That snoozy Sprint CEO

Rick, Hamilton, Ohio — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:29:53 GMT

I'm not sure what is worse......the dullness of the ad or the fcat that it's run incessantly.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

davisongrp@charter.net — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:30:09 GMT

The commercial mimics the service. I dropped Sprint some time ago and their claims are not true. I think they are trying to repair some bad practices with CEO Karma?

Doesn't work for me either.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ron, Bloomington, IN — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:44:44 GMT

I just switched to Sprint about 3-weeks ago from Verizon. Their family plan with unlimited data is a GREAT deal. I haven't had any problems with service or coverage.

A quality offer doesn't require kiddy commercials.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

MIke C — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:53:10 GMT

Don't discourage this guy from running his boring non-productive ads! Sprint needs to be put out of businees. I am a former subscriber who endured a painful year of merry go round experiences featuring abusive harrasement for collection of acknowledged fraudulent charges to my cellular account and subsequent continuing service interuptions. It wasn't until Bob Sullivan of MSNBC's Red Tape Chronicles intervention caused Sprint to do what any legitmate company committed to customer service would quickly do. Cease and desist the abuse and reconcile the account! I am very pleased to be with Verizon and have had zero issues since. All Sprint customers, beware!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

PB, Northglenn, CO — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:21:04 GMT

Boring or not. They have set themselves apart from the other providers and here they are - on your site - receiving more press...

That snoozy Sprint CEO

jesse, wichita KS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:23:38 GMT

Obviously this person likes the witty ads that are just the same ol thing. It is about time a CEO stood up for the company and not hide behind a paycheck. Hesse is the only one and company that actually makes a comparison in plans! It is about time....sensible, thoughtful...exceptional advertising by Sprint.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Gabe — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:40:34 GMT

I work for Sprint in a call center and this is what we as employees have told our upper management over and over. The customer never remembers the boring serious commercial that plays once every couple of hours. The customer remembers the commercial that is funny and is played every commercial break. We as Sprint have an awesome product and great rate plans that smoke the competition but it does not mean anything if it does not stick in the customer's mind.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Randy Todd. Newnan, GA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:23:22 GMT

I love Sprint, the ads, their service, their coverage, their phones and everything about them. They do a great job - down to business - no humor, we are serious about good service, good value. Go Sprint!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Mike N — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:39:14 GMT

I can't believe they went to all the trouble to film one commercial in Times Square - a veritable explosion of color, light,and excitement - and they use this guy filmed in black and white, and suck the life force right out of the scene.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

B. Lee — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:18:39 GMT

Sprint sucks! I can't say more than that.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Carol Murray, Hoodsport, WA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:26:07 GMT

The Sprint ads seem a cut above the petulant people fussing over rollover minutes, and not tiresome after the 2nd viewing like the missed call ads.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Joe, San Antonio, TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:53:05 GMT

I guess Sprint has to do something original in the wake of having the worst customer service of any company in an industry that has...well...the worst customer service.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Phil Burgess, Frisco, TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:44:19 GMT

Amen Sister!

Dan's arrogant smirk seems to imply that prior to the commercial, he was the only person on earth with the knowledge that a mobile phone could also be used for email, text messaging, and internet access. I guess he's too occupied with double-secret CEO business to realize that it's 2009, not 1999(the year when the point of his ad would have been relevant).

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Wolfie2k8, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:09:45 GMT

I dunno... If anything, the Sprint ads DO stand out if for no other reason than they don't involve the usual humor schtick the other guys are doing. Does it make me want to go buy a Sprint phone? Heck no! I'm quite happy with my current plan.

AT&T's ads tend to grate on your nerves BIG time after a while. Their humor works until you actually think for a second about the situation and figure out how perposterous the scenario really is.

For instance, The dino one you mentioned... Epic lameness. The company who was contracted to get Barfie the Dinosaur out to the party - they would have known it was a kiddie event - if for no other reason the people ordered Barfie the Dinosaur. For them to send some big scary T-Rex makes no sense.

But I digress... Let's face it. Times are tough. Sometimes serious IS a good thing. And as you said, it IS a stark contrast to what the other guys are doing. That alone is guaranteed to get eyeballs. And isn't that what advertising is all about?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

John McBain, Beijing, China — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:38:23 GMT

Formerly from Dallas Texas:
Having been a former Sprint Customer who had to move out of the country just to be free from sprints ridiculous monthly plans. And, understanding how their out of Nation customer care works so wonderfully; that you need a translator to understand what the customer helper from _______(fill in the gap with any country where English is not the main language) is saying to you about how they made a mistake and can't fix it so you will have to keep paying the outrageous fee, or, break the contract and be charged some unfair fee for early termination because they do not make a written agreement and won't fix what they typed wrong; makes obvious why their CEO is making these mind altering commercials: Their trying to be like 'Jack in the Box'.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Rick, Buchanan, Mi — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:18:16 GMT

At a time when hype overloads the senses, I find Hesse's approach credible as well as refreshing. There is very little that differentiates cell phones and services from each other other than "my colors are more vibrant" or "we have fewer dropped calls" or "my keys are easier to poke". All are quite subjective attributes. Frankly I trust Hesse and trust his message.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Paul Forte, Baltimore, MD — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:35:00 GMT

I like Hesse's subtle, quiet ads. I get the distinct impression that Sprint is targeting a certain audience with these ads. "Highbrow" might be a good term. If you check, Sprint does offer the lowest-priced "all-in-one" plan, which does appeal to people who do a lot of data work and texting (read Blackberry and Treo users).

Paul F.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Harry, Houston, TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:52:24 GMT

Well, I totally disagree. I think the Hesse Sprint ads are very good. Even mentioned how much I enjoy them to my Verizon rep. The music, the mood, Hesse's comment, for me, all make a compelling advertisement.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

GL Swanson — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:56:29 GMT

Allison-
You obviously have too much time on your hands when you spend it criticizing advertising of all things. Perhaps you should find a new position within your organization. With all the challenges our country faces today and in the future, couldn't you put your talents to better use?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Travis, Philly — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:10:54 GMT

I would rather these than the loud and annoying commercials. There is a certain amount of classiness to the Nextel commercials.

Regardless, with the such high levels of repetition there is bound to be viewer fatigue. Football is the worst example of this, beer... truck... cellphone... sport car... truck... etc.

Hello DVR and paused live TV! Then just FF through the repetitive rubbish.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Diane, Wescosville, PA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:15:23 GMT

Dan Hesse's not boring, he's classy. Just because he appeals to the intellect (an IQ NOT in single digits, which seems to be the target for most advertising) is no reason to call him boring. On the other hand, AT&T's ads about missed calls (Slate Sanchez is absolutely fabulous!) are pretty cool and get their point across with both information and humor.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Emily, Amherst NY — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:25:30 GMT

AT&T continues to amuse us? What commercials are you watching???

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Janet, Denver, Colorado — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:26:04 GMT

I personally like the ads. Why do I have to watch ads with wizards or dorky guy with glasses to get the message? No everyone is a 20 something and thinks those ads are cute.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ginger Vitus — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:30:19 GMT

If you think the rollover minutes, missed call and babysitting cell phone commercials are so funny then you must think the claymation Alltel ads with Santa and Chad in them are a total hoot. Perhaps Sprint's ads are an effort to differentiate themselves and/or speak to a different audience (professionals for example) that don't find much entertainment in the interchangeable sophomoric humor in the other cell phone company commercials.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Bilbo Baggins, Newport News, VA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:41:24 GMT

Duh! The only thing more boring than Hesse is this boring blog.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Michael Gates, Jackson, MS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:10:44 GMT

Those commercials from AT&T are terrible and aren't very funny, if funny at all. I would much rather see the CEO (Hesse in this case) give a short and concise spot durring my television show than watch those cheesy T-Mobile commercials. Who appointed you as commercial critic?!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

tim white, dana point, ca — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:14:13 GMT

I happen to really like the Sprint ads. Hesse is very personable and down-to-earth. I think the Sprint ads work very well BECAUSE they are different. They definitely got my attention the first time due to the black-and-white appearance and the minimalist approach, and I continue to watch every time. That's effective advertising.
For the record, I also like the T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon ads. All clever and interesting. But I'd have to think twice to tell you which company ran those ads, whereas I instantly recall that Sprint has the Hesse ads.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Paul, cape Elizabeth, Maine — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:14:52 GMT

So what you are saying is that a commercial must pound us over the head with humor or bizarreness in order to work. I actually find the recent Sprint commercials refreshing and would be more apt to be a customer than of a company bashing me over the head or trying to be overly cutesy. To me it portrays professionalism.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Austin D'lite — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:35:12 GMT

I subscribe to Sprint because my son is on the same network...Do not enjoy it but I am tied to a two year contract.
initially I kept getting calls from customer service, to find how I am enjoying my service provider.
I respond by saying that I am not happy, give my reasons for my unhappiness, get told that I will be contacted by a supervisor.....still waiting 13 months later......maybe they walking over to visit me.... and then thay ask is there anything else they can assist me with.... oh another thing, they offer to upgrade me and when I accept they say sorry we cannt dothis at this moment.... why call me and make the upgrade offer?!?!?!?!?
VERY DISSAPPOINTED.... will go to Cricket when my contract expires.....

