Update: Sprint merged with T-Mobile in 2020. The Sprint military discount expired Aug. 1, 2020. All new customers are now brought into the T-Mobile brand. You can learn more about the T-Mobile military discount, which is a great offer and includes Wi-Fi tethering, a Netflix subscription and more.
Here are all the military discounts from cellphone providers if you are interested in comparing them.
Our previous review of the Sprint program is below.
Sprint is the fourth-largest cellphone network in the U.S., based on the number of subscribers. Like the other major cellphone providers, they offer discounts to a variety of customers, including those who work for large corporations, universities, affinity groups and to those who are serving, or who have served in, the U.S. Armed Forces. The Sprint military discount is available to those who are currently serving in the military, as well as those who have served honorably.
Let’s take a look at the Sprint military discount, who is eligible, savings and whether or not it is worth switching carriers to take advantage of the savings Sprint offers.
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Sprint Military Discount Eligibility
The Sprint unlimited military plan is available to all current and former military members, including active duty, National Guard, Reserves, veterans and their family members (when the military member or veteran is the primary account holder).
Sprint verifies eligibility via an application form on their website.
The discount is managed through the Sprint Works Program, which is the same program Sprint uses to manage group discounts and special offers to employees, students, universities and other organizations.
How Sprint Verifies Your Military Discount Eligibility
Sprint can use one of several methods to verify your eligibility. These can include your .mil email address (easiest, since it is handled digitally) or via a records match in a third-party database.
You can also submit documents verifying your military service (either in person at a Sprint store, by uploading them to your Sprint account or faxing them to Sprint).
Eligible proof of military service includes military ID card, military orders, veterans ID card, or Department of Defense Form 214. You can also use a W-2 or military retiree account statement to prove your military service and military discount eligibility.
Note: Sprint recommends that individuals block out or delete personal information on your supporting documents, such as SSN, account numbers, date of birth and other confidential information.
Sprint Unlimited Military Plan Features
The unlimited military plan essentially amounts to a Sprint military discount on the Sprint unlimited basic plan.
This plan includes the following features:
- Unlimited data, talk and text nationwide
- TV with Hulu
- 500 MB mobile hotspot
- DVD-quality streaming
- Global roaming in more than 185 worldwide locations
- Unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada
- 5GB of 4G LTE data
Free Hulu subscription included with monthly unlimited military plan – one Hulu Limited Commercials plan is included per eligible Sprint account. This offers a monthly value of $7.99. (Note, the Sprint offer may be an answer to the T-Mobile military discount, which includes a Netflix subscription).
There are some restrictions for heavy data users. Also, note that mobile hotspot speeds are reduced to 3G speeds after 500MB per month. See the Sprint website for full details. (Note: The Sprint plan is no longer available, and eligible military members should check out the T-Mobile military discount on their website.)
Sprint Unlimited Military Plan – 50% Off Family Lines
The Sprint unlimited military plan offers a 50% discount on family lines. You will need to pay the full price for the first line, then the savings kick in at 50% off each additional line. (The previous Sprint military discount was 15% off, so this offer can be better if you add more lines.)
The Sprint military discount also requires that the member sign up for Sprint AutoPay.
Here is the current pricing for the unlimited military plan:
- Line one: $60
- Line two: $20
- Lines three-six: $10 each
The Sprint unlimited basic plan without the discount on the family lines would cost $60 for the first line, $40 for the second line and $20 for each additional line. So the savings are more substantial as you add more lines to your account.
You should see the discount on your Sprint billing invoice within one to two billing cycles.
Note: These are the base prices and don’t include taxes, fees or overages. The unlimited military plan may not be combined with other offers.
How to Get the Sprint Military Discount
Visit the Sprint website, and fill out the pre-registration form. The form requests your name, military branch, email and current phone number. If you are currently in the military, then you can use your .mil email address to verify your eligibility. Otherwise, you may be required to submit additional proof of service.
You can also sign up at a Sprint store, or over the phone (additional verification of military service required).
You will receive an email with an offer code once your application and military status has been verified.
Be sure to sign up for Sprint AutoPay to receive the full discount.
Should You Switch to Sprint?
Here are several factors to consider before switching to Sprint:
- How is the Sprint network in your area? Are there any coverage gaps?
- How does the monthly cost of the Sprint unlimited military plan compare to your current plan?
- Other potential cost savings (Hulu subscription, being able to use your phone as a mobile hotspot, unlimited talk, text and data)
- Additional features include unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada and Global Roaming.
- Would you need to buy new cellphones?
- Would Sprint buy out your current cellphone contract? (Some cellphone providers will do this to entice you to switch carriers.)
How does Sprint coverage compare?
Each of the major cellphone providers has coverage gaps (as much as they would like you to believe otherwise). So check with others in your area who have Sprint, just to make sure their coverage is good.
How do the savings compare?
This is quick and easy. Just look at your current bill and the number of lines you have and apply it to the Sprint unlimited military plan. See which one comes out ahead. While some cellphone providers offer a discount as a flat percentage, the Sprint savings adds up more quickly the more lines you add.
(Be sure to deduct the Hulu subscription price if that is something you will use or are already subscribing to and can cancel.)
Would you need new cellphones?
There are two major cellphone networks in the U.S.: the GSM Network (AT&T and T-Mobile) and the CDMA Network (Verizon and Sprint). You wouldn’t need a new phone if you already have a phone on the Sprint or Verizon network.
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Petra Morton says
Hello,
I was just told by an agent from sprint that I can not get a military discount because my husband passed away.
He was in 20 year … retired … in 2005 … and 2012 he passed … and no i did not get remarried … I have my military ID … everything else …
The agent from sprint said I can not get it because he passed …
Glenn says
Talked to Sprint Rep to set up Military Plan. Was told that all info was in for change on account. Needed to go to the website for Military service confirmation. Filled out form and sent it in. Name, service, date, etc…..
Haven’t received anything stating that it was confirmed. they need copy of DD214 or any other documents. Just want a status stating that it has been received and being processed
No Feedback
DAVE DUNBAR says
We are also having problems getting our military discounts. We were told we would have to wait one or two billing cycles. Well it’s the 3rd billing cycle and still no discount but bill increased. We called a week ago and got no explanation. They said account department had to look it over and would call back. No call, no discount. We have been a customer for over 15 years. What’s up with Sprint?? I just want what I was promised.
Mary A Johnson says
My unlimited plan is now $65 compared to $60 previously. If I’m reading my bill correctly, Sprint has given me a HUGE $5 discount. Did they raise my plan rate so they could get that $5 back in their pocket.
In my opinion, Sprint is misleading the military and this is just wrong.
Samantha Jane Jones says
I saw this as well and I have the family plan where the more lines you have the better since first line is 60.00 2nd is 20.00 and 3-6 are only 10.00. But this has yet to be seen as this month is even higher that last. I swapped in October when I noticed they weren’t applying anything to bill as stated when I was last in the store. Its now December and I am so very angry that my bill is almost double what is has been and 3x more than what I am supposed to be charged.
David says
The auto pay give you $5 off making it 60 instead of 65. 50% military discount kicks in on additional lines.
EDDIE SAN MIGUEL says
My father is an Army veteran. He is listed on my account as an authorized user. We are hoping to use the military discount offer. Plz let me know we are able to use the military discount ASAP.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Eddie, You will need to contact Sprint. You may have to put the account in his name; I am not sure. I wish you and your family the best.