Sprint’s effectively knocked another $100 off the price of the Palm Pre, with a mail-in rebate service rebate for anyone who ports a number from another carrier to start a new contract. Good news for everyone! (Except loyal Sprint customers.)
The Pre is the kind of phone that people might switch carriers for, so this move, spotted by John Paczckkckkowsawiki (sp?) over at AllThingsD, is a shrewd one. But a narrow one too, since Sprint’s most devoted fans—you know, the ones who already have contracts—will have to pay the full price, while Johnny-come-lately T-Mobile defectors are given VIP treatment.
Of course, tiered promotions like this are fairly common, and for the large portion of prospective Pre buyers who’ll be coming from another network, this is a great deal. Of course, it might still be worth waiting a little while—it’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the impending doomsday for Sprint’s Pre exclusivity, but it’s still very much impending. Verizon folks: If you’re happy with your network, maybe you can wait just a little longer. For everyone else, the deal ends sometime in October (either the 10th or 31st, according to conflicting internal pages), and the $100 is deducted from your monthly bill.
https://gizmodo.com/palm-pre-wont-be-coming-to-verizon-or-at-t-within-six-m-5280184
UPDATE: Sprint has canceled the deal after only six hours. [Sprint via AllThingsD]
https://gizmodo.com/sprint-retracts-100-palm-pre-deal-after-only-six-hours-5354969