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Alabama — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:02:33 GMT

The sad part is you and others like you fail to see Mr. Hesse is trying to talk to adults, not people who just happen to be older and have kids, but adults who are capable of discussing these topics in a rational and constructive manner. Having a mom run around like her hair is on fire is easy. Getting up in front of the world and proclaiming your belief in the people employee and the product you sell is noble in the least! I say anyone that misses that point may not be the people he was talking to in the first place.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Cool Zero — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:19:38 GMT

Seriously, Dan, just hire a pitchman! Your commercials make me want to open a vein!!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Lisa, KCKS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:23:06 GMT

I like Dan's commercials. I am tired of watching stupid ads that try to pass themselves off as humorous. Dan appears sincere and gets right to the point. Good job Sprint.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Stephen R., Chesapeake, Virginia — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:27:12 GMT

I worked for Sprint for a number of years in store management and business sales before moving on to a different industry and continue to have their service. The Hesse commercials are definitely different, but not bad, or by any means the worst commercials on the airwaves. As far as the service itself is concerned, Sprint works just fine and the prices are unbeatable. Pay your bill on time and your service stays on...weird concept!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

James Fisher, Reston, Va. — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:30:31 GMT

James Fisher from Sprint here. Snoozy? Anytime you are talking about ads, the key word should be: effective? And on that front, the ads with Dan Hesse are delivering for Sprint. Dan came to Sprint a year ago when we were having problems in the marketplace, and he has made some dramatic changes in the company. When he first appeared in our ads to introduce the new “Simply Everything” plan, it signaled to customers clearly that there was a new guy running the company. Those ads were so well received and so well remembered, we continued to use Dan. Our research tells us people are remembering him and our message is being delivered. I know it from personal experience – I went to at least a dozen holiday parties and at every single one, someone or several people talked to me positively about Dan’s ads. I just got a call the other day from a customer who was desperate to know the name of the musical score in the ads. And as for humor, have you been to the movies lately? Sprint is sponsoring the “silence your cellphone” spots with hilarious bits joking about the movie industry. (Search for “Happy the Hedgehog” on YouTube.) Cue the piano music: we – and the public – like those ads.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Christie, Austin — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:40:42 GMT

I agree that the ads are spot on for the demographic they are trying to reach. I personally think the spots are shot beautifully, although they can get tiresome. As an ATT user, who by the way has deplorable customer service, I have actually found myself intrigued by the maturity of this campaign. It certainly beats the Verizon "dead zone" commercials.lame.

For those who choose to criticize Allison for the job she does, it might do you well to pay a little closer attention to advertising. It is created to fool people that don't take the time to raise question/critique.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Alice Carney — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:50:59 GMT

I'm so glad to know I'm not alone with my dislike and (somewhat) disturbance of these Sprint ads. I change the channel or hit mute upon immediately seeing the black and white picture

That snoozy Sprint CEO

AR, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:54:39 GMT

At first when I saw these ads, I thought...ah boring...but then they started appealing to me...simply because I understood them...they are all about simplicity. Take the one in Times Square for example, a normally vibrant, busy background...turned b&w, a casually dressed guy walking down the street telling you about an awesome phone! Tells you can find simplicity and ease anywhere in this fast-paced busy world! At a time like this...your ridiculous article has only served to give Sprint more publicity and more positive than negative reviews! Great work Allison...Oh and I know a few mothers who like these ads inspite of running after their kids all day long...!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

CoCo, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:54:56 GMT

Rollover minutes are the biggest marketing farse ever! If you're on the right plan, you will never need or use them. Hey, AT&T just how many of these sacred minutes are getting used? Not many....if you didn't need them one month, chances are you won't need them next month. AT&T is just playing on your fear that you'll get a big overage bill....but those days are over. Most customers know their usage and buy the right plan. Any charges beyond rate plans are coming from data and texting...think back to the days of roaming and long distance. Carriers need to make money...customers pay for new services until the service becomes mainstream - think voicemail. Who wants to be paying extra?!?!
So, that's what makes the Hesse Sprint ad so compelling. He's speaking to customers' needs - All-in-One plan....so you don't pay extra. The days of Minutes are over - it's all about data now!! He's quietly giving you what you want....and need. Great ads! Sprint is moving ahead...

That snoozy Sprint CEO

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:01:34 GMT

Tivo, people. Tivo. No more commercials!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ed, Memphis, Tenn. — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:05:05 GMT

I love my Sprint phone and service. In the ads, Dan comes across as a very sincere and honest man. I'd like to see the CEOs of Verizon and AT&T try to pull that off on TV. I think it would be impossible, based on what I've seen of them. It's a personal connection that the Sprint ads with Hesse are trying to achieve, and I think they do that superbly. I sure don't connect with the nerdy Verizon guy with glasses. He reminds me of a stalker or something worse. And is there a more redundant tagline than "Can you hear me now?" My English teacher must be cringing at that ... and the stalker guy. The humor is lame in the AT&T commercials. T-Mobile ... well, I can't recall any T-Mobile commercials.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

TDMA, Redmond WA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:05:26 GMT

Dan Hesse was the former CEO at AT&T Wireless when I worked there. He had a photo shoot scheduled with Fortune magazine and when they showed up at the executive suite he began whining like a baby, "Tell them to reschedule, tell them I'm sick, make them go away." The executive assistants had to literally talk him into carrying out his commitment. I think of this incident every time I see one of those commmercials!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ed — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:20:16 GMT

Dan talked about the ads in this interview with USA Today. Check out the link below:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/five/2009-01-04-5qs-hesse-sprint-nextel_N.htm?csp=34

That snoozy Sprint CEO

SW, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:20:40 GMT

This ad stem from his first appearance, in which he gave out his email address and told his customers they could contact him personally. It gave a face to a company that desparately needed on. I'm not surprised they're continuing on that tract. But the writing could be punched up some.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Max, Portland, Oregon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:24:11 GMT

Allison:

Are you the advertising barometer that we all seek? I presume you have a degree in marketing/communications/advertising OR maybe tens of years on ad creation / publication? If you did, I'm sure you will appreciate where the Sprint ad is coming from & your article would not be lopsided or riding an one way street.

Your article was lopsided in many ways. Hesse's commercial, taken in Times Square (yes full of color, etc ...) is in black & white to prove a point - that the Sprint plans are black & white. They are simple. They get to the point without a lot of distraction (ATT, TMobile) and direct. Simple.

Sprint does not need to have cheap gimmicks about rollovers, free travel, etc ... Example: If anyone were to enroll into TMobile because of the free travel, based on the ad, then I'm sure you will agree that person is a sucker for these type of foolish ads.

Sprint has its issues no doubt. But name one carrier that does not have a blemish in its service record. I have used ATT, TMobile & Sprint in these past 12 years & I have stayed with Sprint for the past 7 years. Do I want to throw the phone out the window due to bad call? Yes dfntly. But then who is going to give me 100% reliability & guarantee? No one. Because no one can.

You talked about pencils & calculators. Where did that come from? Do you keep a calculator/pencil handy for all other ads? Or do you rush to the supermarket the moment you see an ad jingle that you like for cornflakes?

In closing, please be constructive - not disparaging about an ad. A constructive criticism leads to healthy dialogue as opposed to mud slinging - which we have enough already imo. They are a lot of bad ads no doubt; but truly Sprint, imho, is not one of them. Hesse is the face of the company & he is putting himself on the line when he espouses about his products. Have you seen Exxon Mobil CEO coming out & talking about his profits & why it needs to be that way? Or any of the financial companies of recent doom shoring up their companies?

Have a nice day.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

P Geddon, Dallas,TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:27:38 GMT

My favorite Sprint Customer Dis-Service Experience: Reps that can't transfer calls between call centers... Wow, I can text on a cell phone, but can't get back to the needle in a haystack employee that could actually somewhat help me. Maybe Dan needs to pony up for a "Simply Everything" plan for his land line.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Sprint User, Jackson, Mississippi — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:34:51 GMT

At our house we love the ads. In fact, this weekend we were talking about one of them when it came on. (Made us talk about going to New York.) The ads are not loud, or silly, or demeaning. They are intelligent and thoughtful. The shots are well done, the music pleasing. Frankly I like not being yelled at, and I much prefer these simple, elegant ads to shots that apparently come from frat parties. And yes, I am a Sprint customer, and a very happy one. After Hurricane Katrina disrupted our service temporarily during the days following the storm, they waived our entire bill, even though I was never completely without service. I didn't ask for the waiver, it simply appeared. I have never been ill-treated in any way. Good company, good ads.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jolie Rae, Scranton, Pennsylvania — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:52:27 GMT

Talk about "snoozy"! How about an article on cell phone company advertisements?

