Sprint has crowned me the first Palm Pre owner on their Relay Data-only plan. Unfortunately, being on the bleeding edge of things isn’t so easy. Sprint didn’t relay (no pun) the activation protocol to the Relay team… so they’re trying to figure out how we’re going to get activated.
Obviously, Sprint wants to keep Relay under the radar of most customers, so you won’t see it as an online activation option. You apparently need to know the plan code, and have your plan already on Relay (just like how non-SERO customers couldn’t switch to SERO). And, once you’re on that tier, only then can the (hidden) plan code be applied.
Bottom line, Relay Data-Only may or may not be an under-the-table offering, or Sprint could be intending it only to be for the hard of hearing. I don’t know, either way, they’re quite happy it’s me being the crash test dummy… than someone else (like, a normal customer).
I’m sure you’re wondering, on the Pre Data-only configuration, if Sprint traded Sprint TV and Sprint Navigation for the Phone As Modem offering (5 GB PAM is normally included on the Relay Data-only plan). I don’t know yet, but I suspect the answer is yes from the preliminary info I’ve been given. As soon as I do, I’ll pass the info along.
Update: Sprint just informed me that the Relay Data-only plan codes for the Pre are not in their system yet. They’re coming though, they told me “(not to expect) any extended delays.” But, since it’s 4 PM on Friday (Overland Park Standard Time), I don’t think it’s going to be up and running until next week.
Update 2: The Sprint Relay Store web site has moved the Palm Pre to a pre-order page. Hopefully I’ll know more next week, as to if people who already got the device will have to wait even longer for the plan to be available.
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Hello.
I’m interested in knowing whether you are still using your Palm Pre as a data only device.
I have been looking for the “perfect” smartphone for quite some time, but have always been turned off by the fact that the devices that I wanted in the past required voice plans — I’m not much of a talker, but high-speed cellular data coupled with a web-centric mobile device has always had high appeal for me.
I was overjoyed to find that the Palm Pre would be available with an affordable data only plan, and ordered one the morning of June 8th. Although I did not receive my device until the eve of my birthday (the 26th), I think it was well worth the wait — not to mention a well-timed present to myself. (-:
I’d be very interested in hearing your experiences with the Palm Pre in a follow-up post.
Sure, I still use the Palm Pre on Sprint Relay Data Only. I’m happy with the functionality and the plan. In fact, the Pre has replaced my Verizon smartphone completely… I now use Verizon for voice only.
Hopefully Sprint will continue to expand the plan. I would like to upgrade to the CDMA HTC Hero when it ships later this year… but Relay would have to be expanded to support Android devices. That’s likely considering the Pre support, but not a guarantee.