According to a leaked internal Sprint document obtained by Android Central, the number four wireless carrier has joined other major carriers in putting an end to two-year subsidized smartphone contracts.
Sprint will begin prodding new customers toward leasing and installment plans for new devices. The carrier will offer two-year contracts on “reactive basis” to select upgraders and current customers looking to add a line to their account. Tablets are still eligible for subsidized two-year contracts.
Sprint becomes the last of the big four wireless carriers to make them move away from the subsidized two-year business model. T-Mobile and Verizon have already gone that route, while AT&T will end contract subsidies at the end of this week.
Sprints “iPhone Forever” plan launched in August of last year, and offers fans the ability to upgrade to the latest handsets every year. Customers pay a premium for the program on top of their regular wireless and data fees, and are required to trade in their previous phone when upgrading.
