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Roaming


  1. What is automatic roaming?
    Automatic roaming is available where Sprint has implemented roaming with other wireless carriers. These agreements cover virtually every area of the United States where wireless service is available. Your dual-band or dual-band/tri-mode phone will automatically seek a roaming network where the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network is not available, and you will be able to make and receive calls that will be billed to your PCS Invoice.

  2. What is the difference between single-band and dual-band PCS Phones?
    Single-band PCS Phones allow you to make and receive calls only on digital networks. You can make calls from anywhere on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network to anywhere on or off the network. In some areas, digital roaming is available (long-distance charges may apply). Dual-band PCS Phones allow you to make and receive calls on digital and analog networks. You can make calls from anywhere on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network or in analog areas where roaming agreements are in place (long-distance charges may apply).

    There is also a difference between dual-band and dual-band/tri-mode phones. A dual-band phone operates on 1900 CDMA and 800 AMPS (analog). A dual-band/tri-mode phone operates on 1900 CDMA, 800 CDMA, and 800 AMPS. Dual-band/tri-mode phones allow you to take advantage of digital service at 800 CDMA. This can increase your coverage when roaming internationally and allow you to experience the digital experience when roaming domestically.

    To see our nationwide roaming coverage, check out our Off-Network Roaming page on sprintpcs.com.


  3. How do I make a roaming call?
    Simply dial 1 + the area code + the seven-digit phone number. There are no special access codes or personal identification numbers required.

  4. How much does it cost to make or receive a roaming call?
    Check your PCS Service Plan for the per-minute roaming rate information. Where roaming is available, roaming charges will appear on your monthly PCS Invoice within 30-60 days. Roaming calls are not included in the monthly minutes of most service plans. However, you can add the Off-Network Minutes option to your service plan and receive 50 minutes of off-network roaming for use when traveling off the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.

  5. What features are available when roaming?
    While roaming you will be able to make and receive voice calls on our roaming partner networks. Customers will also have access to voice mail, however, the message waiting indicator may not appear. Other features enjoyed while on the PCS Network—including Caller ID, PCS Wireless WebSM, and direct PCS International Roaming—may not be available when roaming.

  6. How can I make sure I'm not accidentally incurring roaming charges?
    To prevent your phone from making or receiving roaming calls, you can change the setting on your PCS Phone to "PCS Only" or "No Roam." These settings force your phone to search only for the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Also, the Call Guard feature makes it easy to control when you roam by reminding you when you make or receive a roaming call. If you don't want to take additional steps when you make and receive roaming calls, the Call Guard feature of your PCS Phone can be turned off. Refer to your phone's User's Guide for instructions on how to disable the Call Guard feature.

  7. How will I know when I am roaming?
    Your PCS Phone will display symbols and messages to indicate whether you're on or off the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Generally, you will see an "R" or the word "roam" on your PCS Phone when you are off the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Refer to your phone's User's Guide for more information.