The bottomline is that if I EVER see another "witty" roll-over-minutes commercial again, I'm probably going to go to Gaza, because that might be a better time than watching one of those. I don't care what you think of Dan Hesse - he seems like an ok guy to me. But accusing those roll-over commercials of being "witty" could only possibly be true on Opposite Day - that is to say, they're not witty.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Sprint Employee, Overland Park KS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:54:46 GMT

Simple. He gets $1 Million PER COMMERCIAL ! Some would call that conflict of interest. I am a Sprint employee by the way.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Rabbit, Portland, OR — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:06:41 GMT

It's funny how different people's experience with Sprint is. I've been using them for nearly 4 years without any hassle. My bill was incorrect one time and a single polite call got the charges corrected. I even had a Sprint employee call me to inform me that mid-month I had already racked up nearly $20 in text messaging and offered me a text plan to save money. A different company I used to be with wouldn't have done that (from experience). I've never had any problems when calling customer service to inquire about plans, phones, etc.

I don't mind the ads, they're fine. It's something different, something new. The Verizon and AT&T ads are boring and lame after the first one or two views (then you have the rest of the tv hour to watch them another 4 times).

Not to mention the fact that the phone plans that Verizon, AT&T and others can offer me don't even come close to the deal that I get from Sprint.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Carol, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:07:03 GMT

I just don't get the black and white - it looks like depression-era photos (which unfortunately may be appropriate....).

That snoozy Sprint CEO

MM, New Orleans, Louisiana — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:08:44 GMT

Are you kidding me? Whoever just posted this article is obviously more interested in listening to mindless, tasteless commercials than the direct approach, which Sprint seems to be taking. I rather appreciate Sprint's approach because it doesn't insult my intelligence. The commercials involving the missed cell calls are just ridiculous and silly.

I am not defending Sprint or their customer service. Quite the contrary. Their service is typically terrible and they to give serious attention that this end of their business. But, please, author of the above article---grow up, and don't press your silly social agenda on the American people. We do have a brain.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Dave Happy Valley OR — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:17:30 GMT

I love how you love misleading ads that imply that roll over minutes do not expire when after 12 months they do expire. Or how they imply that you use the rollover minutes first when you use the cu rent months minutes then rollover minutes. OH and selling the minutes at the yard sale as if you can sell them. Never is the fact that you loose any minutes over the amount of any new plan you choose poof to. Bank 1000 minutes and have 10,000 rollover minutes and bank another 100 on month 12 what do you end up with?
9,100 after the 1000 expire and the hundred are added on.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Gary, Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:33:54 GMT

Well, Dan Hesse rambles about a litany of supposedly great features. He fails to mention that to use ANY of them, you have to have to get a SIGNAL that Sprint can't provide. I used to have Sprint. I had at LEAST 80% dropped calls because of their lousy signal. I gave them the boot!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Matt, Dallas — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:41:52 GMT

I think it's funny that some of you actually like Sprint. As an AT&T Mobility employee, I can tell you that picking off customers from Sprint is literally like taking candy from a baby.

Sprint is bleeding to death. Their merger with Nextel was a textbook flop. They continually lose subscribers every quarter while we & other legitimate carriers add each month.

You're on a sinking ship, folks.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ken Eaglefeahter Watts — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:47:23 GMT

We cancelled our Verizon landline and went all Cell (Sprint), Verizon billing was as screwed up as a Chinese fire drill on a B-29. Sprint is great. We have four parties on one account for less than $90.00 monthly. No smoke signals here!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jim, Atlanta Ga. — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:51:42 GMT

I miss the guy in the Black Trenchcoat...........

That snoozy Sprint CEO

James Ct — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:01:22 GMT

I couldnt agree more with the article above! Dan Hesse really should stick to just running the company. Those commericals are absolutely terribly boring! Microsoft needs to something about those Mojave commercials also they stink even more!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Micha, CA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:08:16 GMT

Sprint CEO with all the perks and he has to do the comercial and take money away form some starving actor or whatever??? the guy is a non-plus in so many ways it hurts Sprint and that's good because they go for the big-market areas and let rural America with no coverage at all same for AT&T and the rest... it's all about money not providing good service.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jow Whisler, Westwood, KS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:13:51 GMT

I have three Sprint phones in my drawer. They have the worst customer service since the Soup Nazi. With my first Sprint phone I couldn't even get service in Westwood, KS where I live and where Sprint's HQ was at the time. I think their ads are like their company, lifeless.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jeramy, Austin, TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:14:10 GMT

I've been with Sprint for almost 2 years now. I can't wait to go back to T-Mobile. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Sprint has been nothing but a hassle, with their incorrect charges, and bills that are different every month. I thought it was supposed to be one price! The ads are horrible just like their awful customer service. It's a crime they're even still in business.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

jh, nyc — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:14:33 GMT

Some unscrupulous advertising agency took the man's measure immediately, and got the account by pitching to a vain CEO the notion of his own charisma as the drawing card for a revitalized Sprint. Now he's living out his fantasy of walking suavely through a black and white Woody Allen world, owning Times Square and Central Park.

Either that, or he walked into a conference room and actually demanded to appear in the ads himself. The man has all the charisma of George Pataki (whom he resembles), and yet the obvious subtext of the ads is that if you have a Sprint account you'll be keeping company with the cool guys, like HIM. Meanwhile, isn't Sprint still downgraded to a a junk stock?

Fools' names and fools' faces are often seen in public places.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Bob Malcomb — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:18:40 GMT

When the ad first came out he was bragging "and you can do all that for only $99 a monnth, pretty smart eh!" I thought I was going to bust a gut, I have NEVER paid that much for service. I noticed they cut that part out of the commercial. I think the commercial is condescending & talking like they have something original, when they are just the same...

That snoozy Sprint CEO

t. komerska, troy, mi 48098 — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:43:08 GMT

I find it grating when Big Shots "dress down" to talk to us peasants. They look like the director suggested they lose the tie, unbutton the top button on their $500 shirt, and roll up the sleeves a little since they're trying to convince the peasants that he's a regular guy just like them. And when they make their pitch, always pointing out their position as CE-whatever, it becomes obvious they're doing the ad to prop up their ego, since they can't claim any real responsibilty for the company's success (that's done by the employees), just their own ability to manoeuver themselves into a high paying job.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

JD KS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:47:46 GMT

Matt,

You belong in front of a door so your customers can clean their shoes as they leave.... You are full of it..

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Wayne, Lancaster, PA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:55:37 GMT

Allison, with respect you are wrong. Dan Hesse is speaking to adults. Kids love phones and rack up billions of txt msgs daily, but they don't pay the bills. Sprint's point: wireless carriers make things very confusing, no doubt on purpose. While still expensive (but less than AT&T & Verizon) Sprint has simplified the remarkable confusion. And Dan is believable.

AT&T rollover funny? Please! And the msg is off point. Think about this: Why create a commercial where the whiny mom has to “stand-up” and protect rolloever minutes? If rollover minutes where so great they would be USED. Those commercials send the wrong msg, a perfect example of funny (not) being the wrong medium.

T-Mobile could win Emmy’s for their commercials (they won’t) but that wouldn’t change the fact that their dependability is flat-out miserable.

In my opinion Verizon has the best commercials. They emphasize strength and call success while sometimes funny.

Sptint commercials are fine. Now they should follow Verizon’s theme of infrastructure and dependability. Good luck to them.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Miss Melanie, Philadelphia — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:56:01 GMT

I like the ads. They are relaxing. I'll never use Sprint, but I like the ads.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Rick Honeycutt Kennesaw, GA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:12:13 GMT

When watching the ad with the CEO walking through the street, one might notice that the phone he is holding is never the focal point of the ad. I believe that Sprint executives are unwilling to part with money to provide customers with a full touch screen phone that also provides capabilities for the business minded.

If you go to www.htc.com, you will be intrigued by the many interesting and very capable phones that can compete with AT&T and Verizon. However, this is the European site and one will not find these phones in the U.S. In the U.S., we are limited to what is at www.htc.com/us and then the selection is further broken down by carrier.

I have been with sprint for many many years and finally gave up asking them to bring one of the "good" HTC models over to the U.S. - I guess it is too much trouble to pay for something people will buy, or maybe Sprint executives are unwilling (or unable) to take a risk, or lose some personal income and reinvest in their own company. Sprint is hemorrhaging customers, and the executives still have not acquired a touch screen phone that is not a toy (or useless).

My new years resolution was to quit Sprint and go with a company that knows how to please customers. Switching cost me $1000.00 in penalties to cancel 5 phones and one aircard, but the cost was well worth it.

