Sprint Unveils Second TV Ad Starring Paul Marcarelli, the Actor Who Used to Ask If You Could Hear Me Now for Verizon

Sprint spot airs tonight, promotes improved network reliability and value compared to other wireless carriers

Ads proclaim: Don’t let a 1% difference in network reliability cost you twice as much; leave your expensive carrier and save 50% on most Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile rate plans

Multimedia Gallery

(Graphic: Business Wire)

Sprint TV Ad Starring Paul Marcarelli (Photo: Business Wire)

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), July 25, 2016 – Sprint (NYSE:S, news, filings) today introduces the second TV spot in its wildly popular advertising campaign starring Paul Marcarelli, the actor who used to ask if you could hear me now for Verizon. Theoriginal TV ad featuring Marcarelli has been viewed more than 8 million times on YouTube. And, the company recently became postpaid net port positive against all three national carriers for the first time in over five years.

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The message in the second TV spot continues to be loud and clear: Sprint has a vastly improved network and customers can save 50% off most rate plans offered by Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. In today’s world of wireless competition and overall improved networks, customers can get a highly reliable wireless experience with Sprint without overpaying for it.

Sprint asks consumers in the ad: Why pay twice as much for less than 1% difference in network reliability? Marcarelli, most recognizable for previously testing the Verizon network, is a perfect fit to convey Sprint’s network message of improved performance. Not only is Marcarelli starring in the ads, but, like millions of others, he has switched to Sprint and is now a happy customer.

This second round of Sprint advertising featuring Marcarelli will make its debut tonight on CBS, NBC and FOX. The ad campaign will continue on cable and network stations nationwide and in print and digital channels. Out-of-home and radio advertising featuring Marcarelli will also continue. Additionally, fans can follow Marcarelli on Twitter @ThatWirelessGuy. To watch the full-length ad, please visit:http://sprint.co/29V3EFv.

“The response to Paul and this advertising campaign has been overwhelming,” said Marcelo Claure, president and CEO, Sprint. “It has been one of the most successful ad campaigns in company history. Paul is able to deliver the message that Sprint has made significant improvements in its network performance, and reinforces that customers have taken notice. Just like Paul did, millions of other wireless users have made the switch to Sprint because they recognize we are one of the best values and that our network has made significant reliability improvements. Lots of people can hear that.”

Network Reliability and Value
The reliability network claim referenced in the ads is substantiated by Sprint’s analysis of drive test data from Nielsen – covering the top 106 metropolitan markets in the U.S. This data shows that Sprint’s reliability now beats T-Mobile’s and performs within 1% of AT&T and Verizon.¹

It’s easy to make the switch, like Marcarelli did, and save 50% off the price of most Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile standard rate plans.² Customers who switch get 50% off most current competitor rate plan prices, with savings until May 31, 2018. And, Sprint will pay switching fees up to $650 per line via an American Express^® Reward Card after online registration and phone turn-in.³ Also, today is a great time to try Sprint with its 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.⁴ If you’re not completely satisfied, Sprint will refund your money.

About Sprint
Sprint (NYSE:S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served more than 59.4 million connections as of June 30, 2016 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the past five years. You can learn more and visit Sprint atwww.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

¹ Claim based on Sprint’s analysis of latest Nielsen drive test data for average network reliability (voice & data) in top 106 markets.
² Discount applies to base monthly service plan and access charges only. Discount does not apply to certain charges such as taxes, surcharges, roaming, premium content, add-ons, and apps. Exclusions apply and new plan features may not be an exact match. Carrier features differ. Plans exclude unlimited music and video streaming, data carryover, tethering and cloud options that other carrier plans may offer. Discount offer limited to regular rates on consumer plans as of 6/7/16 for Verizon Plan 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 24GB, 30GB, 40GB, and 50GB; AT&T Mobile Share Value 300MB, 2GB, 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, 25GB, 30GB, 40GB and 50GB; and T-Mobile Simple Choice 2GB, 6GB and 10GB rate plans. Discount does not include competitor promotional or sale prices. Offer/coverage not available everywhere or for discounted phones. Subject to new-line, up to $30/line activation fee, credit, valid port-in. Customer must choose from same porting carrier rate card.
³ Via an American Express® Reward Card (less trade-in value) after online registration and new phone activation.
⁴ Valid for a limited time. If a new customer or an existing customer adds a line of service (phone, tablet or MBB) and deactivates within 30 days, Sprint will credit all device charges (Installment Billing, Lease, or Early Termination Fee, when device is returned) and reimburse the customer for the device purchase price or down payment, activation fee, Monthly Recurring Charge, and all associated taxes and fees. The following charges will not reimbursed: Premium content, third party billing, any international charges not included in your plan (e.g. international voice roaming) and any associated taxes and Sprint surcharges. As an example, overage, per minute international services with a cost outside of plan MRC are considered nonstandard usage.