Sprint Expands $10 Data Surcharge to All Smartphones

Sprint said Tuesday that starting Jan. 30 it plans to charge an extra $10 a month for all smartphones getting unlimited data. The new charge will apply to all Android, BlackBerry, Instinct, Palm and Windows Mobile devices.

Previously, the company had charged extra only for its 4G phones, such as the Evo and Epic.

Sprint said the charge will help it keep its network running smoothly for all the data-hungry customers, and tried to put some happy talk around what is, essentially, a rate hike.

“Sprint wants its customers to experience the range of entertainment and productivity possibilities available with today’s wireless technology,” Sprint consumer business President Bob H. Johnson said in a statement. “While some of our competitors impose overage charges and complex plans, Sprint continues to provide a worry-free, unlimited data experience while on the Sprint network. This is responsible, sustainable and reflects our commitment to simplicity and value.”

Existing Sprint smartphone customers are not affected unless they upgrade to or activate another smartphone, the company said.