In closing, I must be fair and admit I have had very little trouble with Sprint customer service or reception. They did a decent job in those departments.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Bob, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:14:52 GMT

I thought the CEO approach was a great way to introduce the "everything your phone can do for a flat rate" pricing system. I don't appreciate being nickled and dimed for every 30 seconds spent online or each text message sent, and I hope the other companies will follow Sprint's lead.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Lon Dunn, Sr. Alexandria, VA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:22:46 GMT

I think these ADs are all designed to reach people who are "switching" or in the market for a new phone. I am not going to pay a penalty, and cancel a PHONE PLAN over to Sprint b/c the CEO is pitching the product. Lee Iaccoca Had PIZAZZ!! Siefeld Had Pizazz, but when he teamed up with BILL GATES to pitch a product, the ADS FAILED. I don't think it matters if the CEO is selling the product or not, the CEO HAS TO HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CHARM AND CHARISMA TO SELL THE PRODUCT, or it's all a waste of ad dollars. With Billions spent on Madison Ave every year on Ad Campaigns, you would think they could come up with something more glitzy to make someone "switch" phone companies. I for one tried Sprint, and agree with the other writer, DAVIDSGROUP, that Sprint's service is blotchy, and unrealiable in bad weather, and their AD sort of mimics that dreary, cloudy service they offer.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ann Agray — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:26:26 GMT

Having Sprint is like saying love is never having to say you are sorry. Do not, I repeat, do not EVER believe anything a rep says. I did, unfortunately, after questioning her at length...Sure enough all the things I feared came true and now I am "patiently" waiting for the end of the contract period. I wrote a paper letter to Mr. Hesse and did get a call from a "higher up" except she was unable to do anyting about my account.
What DO they pay those people for? My Sprint folder with their errors is getting too fat for one folder.
You people who like them have just been lucky! Check out Consumer Reports for what most people think of them.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Mitch, Potomac Falls, Va — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:28:58 GMT

At least these ads are straight forward and say something that is clear. They are one heck of a lot better than the vague Texas Weedeater Massacre ad or the Instinct waterproof mascara ad. Those ads didn't tell you what Sprint was selling. As for saving money - get real. If a company doesn't reign in the spending they will get crushed by Wall Street.

Sprint has more applications and valuable services than any other carrier. There are 150,000 developers building those aps. As for "The Network" that Verizon advertises - Sprint and Verizon roam on each other's networks so all of that advertising is hogwash. Verizon doesn't have a better network - they have the same network.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

another employee, WI — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:47:29 GMT

Man, you people get on my nerves. Pick a phone/cable/internet/auto company and there are good and bad points but in the end they are all the same. Go with whoever gives you what you need for the least money.

Personally I like the ads. They're simple, they get the point across and they stand out.

And thanks for the press! I'm sure more people know the who the CEO of Sprint is than Verizon or AT&T. And I'm glad Dan's putting his name, face and reputation on the line for the company.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Mike — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:00:47 GMT

Sprint stinks...

Go AT&T... Rollover rocks.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jeremy, Austin, TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:09:26 GMT

I couldn't disagree more with your "review" of the Sprint commercials. I like the fact that Sprint isn't trying to pitch their service to 19 year-old college freshmen. I find it comforting that a company is finally advertising to the mature, "no-nonsense" audience. Rather refreshing than hearing about how you get these minutes rolled over so that, even though you pay twice as much, you can accumulate 10 million roll-over minutes that you'll NEVER use. I think the straight-forward approach by the CEO (are we forgetting that NO OTHER COMPANY is using their executives in this fashion) is great. I'm certainly willing to pay my money to a company where I can actually SEE that the CEO is DOING SOMETHING rather than collecting a bailout check.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

joe, kansas — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:31:13 GMT

neutral commercial, great service through sprint.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Dominick Cannatelli, Dallas, TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:32:10 GMT

I am in sales and I am torn between ambivalence and admiration for this Sprint ad campaign. On one hand, I applaud the fact that the CEO is actually talking to me. I think that this is a great way to differentiate the Sprint brand from all of the others.

On the other hand I think the message could be enhanced and juiced up with a bit more enthusiasm. He has a good story to tell so why not be more excited about it.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Edward Carlier, Murrieta, CA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:41:03 GMT

I've been with AT&T, Sprint, and now Verizon and no matter what each on is advertising they are all the same. Each one has terrible billing practices and all have terrible customer service. When I finally reached my limit with Sprint and wanted to terminate my service with them it took about a year before they finally stopped with the collections threats and harasment, and guess what I didn't even have a contract with them. I was on a month to month status for over a year. We'll see which provider is next after Verizon?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Kim, Marlboro, NJ — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:54:57 GMT

Simple, elegant ads from someone who actually cares about the product he's pitching. All ads should be this classy and understated.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Nick Samra, Palm Bay FL — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:08:37 GMT

I just upgraded my Nextel service to Sprint, because of the commericals. I greatly resent companies trying to entertain me to buy their products. Give me the facts, I'm fully capable of making my own decision. I'm very happy with the "Everything" plan. It does everthing I need.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Terri, San Bernardino, California — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:33:05 GMT

I am a Sprint user simply because I can't get out. Their customer service is a joke and their cell service is even funnier. Dropped calls, no signal half the time (and I live in a semi-large metropolitan area). No matter who is in the commercial or how artsy it is the service is still weak. Spend some of that money to upgrade the service and then maybe I'll believe what Dan Hesse says.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Greg — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:43:53 GMT

Like most "vanity" ad campaigns featuring a CEO, this one is a snoozer and actually creates a class barrier between the viewer and the messenger. It just screams "RICH GUY talking down to me." The ad agency that sold Sprint this concept should be fired.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

TCO, Overland Park, KS — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:46:23 GMT

I don't even know what the other CEO's look like. At least he's willing to hang it all out there and indicate that here I am. If you see him on the street, you can now approach him and if you're as bold then as you are here, you'll get your opportunity to tell him your "thoughts."

The other CEO's, I don't see them giving you that chance by throwing their cajones behind their employees, products and networks.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Matthew — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:54:37 GMT

The spots are brilliant.

Time square is one of the most color-filled spaces on the planet - yet the commercial is in black & white.

The contrast is what makes you pay attention to what he is saying - which is the point of advertising.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Brandon, Sacramento CA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:38:45 GMT

It's funny to see people talk about how horrible the customer service is with Sprint. Sure Sprint had that reputation years ago, but Sprint has actually been winning awards these days for there outstanding customer service. I dont see why everyone isn't with Sprint. They have cheaper plans there competition, and just as good of coverage. With these hard economic times you would think people would want to save money.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Nick, Denver — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:47:23 GMT

When was the last time we saw a CEO pitch his own company? I think it is fantastic that Dan is putting his own face on his product...the "top man" talking to people about his company's service, rather than a celebrity doing it for him. I am a Sprint customer and, yes, their service sucked in the past but is certainly getting better. Dan has had a very positive impact on the company.

As for the AT&T commericals, it makes me wonder...if I were to have so many leftover minutes, maybe I'm not on the best plan for my needs. Maybe I'm paying way too much for minutes I never use by the end of the month. Sure they roll over, but if I'm rolling over 200 minutes a month, how much could I have saved each year by choosing a less expensive plan with fewer minutes?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Mike B, Hartford CT — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:08:07 GMT

I own only one prepaid cell phone, costs me $15 a month and has everything I need! I stay away from the full-blown cell phone "market" for many of the reasons stated below - poor customer service since the industry's inception; mall-concourse based, here-one-day-gone-the-next outlet retail model; and the fact that almost every cell phone sales guy looks like he might be out at the club trying to scam your sister later that night. So why in God's name would I ever fork over $60-$90 a month to get involved in that mess?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

David, Austin, TX — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:51:06 GMT

My hope is that SPRINT has a Super announcement to make about a new Google phone at this years CES 2009 show in Vegas and that's why there flooding the market with commercials. This has to be their hope since it isn't wooing over customers with their drab selection of handsets.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Tony, Jamestown, RI — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:09:01 GMT

Great, simple, to-the-point ads. I wish more ads were like this and less were fluff and BS.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

sprint employee, Bristol,VA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:09:33 GMT

I am a Sprint employee, and everytime I see our CEO on tv, I think about the raise that I have not received for the past 2 years. :)

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Yoav Perry — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:40:41 GMT

Gotta love the self indulgence and utter narcissistic spirit of this guy who believed that above all hard trained professional or at least good looking actors out there, there is no one better than him to show up on our TV screens. Get a clue dude! - in these times of economic downturn, scandals and corruption the CEO character is the least favorite to listen to, much less to take any example from. If it's not about the CEO's own behavior, than it's the pure fact that a man with lots of money is lecturing us.

And the pretentious music and black and white photography, like you are educated, stylish and better than all of us. Or worst, Dan Hasse really believes that he would seem so sophisticated and above the masses that anyone watching would want to become ...him! How pretentious! What on earth were they thinking?

...and to kick it up a notch, someone in Sprint made the bizarre choice to name their flagship handset 'Rant'. What’s more peculiar is all this talk about how fast, new, multimedia-capable, cool 3G phone this is in an ad made for the demographic of geriatric hospital patients somewhere in south Florida.

