaimer of Warranties.
WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OF WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING (TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW) ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE CONCERNING YOUR SERVICES OR WIRELESS DEVICE. WE DO NOT
PROMISE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE SERVICES AND YOU AGREE TO
HOLD US HARMLESS FOR ALL SUCH PROBLEMS.
Limitation of Liability.
Neither we nor our vendors, suppliers or licensors are
liable for any damages arising out of or in connection with any: (a) act or omission
by you, or another person or company; (b) providing or failing to provide
Services, including deficiencies or problems with your wireless device, our
network coverage or Services (e.g., dropped, blocked, interrupted calls/messages,
etc.); (c) traffic or other accidents, or any health-related claims allegedly arising
from the use of Services, any wireless devices or related accessories; (d) content
or information accessed while using our Services, such as through the internet;
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(e) interruption or failure in accessing or attempting to access emergency services
from your phone, including through 911, E911 or otherwise; or (f) events due to
factors beyond our control, including acts of God (including, without limitation,
weather-related phenomena, fire or earthquake), war, riot, strike, or orders of
governmental authority.
In the event we are found to be responsible to you for monetary
damages relating to the Services (including wireless devices), you agree that any such
damages will not exceed the pro-rated monthly recurring charge for your Services during
the affected period.
NO CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE
WE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH PROVIDING OR FAILING TO PROVIDE SERVICES, PHONES
OR OTHER EQUIPMENT USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SERVICES,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR
COST OF REPLACEMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. THIS SECTION SURVIVES
TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
MANDATORY ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES.
INSTEAD OF SUING IN COURT, YOU
AND SPRINT AGREE TO ARBITRATE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, CONTROVERSIES
OR DISPUTES AGAINST EACH OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS
AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE SERVICES, ANY
PHONES/EQUIPMENT, OR ADVERTISING, EVEN IF IT ARISES AFTER YOUR
SERVICES HAVE TERMINATED, AND INCLUDING CLAIMS YOU MAY BRING
AGAINST SPRINT'S EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES OR OTHER
REPRESENTATIVES, OR THAT SPRINT MAY BRING AGAINST YOU (“CLAIMS”).
THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT APPLIES TO THIS AGREEMENT AND ITS
PROVISIONS, NOT STATE LAW, GOVERN ALL QUESTIONS OF WHETHER A
CLAIM IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION. THIS PROVISION DOES NOT PREVENT
EITHER YOU OR SPRINT FROM BRINGING APPROPRIATE CLAIMS IN SMALL
CLAIMS COURT, BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OR A
STATE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.
YOU AND SPRINT FURTHER AGREE THAT NEITHER SPRINT NOR YOU WILL
JOIN ANY CLAIM WITH THE CLAIM OF ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN A
LAWSUIT, ARBITRATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING; THAT NO CLAIM EITHER
SPRINT OR YOU HAS AGAINST THE OTHER SHALL BE RESOLVED ON A CLASS-
WIDE BASIS; AND THAT NEITHER SPRINT NOR YOU WILL ASSERT A CLAIM IN A
REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY ON BEHALF OF ANYONE ELSE. IF FOR ANY
REASON THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION DOES NOT APPLY TO A CLAIM, WE
AGREE TO WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY.
A single arbitrator engaged in the practice of law will conduct the arbitration. The
arbitration will be filed with and the arbitrator will be selected according to the
rules of either JAMS or the National Arbitration Forum (“NAF”), or, alternatively, as
we may mutually agree. We agree to act in good faith in selecting an arbitrator.
The arbitration will be conducted by and under the then-applicable rules of JAMS
or NAF, wherever the arbitration is filed or, if the arbitrator is chosen by mutual
agreement of the parties, the then-applicable rules of JAMS will apply unless the
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parties agree otherwise. All expedited procedures prescribed by the applicable
rules will apply. We agree to pay our respective arbitration costs, except as
otherwise required by rules of JAMS or NAF, as applicable, but the arbitrator can
apportion these costs as appropriate. The arbitrator's decision and award is final
and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court with
jurisdiction.
If any party files a judicial or administrative action asserting a claim that is subject
to arbitration and another party successfully stays such action or compels
arbitration, the party filing that action must pay the other party's costs and
expenses incurred in seeking such stay or compelling arbitration, including
attorneys' fees.
If any portion of this Mandatory Arbitration of Disputes section is determined to
be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Section remains in full force and
effect.
Miscellaneous.
You may notify us by calling us at 1-888-211-4PCS, or use that
number to get our current address for written notice. We may send you notice to
your last known address in our invoicing records, or by calling leaving you a voice
message on your wireless device or home phone. Properly addressed written
notice is effective three days after deposit in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid. This
Agreement is governed by and must be construed under federal law and the laws
of the State of Kansas, without regard to choice of law principles. If either of us
waives or fails to enforce any requirement under this Agreement in any one
instance, that does not waive our right to later enforce that requirement. If any
part of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the rest of this Agreement
remains in full force and effect. Section headings are for descriptive, non-
interpretive purposes only. You may not assign this Agreement to any other
person or entity without our prior written approval. This Agreement (including
any referenced documents and attachments) makes up the entire agreement
between us and replaces all prior written or spoken agreements.
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