Sprint Targets DirecTV Subs with Free Year of Service

It’s Sprint’s turn to get in on the AT&T-DirecTV action.

Just weeks after AT&T and DirecTV closed their merger and launched a campaign led off by a $200 per month mobile-TV service combo, Sprint has followed up with a promo that offers a free year of service to DirecTV subs who switch to the Overland Park, Kan.-based mobile carrier. 

The offer, which runs from August 28 through September 30, requires that  consumers qualify by uploading a recent DirecTV bill for Sprint’s offer, which includes unlimited voice and text and 2 gigabytes of data per month per line (up to five lines). Then also have the option to visit a Sprint store and verify that they’re eligible by logging on to their DirecTV account.

Customers who take advantage are on the hook for a one-time $36 activation fee and monthly taxes and surcharges, said Sprint, which is also offering to pay off old phone contracts. Sprint’s also offering to buy back current working smartphones for up to $300 per line.

Update: AT&T shot back with this statement: "This ranks right up there with a desperate Hail Mary pass to a petite defensive lineman. With Sprint's network and the many asterisks on this deal, we're feeling good about our offers."