Just wondering, has this gone in front of a focus group? How is this working out for you Sprint? Outselling those iPhones with this? Do me a favor Mr. Hasse, get of my TV screen. Now please.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

JR, Central VA/ Seattle, WA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:02:45 GMT

UH, HEEEEEEEEELLLLOOOOOO. Let us contrast this white collar, stuffed-shirt, brown-nosed-his-way-to-the-top, multi-million dollar bonus baby with the average American who is watching him on T.V. I wonder what this ad engenders? Trust (perhaps not, in light of recent events with company leaders--say: "bailout"!), comraderie (yeah, I can see Joe Budweiser hoisting a few Grey Goose dirty martinis extra dry with this dork), affection (oh, yeah, sure, he's just cuddly)...how about...: LOATHING, yeah, that probably nails it. Wow, how much did they pay the Madison Avenue upper East Side condo dwellers (similarly totally out of touch) for this disaster? Good rule of thumb there, "hawkers and peddlers": if his name isn't Lee Iacocca, keep him OUT of the commercials.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Faye, Fort Worth, TX — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:34:01 GMT

My family (nine members) were sprint customers for nine years. We are now with AT&T and customer service is so much better. Sprint chose to throw away our nine years of loyalty when they could have kept us by doing a simple thing of giving us a used phone for my son when his was stolen. No customer loyalty.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ben K. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:55:07 GMT

I have no idea how Sprint has managed to stay in business! Their customer service reps lie and force you to stay with them. I have never in my 44 years of lifetime dealt with such a horrible Customer Service as Sprint's. Its a nightmare! Stay away.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

chuck — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:21:47 GMT

It's interesting to me that people are clicking on a blog whose point is to give opinions about commercials . . . and then gripe at you for giving opinions about commercials. Some people just feel the need to find someone else to complain about, I guess.

However, this is called "ads of the weird", isn't it? It's hardly a weird commercial.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Abe ,Atlanta,Ga. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:48:47 GMT

I was given the bait and switch rate plan from Sprint told that all 3 lines was $129 which prompted me to switch from my 800 minute plan. Received my bill and was charged $20 for my third line. Poor customer service is my motivation to leave Sprint after 10 years of service.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Dave, Irwin, PA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:59:25 GMT

Ads mean nothing when a company offers someone a deal and then renegs on the deal (which Sprint has indeed done). My contract, which if I had broken, would incur a termination fee of exorbitant proportions, is up in March. I will take up with another company, even if it means agreeing to a plan that does not quite meet my needs. Principles seem to be a rarity with Sprint -- only when it is in their favor doo they seem to believe in exercising them. A company could provide some of the lousiest service around, well, ok, average service plans and maintain meticulous, competent and courteous customer service -- they will ultimately do better than a company that treats its customers like the dirt under their feet.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Tim Orden — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:42:29 GMT

I really like it that the head honcho is speaking for the company. the message is CREDIBLE. I'd like to see other CEOs but their butts on the line. Maybe we wouldn't be so skeptical of their companies' pitches.

When I saw the no nonsense ad, I dumped my Verizon contract (in spite of the $200 penalty) and singed up with the company that's not cute, but believable.

you guys that are bellyaching about execs making ad pitches are thinking old school advertising. These days, people want accountability. You get that when the CEO and his job are on the line.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jack Fact — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:51 GMT

I heart SPRINT!!!! They offer the best rates and service.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Lisa, Ohio — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:39:53 GMT

Sprint...good price, good service. Happy for them and wish them great success! Been a customer 5yrs and highly recommend!!! Especially for data users! I love to giggle about what verizon people pay.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Mike McCormack — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:39:58 GMT

I actually think the ads are classy and a nice change. They show the leader of the organization telling about their services, and not a paid celeb, animal, cartoon, or kid trying to sell you. I like the black and white and the music as well. Well done!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Rita — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:51:30 GMT

I am a Verizon subscriber, but think the Sprint ads are very nice. Yeah, gimmicks and cartoon-style ads get attention, but it's nice to be treated as an adult sometimes. Frankly, the gimmicks and cartoons are the more forgettable ones because I never remember who or what the company was.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Isaiah, Chicago, IL — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:23 GMT

The commercials are just boring. I think most people with a frontal lobe and opposable thumbs know what modern cell phones can do. This series of commercials are just plan boring

That snoozy Sprint CEO

TK, Louisville, KY — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:40:49 GMT

AT&T, now being a monopoly reborn, has a true scattershot approach, with serious & humorous ads. They're all over the place, as if their CEO said, "We've got the money, try everything."

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Sean Jamison Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:22:33 GMT

This is funny- the people that like the ads- work for Sprint and are ass-kissers. The people that hate the ads have had a bad experience with Sprint.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Andy La Plata, MD — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:24:23 GMT

The only thing that matters to me is more bars. That's why I'm retiring to Milwaukee.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Kirk, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:36:29 GMT

Wanna make some money, BUY SPRINT stocks !!! I bought 600 shares in December and wow !!! The Price is going up, up , up. This company is NOT going of out business, their signal is great, and they have great customer service. I am a Nextel and Sprint phone user. Nextel is world wide and service is great in other countries. I changed my CDMA phone over to their new plan and WOW!!! What a big differnce in price. So happy to have service with both Sprint and Nextel.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

CF — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:51:40 GMT

Well, to remain consistent with our country's emphasis on money and power, what better than self-promotion? Forget about showing the customer, speaking to the service...no, let's focus on the real one reaping the benefits - the CEO! LOL!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Thomas, Dallas, TX — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:59:22 GMT

I have service with Sprint, it's nice to know the CEO's name for a change, who are the CEO's for AT&T, Verizon and T-mobile? By the way, I am very happy with my service. I highly recommend this company.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Bob M — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:11:36 GMT

Possibly a better ad would have the guy in sepia tones, then swell into full color with some attractive people using the phones. Can anyone not be annoyed by lack of color these days? OK for historical documentaries, but this is advertising.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Tim, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:14:05 GMT

I had Cingular for 10 years since its beginning before i switched to sprint for a phone i wanted. I lasted 3 days with sprint before I paid $150 and switched back to AT&T. Worst service ever, would never consider going back.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

JRM Boise, ID — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:36:50 GMT

Love the Sprint Ads, nice to see the "intelligent" approach for a change. We have five Sprint phones and my husband also has a data plan. We are not contractually bound to Sprint, but have remained customers because EVERYONE ELSE is WAY MORE EXPENSIVE!!!!! And when it comes to customer service, I have had other carriers in the past and they all had pluses and minuses. We have had no problems with Sprint that went unresolved. We PAY our bill ON TIME and have no problems. If we call with an issue, they treat us like gold becuase we are good customers. If this were to change, we would shop around. But, PRICE rules in our decision making process!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Wayne - Lancaster, PA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:50:06 GMT

Hello Andy La Plata, MD. Love your comment! What time is happy hour?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Shel, KC — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:31:47 GMT

I actually like these commercials...it's a relief from the incessant Verizon adds with "the network" guys following folks around (as if). It's nice to see a CIO step up and tell people what he's doing to make the product better and he's doing a great job on the commercials. There's enough cartoons on tv, I really don't need more BS to sell me stuff.

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Lance C Austin TX — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:18:14 GMT

I am glad to see this. Sprint simply could not stop billing us for service we had had disconnected. Hours were spent on the phone. I will NEVER go back to them.
Don't take my word, go to google and search for "sprint complaints"

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Joe BK NY — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:21:39 GMT

Dont believe Verizon for 1 second. I live in a dead zone and they do nothing about it, I had to cancel my contract and go BACK to Sprint because it was the BEST service by far. And as far as MIke C comment - PAY YOUR BILL!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Donna Boston, MA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:32:57 GMT

I have sprint and I can't wait until my contract is up because I'm going to drop them so fast. The day my daughter's phone broke and because there is no serial number on the phone they refuse to fix it. I was told to go to ebay and purchase a new phone. I said I am paying for services and the phone does not work. The guy I spoke to told me to go on ebay and purchase a new phone. I was so upset ever since that I said I will switch my plan and go back to T-mobile.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

BR R — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:41:40 GMT

guess what MSNBC... your journalist should check the financial page.. the market is crashing today and SPRINT stock is up !!!!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jim, El Dorado Hills, CA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:47:42 GMT

Trying to find one's comedy fix in an ad is lame. Amidst the incessant add noise, a byte of meaningful information is a useful, if not refreshing, change. Indeed, Sprint's customer service was lousy beyond belief, but has markedly improved recently. Sprint would do well to expand on the "Simply Everything" individual plans withing the family plan category. Meanwhile Sprint's biggest competitive risk is being well behind the curve in the smartphone category lacking both the iphone and the latest Blackberry handsets, where the growth of the market exists.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

TMM, Sorrento, FL — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:00:25 GMT

The Sprint ads are not as boring as this review. Thank goodness a CEO is placing a face with a name for a change. I say Dan Hesse is doing a job that no one at Verizon or ATT would ever consider - taking a poorly managed business and improving it.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Joe, Paramus, NJ — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:27:28 GMT

Dan was CEO at AT&T Wireless when I started there in 1998. For someone from the AT&T corporate side, Dan was much more entrepreneurial and well suited to the wireless industry. Digital One Rate was developed on his watch (among other)which changed the entire industry. Say what you want about the ads but the Dan Hesse I knew back then I would have walked barefoot over broken glass for. The man had vision.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Melissa, Concord, NC — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:36:40 GMT

I say kudos and thanks to Sprint for saying that they believe America is still smart enough and still has enough class that they can appreciate a simple, well done ad that doesn’t dumb it down.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Russell Credle Tullahoma, Tennessee — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:42:12 GMT

It's refreshing to see a commercial that doesn't scream at you like you're an idiot. Mr Hesse assumes that everyone is intelligent enough to understand his message but some obviously aren't.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Tom, K.C. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:49:14 GMT

The commercials suck!! This company is doomed, and has been for the last five years. I wouldn't give them a dime for anything. All they do is lay a couple thousand people off each year, and contract all there work out to other companies. I live where they a headquartered, and they just ruin peoples lives!!! Maybe Dan should make these commercials locally, stop going all over the world to shoot a "lame duck" ad, and fix his company.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jeff, Miami, Florida — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:24:29 GMT

Most of you are MORONS and have no idea why these commercials are well thought out. If you want to giggle at a commercial, that’s great. I'm sure your kids will beg for one of those text messaging friendly devices. Sprint is targeting educated white collar customers that demand quality service. (And actually pay their bills). This includes an awesome EVDO data network. Just try one of their data devices....They fly. I've been a Sprint customer for 10 years. The service has been outstanding. BTW, all of the commercials suck. Verizon spends 1 Billion a year on advertising they don't need.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Kathy Lou, Omaha, Nebraska — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:43:04 GMT

That's it? What's your point, your closing argument? Your article/posting/whatever just kind of ended... and I'm not sure you told us anything at all that we did not already know or see ourselves. I'm getting tired of checking out a "headline" on MSN.com, thinking I'm going to read something important or interesting or educational only to find out that it is some "posting" by someone saying a lot of nothing.

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Andrea M. — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:49:48 GMT

I actually like the commercial. I like the black and white, the scenery, and the classical music playing in the background. We've just become a society of OCD citizens, who need to be bombarded by "attention-grabbing" schemes to pay attention to something.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jon Ham Port Isabel Texas — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:55:49 GMT

When we had Hurricane Dolly hit Sprint no signal AT+T No signal Only Phone e had tht worked was from a small company called Pocket communications if not for that phone e would have no communications at all as local wired phones were also out as was power for 7 days

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Tustin, CA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:43:09 GMT

Wow, what a lot of comments.

well here is my 2 cents. I have to agree with everyone that is against sprint. i started out with Nextel and never really had a problem... that is until i switched to sprint after the merger. from then on, my wife's phone rarely worked at her office, which resulted in poor battery life. the one tower near her office never seemed to work or get repaired. the CS staff was rude, and when i was fed-up and asked to get out of my contract, a sprint rep actually yelled at me that there was no way in (fill in the black) that they would let me out... oh well, his supervisor sure did. been with t-mobile ever since with out a problem.

oh, and to the few Sprint Reps that made comments earlier in this section... its not your CEO thats the problem. nor is it the commercials. if you want to start fixing the problem, next time you are at work, reach over to the co-worker next to you and smack them in the back of the head good and hard, because it is the Customer Service reps, more than the service itself that is the problem. i am sure the service is fine, but a vast majority of the reps are completely incompetent to the point where they cant fix the service issues.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Matt, Seattle WA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:00:41 GMT

I for one enjoy the Sprint commercials, there simple direct and to the point with none of the frivilous crap that litters cell phone commercials these days. If I have to see that stupid AT&T commerical with the talking texting thumbs one more time I might hang my self, the only cell commerical I enjoy from another company is that Slate Sanchez one, that makes me chuckle every time but the rest are rediculous and Sprint should be applauded for there choices in advertising.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jeffjeff, WV — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:57:50 GMT

Cell phones used to be a good thing, now they are a public nuisance and a big-business rip off!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jeffjeff, WV — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:58:35 GMT

Cell phones used to be a good thing, now they are a public nuisance and a big-business rip off!

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SMH, Seattle, WA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:38:41 GMT

I like Dan Hesse. I used to work with him at AT&T Wireless. He's a cool guy and a decent guy. Go Dan.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Dave, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:38:49 GMT

Many a good commercial is ruined by overexposure.

I love "Flo" in the Progressive Insurance commercials. The all-white showroom and Flo's all-white outfit (except for her ruby-red lipstick) gives you the feeling of an operation that is white-glove efficient, moreso than clean. The fact that Flo "absolutely lives for auto insurance" seems almost endearing. Tooting her New Year's horn and claiming to have written the song completely cracked me up. This commercial really gets it right.

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Dave, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:46:55 GMT

My experience with Sprint is that they had dead zones the size of Lake Michigan. Worst I ever experienced.

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Brian Armstrong, Sammamish, WA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:48:39 GMT

Are you kidding? It's great to see ads that don't pander to the lowest common denominator, which is invariably some sort of 7th grade humor. I think that Mr. Hesse is a breath of fresh air.
Bravo!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Matthew Kleinmann — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:27:46 GMT

What I find funny is in the times square ad he goes on and on about what the phones can do and they are so much more then phones...While sporting a big ol wrist watch. Umm, even my little POS pay as you go LG phone has the time and date in no less then two places all the time on it.

Dan, if you wise up and discover that your phone can tell time, I will give you a fiver for your watch, as I coudl use it as I don't carry a phone around with me all the time..

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Philip Woodward, Raleigh, NC — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:02:30 GMT

Something stands out to me as a hard of hearing consumer: Sprint captions its commercials! A couple years ago I had no idea what was going on in the T-Mobile commercials with NBA stars Dwayne Wade and Charles Barkley or the Cingular dropped call commericals because they weren't captioned! I have no idea what those four dorky guys and one cool guy on the Alltel commercials or anyone on the AT&T commercials are talking about because they are not captioned! I have seen captions on the Verizon commercial where the man unplugs his Christmas lights, but I don't recall captions on all of the Verizon commercials. Sprint provides Relay services in my state, and they provide excellent data plans on Blackberries for Deaf and hard of hearing consumers! I like the Dan Hesse commercials because now I know who is running the company, and he does a good job of making me want to be a Sprint customer! :)

That snoozy Sprint CEO

inthespirit — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:49:20 GMT

Sprint!!! Best friends of the Public Service Commission...why, because of the thousands of complaints against Sprint collection's department.

Here, have a smile on me while I tell you what Sprint did to me. One, changed my long distance carrier without my knowledge (yes, against the law, but what is one person compared to a Corporation.) Two, BellSouth kept sending me Sprint bills, said they were obligated to do it) even if no Long Distance had or ever was used. (Bought a card at Costco to make Long Distance calls and used lots of emails.) And last, it took 3 yrs for the PSC to write the letter which woke up Sprint. Bellsouth has a hidden department which will help you in dire situations, they came out of the woodwork and assured Sprint that a) BellSouth has been my provider for nearly 12 years and b) I had never lived in California, the service had been un-interrupted at one address and they were witness to it.

Want to guess what the nasty, screaming, insulting, deameaning Sprint bill collector said after the BellSouth executive told her to shut up? She got very quiet and then said: "I wonder who else I can stick with this bill."

3 yrs, at last, I got the tart of my back.!!!!! And thank you BellSouth, now again ATnT. Sprint does not need to advertise, it needs to spiff up it's operations.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

inthespirit — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:54:05 GMT

Hey, what do you mean black and white are depression era colors? The biggest photographers use black and white, no one has heard of Ansel Adams for instance?

Make the connection, now exclusive black and white, you pay extra for it, color is common, exclusive corporate head, he risks being kidneapped for showing who he is, exclusive Sprint. It failed, but the advertising company got the exclusive pay :)

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Aaron D. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:28:52 GMT

You know what, I work for Sprint and it pisses me off that you know it alls would try and drive us out of business with your unsubstantiated slander. We all have families and responsibilities just like you. When you sit there and slam our CEO or say "sprint should go out of business", your not just slamming a brand, you're slamming real people who like there jobs and are proud of their work. Why don't you try and live your life with a little more compassion.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

ted,montgomery,al — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:18:01 GMT

Thanks everybody! I'm switching from AT&T to Sprint! :-)

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Will — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:28:19 GMT

Who ARE you people? Don't you have a TiVO??!! Nobody watches COMMERCIALS anymore.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

HiredGun Destiny — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:06:16 GMT

I have been a customer of Nextel for more than 10 years.
Ever since Sprint took over Nextel the quality of their customer service had went steadily downhill.
I have had nothing but hassles with their customer service department
Phone Plans changed by customer service before finding out what I need my phone for.
They changed my plan to one without 2-Way service..had to go a whole day without the ability to contact my field-techs.
I get more satisfaction from contacting their Tech-Support number than I do with Customer Dis-Service

That snoozy Sprint CEO

joe chicago — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:13:24 GMT

I work for at&t in the QA dept the people who can help you dont last long cause they refuse to try and sell stuff everytime u call. If you want good customer service these providers need to quit trying to sell everytime u call. i dont think its right but i watch ppl everyday get written up and fired over not trying to get customers to buy something

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Paul, High Point, NC — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:02:45 GMT

What I love is that a direct competitor's neon sign (Virgin) is prominantly displayed on the ad where he is walking down Times Square.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Matt, NJ — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:34:30 GMT

Sprint is terrible. Terrible at customer service, terrible at phone service, terrible at billing their clients the correct amount. I like the ads but would never go with a Company so notorious for being terrible at what it does.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Julie, Lansing, Michigan — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:35:06 GMT

"There are several Hesse commercials, but they all follow the same formula: energetic classical music, moody black-and-white background and then Hesse himself, "casually" walking through the streets or sitting at a diner."

Mmhm, yes. And in the advertising word, that's what we call "consistency."

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ear Mark the Citezens, NY,NY — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:08:09 GMT

uhhhhh.....? aren’t we in a crisis right now? who cares about cell phone ads....cell phones....or whatever else your prestigious News Organization can come up with to dull the brain.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Magilla, St. George, UT — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:19:08 GMT

I'm a Sprint Business Customer, I like the simple approach and the service I receive from Sprint. I really don't care what ads are on TV, I usually find this time to move away from the TV, not to sit there and yell at it.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Sprint Customer, Bryan, Texas — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:13:07 GMT

Most of the time when you see a CEO as spokesperson, the company is not doing well and the desparate ad department convinces the CEO that being out in front would be great. Soon thereafter, the company or the CEO fails (remember Chrysler's Dr. Z?)------------------------------------

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jim, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:05:54 GMT

I'm happier with my Sprint Plan than I've ever been with ATT or Verizon.

I'm treated with respect as a customer, recognized as a user when I call in, and the $99 "everything" plan is what I had been waiting for from the industry for over 10 years.

The one thing that most people miss, is that if you want help using your new mobile phone, device, or want assistance with new features, you can simply call, or go into any store, and ask for assistance. This is very helpful for my wife, who just moved to a smart phone, and I suspect this will assist many more who are doing the same in the coming years.

Sprint seems to see the light. It's not about who has the best "coverage". They all drop calls. It's about who as the best service, value, and support. Having been a 12+ year user of ATT's, I have nothing but good things to say about Sprint since switching last year. ATT - You have ALOT to learn. I recently received a Verizon phone from work, and it's coverage pales in comparison to the Sprint coverage I receive in and around Atlanta. Verizon, yeah, "It's the Network..." it sucks.

So for all of you who don't like Sprint, well, I say give them another try. If you don't like the commercial, well, mute it. I don't like tampon commercials either, but I put up with those without griping...

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Don (Philadeplhia, PA) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 05:23:28 GMT

When you don't have a decent smartphone to compete with either the Blackberry Storm or the iPhone, you wind up with ads like these.

Sprint could have had the HTC Touch HD -- but no. So they give us subpar phones, and subpar commercials. And I think the Pre will be too little, too late.

Sprint can't close the deal with the companies making the best phones, so they have to try and sell something else.

Get a better phone lineup, and that will do a lot more for your consumer base than these commercials.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:54:55 GMT

These people wouldnot have a problem with customer service if they paid there bill on time 10 years with sprint and not one problem !!!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Aaron, Salt Lake City, Utah — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:16:42 GMT

I can't stand to watch another one of these ads. I mute the TV and look away every time one comes on. The CEO comes across as extremely smug and pleased with himself. He says obvious things and talks about all the cool things his phones can do, which of course are the same thing that every other phone company's phones do. People are cynical about CEOs these days and the fact that he appears in the commercials and then comes acorss smug and arrogant is unbelievable. On top of all this the ads run constantly. I don't think I have ever hated an ad campaign or a pitchman as much! haha wow that was negative but I had to get that off my chest, I feel better now :-)

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Bored in the birth canal — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:03:47 GMT

The only thing more boring than the boring commercial or the boring blog are the bloring comments about the boring blog and then the boring comments commenting on the boring commerical blog comments. Bored.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Rob — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:20:00 GMT

I've had Sprint for years and only had a problem with their service early on but for the past 5 I've had fewer dropped calls year after year. I like the commercials. It is different and I'm not hammered about the senslessly. I pay my bills normally ontime but anytime I've had a hardship they were great in granting extensions and have taylor made my account for my needs.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Peter S. — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:38:43 GMT

As a long-time Sprint employee I was deligheted to see Hesse present Sprint's plans in such a clear and simple way. The fact that they contract so highly to the obnoxious Verizon and AT&T ads is freshing and does not insult my intelligence as do the competitor's ads. AT&T wants you to believe that the other carriers have no coverage in many places where they do and of course that same claim can be made by any carrier so what's the point? And the Verizon ads are do get their point across quite well; i.e. that they have a larger, well-supported network. But so does Sprint and in fact, Sprint has free voice and data roaming with Verizon and Alltel (including 3G data). So comparing coverage is almost pointless, especially when you are pitching to the entire country.

But I hope that Sprint will start to mix it up a bit more with ads that start to feature our latest devices as well as tout our coverage. In fact, it was determined by the largest and most recognized wireless service analyst that Sprint's 3G network has the largest coverage area in the US and has the best set-up and up-times of any carrier. So Sprint is really #1 in terms of 3G footprint and reliability. It would be nice to see more agressive ads that make that fact known as both Verizon and AT&T have made this their claim in the past. Now it's Sprint time to shine.

So if Dan wants to promote our company with ads in the same format - black and white with classical music in the background - he needs to get on point with where Sprint stands relative to the competition in terms of the network and service.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Dave, Seattle, WA — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:09:38 GMT

I have been with Sprint for almost 9 years now. Sure they have some issues, but who doesn't. My girlfriend freaks out every time that Dan comes on TV and I think she is going to throw the remote through the TV because she hates the adds so much. I personally like the simplicity of the ads. I do agree with a lot of the people on here, that Sprint is going for a different demographic here. If you want cheap phones that will break when you look at them wrong then please buy something from AT&T or Team Mobile. If you like a quality phone and lots of extras I would recomend Sprint to anyone.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

cy — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:15:03 GMT

The ad bores me to tears and I always change the channel just because it is soooooo dry.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Ashley, Atlanta GA — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:42:09 GMT

It's actually kind of catchy- the violin in the background. I liked it.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Patrick D. Gaul — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:43:49 GMT

I've known Dan since his days at AT&T and he is actually a very cool guy. Big music collection (all vinal of course), well versed in selecting a the right bottle of wine, and a very astute businessman. The commercials are also very cool.....they have sort of a Sin City black and white feel and they are refreshly honest......I've been an indentured servant to T-Mobile for far longer than I can remember and when my contract expires in March of this year I'm running to Sprint and the most advanced network out here. I don't know if Dan can save Sprint given the current economic climate, but I can't think of a telecom executive I'd rather see trying.......and yes, he can keep making commercials! I'll watch them.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

It's a Maddi Wild World, Wildomar, CA — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:02:27 GMT

FINALLY... Someone heard the cry of the people and wrote something about the Sprint Ads... Mr. Hesse goes through the length of explaining how futuristic cell phones are... As if to insult the audiences intelligence! The way I see it, I think this ad is a testament of how disconnected some CEO's are to their company's industry. In my opinion it looks like Mr. Hesse just learned how to use a cell phone (probably from his 10 year old grandchild). And behold found out the device has advanced from the stone ages...then...Eureka! He had to make an ad to tell everyone the good news! We’ve been delivered from the stone ages! Problem is Mr. CEO... Majority of us who don't fly around on a private jet are aware of the "advances" the cell phone has gone through over the years. We have been out of the black & white era for quite sometime... Now try to diverting that energy and time to giving the consumer a plan that does not rip them off...

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Jane Doe — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:06:53 GMT

All you people who claim to respond to Hesse's "intellectual, professional" ad campaign need to get off your high horse. If you're so intelligent and intellectual yourselves that you don't respond to the "interchangeable sophomoric humor in the other cell phone company commercials," then why are you even watching TV? And what are you watching...Family Guy? Yup, there's some stimulating programming there. I think these commercials are boring. I had to watch the diner one 3-4 times before I even figured out what the heck he was trying to pitch. Get over yourselves, people!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Bill, Jessup MD — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:33:27 GMT

I do like these commercials in my opinion. I always felt it's good to know a CEO who is all about first rate interaction for the masses. Can anyone tell us who the CEOs for the other carriers are? Although Dan seems like a non-typical CEO figure, his employees really need to take notice, as does their service. It's terrible in a lot of places, and gaining nextel was a waste of their time in my opinion.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Rob, Louisville, KY — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:50:39 GMT

In one commercial, Dan Hesse walks right past a giant neon "Virgin" sign. Nothing like plugging a competitor in your commercials.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Joshua, OK — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:52:57 GMT

I'm not a fan of Sprint PCS by any measure whatsoever; however, I do rather like the more serious, personal tone of the ads. I tire of the insessant ridiculous tone of other ads. Just my opinion.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Lori Walton Syracuse, Utah — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:27:57 GMT

I love the new sprint commercials. Great idea. With economy the way it is I am sitting on my couch with a calcultor in hand ready to compare prices when commercials come on. I mean really, who cares about rollover minutes? and yes I have sprint service and I am happy with the plans available sprint saves me alot of money on phone bills each month and the service is great!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Dan, Simi Valley, CA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:17:33 GMT

Although I dropped Sprint, I have something to say here. I have worked with dozens of company CEOs and have provided with leadership consulting service aimed at balancing task and relationship - actually to just be honest and be yourself... "we all can see through you." American biz is scant with doubt nowadays and lack of trust from within and without. Most businesses, large/small/private/public/for and not for profit - - all have similar traits: impulsive "leaders" rushed to make decisions now (or yesterday if you are a New Yorker). 90% of decision are basically flawed, not perfect but not usually good. This ad attempts to be "honest," "pedestrian" or "plebeian." The common folk you can trust. Nice try and somewhat Euro (or New Age) in nature. America gags at this because America has been transformed in the past 45 years into a "me only" "skeptic" and (increasingly) "cynic" society. This is what unbounded capitalism sows. Do not get me wrong, I am a capitalist - one that understands "balance," "common sense," and "collaboration for accountability and service." Many, oh so many, do not. This ad is trying to do the latter points to pacify doubters and call on those in the "negative" realm to, at least, be neutral and take a look. Well, why not? I did and found out I am happy with my present provider. Your call.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Dan, Simi Valley, CA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:27:37 GMT

Rob in Louisville notes the "plugging a competitor (Virgin)" as Dan Hesse walks past the neon sign. Typical "zero sum" thinking of the average person. What is really wrong with that? Think about it? I would do it if I felt that we are (or striving for) a better provider. Perhaps we could partner with Virgin and be of real value to society in general. I guess it takes a catastrophe to wake people up. What are they teaching in American schools, in homes, in businesses?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Mike, Mountain Lakes, NJ — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:24:36 GMT

Our family enjoys these ads of Dan. When a Sprint commercial starts to air, we all say "Hi Dan". The ads are different and on target. Dan is a refreshing voice and face in light of all that is being said about CEO's these days.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Anita Lauria, Savannah ,GA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:54:20 GMT

Okay the moody black & white doesn't affect me one way or the other. Any one under 35 doesn't remember when these phones weren't your best friend. Cellular phones are amazing, but for most people amazing has become the standard. Why not appeal to the audience by tell us why his product is better? Why not make commitments to service and his current and oncoming customers? Yes Mr. Hesse we know cell phones have changed a lot over the years from 5lbs to oz from bulky and cumbersome with sketchy reliability to tiny and a mainstay. The information highway gets a little closer from desktop to laptop to phone. However, why do I want to by Sprint over Verizon or another company?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Michael Townsend Seattle, Wash — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:12:17 GMT

Alltels Commercials are very funny.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Helena, Redlands, CA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:40:23 GMT

If I could ditch Sprint, I would. I have had a terrible time with them. For a long time, and without a contract, I had excellent service. When I decided to add a phone, they didn't tell me the plan had changed, oops...call back and complain. I could do a comedy skit of the trouble I've had since then! Only it would scare potential customers in the other direction. My biggest pet peeve is while they can start charging my account immediatetly for services I add, it took THREE billing cycles to start my employee discount, but it wasn't really THREE billing cycles, I had to call and complain :o)

I'm outta there when my contract expires!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Downtown Brown, Paradise Valley, AZ — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:27:20 GMT

Please keep in mind the objective of advertising before critiquing Sprints ads. BTW, the primary objective is NOT entertainment for thsoe of you who are put off by "boring" Dan Hesse. Awareness is the primary objective of this campaign, with "image building" a close second. I love the "rollover minutes" campaign mentioned in the article for sheer entertainment. The distraught mom should get an award for her performance. She's great, but I was hard pressed to remember that ad was for AT&T. Compared with the Dan Hesse ad for the ability to identify the company with the ad, it falls short.

The Dan Hesse ads are not offensive in any way, in fact they are supposed to be contrasted with the loud, overt "in your face" approach that permeates all almost all popular entertainment and advertising. That contrast makes it memorable and helps achieve the primary objective of "standing out in the crowd".

Whether or not the viewers gain any positive reinforcement of the brand from that memory is, of course, debatable. But that is for another time.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

duke, fairfield, ct — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:51:12 GMT

actually said to one of my children, last night, that the Sprint commercial is the most boring commercial on all of television. Glad I'm not alone.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

J. Rutkowski, San Antonio, TX — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:12:17 GMT

I have sat here reading some of the responses people have written and it amazes me how people think. First of all maybe the reason Mr. Hesse is doing the commercial is he is trying to show people a product and company believes in but also he might be saving the company money by doing the commercial; instead of hiring actors.

We all everyone has choice of cell phones and pretty much all the plans from all the companies are are about the same. But, what you have to consider is the Customer Service provided to customer's. This is where the cookie can crumble. You know as well as I that you can not make everybody happy. If you believe that; then you live in a make-believe world and better wake up. You can take a groups of 10 people from every provider and you will find some that think there provider is the best and some that think they are the worst. Why you ask? Customer Service. We have all had bad experiences with it. It all boils down to the person who handles your issue. Unfortunately, most companies go off-shore for support; which means the chances of you talking to someone who has a command of the english language and can speak it clearly is pretty much impossible.

Here is what I do if I have an issue! I go to the my providers store in (I like to go to the place I purchased the phone) and get it resolved there. I have always had my issue resolved. All you have to remeber is they are not paid $150K a year and more than likely are paid minimum wage. Be nive to them and they will take care of you. If you are ugly to them; they will remember.

Here is the gospel truth and you can take it for what it is worth; "Every provider has problems!". Some have more than others and you have to pick which one you would rather deal with.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Carolyn, Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:27:10 GMT

Apparently we're paying quite a bit of attention to them - hence - haven't they done their primary job?! They are actually simple, elegant and quite beautiful! They make most viewers stop and I think a plain spoken CEO is quite impressive. I think they evoke a lovely feeling.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Audrey Valenti, Pittsford NY — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:02:25 GMT

I think those ads are among the most effective I have ever seen; the black and white is not depressing. It is a simple expansion of the "simplicity" thrust. I think Mr. Hesse is a phenomenally likeable "face." I wish I could copy an ad like this for my little business.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Gary Ford, Liberty, Missouri — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:51:42 GMT

I have Sprint phoneS and have no complaints. I get what I bargained for-and it is pretty cool the things the phones do. No need for a Tom-Tom or Garmin-the phone does it well where ever I am. The search feature finds whatever I speak. Sorts it out by distance and shows me the contact info and how to drive there. Since I am out of my home area a lot, this really comes in handy to just say "gasoline" and up pops 40 nearby fuel spots. I'm tired of little cartoon characters telling me what to buy. I'm tired of Dad's telling me the fine print won't let me do something stupid. It is time someone treated me as an adult. I can decipher a spreadsheet. Sprint's should be growing, but bad press is bad press, even if it is wrong.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

John, Sacto, CA — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:24:07 GMT

Sprint sucks! AT&T/Cingular for me 4-eva!

That snoozy Sprint CEO

rick new jwrsey — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:16:54 GMT

can some one tell me what wireless company has a better plan and they set up all your service on your phone in there stores no more customer service now the rep that sold you the phone handels all your billing needs and phone needs let me know what other provider those that?

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Lea, Farmington, NM — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:47:45 GMT

I think the Sprint commercials are a nice, intelligent
alternative to the consistently stupid commercials of
"Chad and the Gang" at Alltel. Thanks Sprint for treating us like we have a brain.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

FR, Baltimore, Md — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:31:31 GMT

I think some of the comments above may have been written by the creators of the ad. That isn't "tin foil", People in public relations and adverting follow blogs and would be interested and are more likely and adept at spinning their reputations than others.

It as all about audience. There is NO easier pitch than to the vanity of the person with buying power, and that was that ad agency's or internal team's pitch -- to Hesse's ego.

For the consumer audience there is a problem, the ads create and emphasize a cognitive dissonance. Sprint is the cheap network. One see a business type ad for the carrier least associated with business, with no meat to it, is confusing.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

ingrid pocernich washburn/wi.54891 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:05:40 GMT

i would like to know the composer and the name of the piece of classical music used as the background of do hesse's sprint commercial.thank you

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Mike, Columbia MD — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:58:30 GMT

Apparently the ads are working.. They have all of you talking...

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Sue, San Francisco, CA — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:41:15 GMT

The ad is very effective in light of the rather spectacular customer service issues that preceded it. Sprint was getting a lot of bad press because of customer service issues, such as unauthorized contract renewals, overbilling, etc.
Sprint needed to regain trust, and hence the tasteful ads introducing the new CEO (with subtle emphasis placed on the fact that there is a new sherrif in town), who comes across as an honest businessman delivering a great service at a predictable price.
Sprint flat out ripped me off, so I will never return. Still, I must acknowledge that the ads are well done and will help Sprint rebuild its brand.

That snoozy Sprint CEO

Maurice — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:03:08 GMT

As a long time Sprint Nextel customer I hate to change the service. But it does have its share of rip off gimmicks. After being with them for 10 years with them when my battery went bad they sold me another one and started a new 2 year agreement without my knowledge. You break your phone you pay 250 and get another 2 years. Dead zones we have plenty around here even though I am 20 miles from two cities of 4 million people each. They have got better in the last 3 years but I borrow another phone when I go fishing or in the country.