Ad Test

Sprint's ad lists some key caveats in the fine print, and they are: that the offer is not available to existing Sprint long-distance customers; that the offer continues only as long as the customer maintains both the long-distance and the Sprint PCS accounts in good standing; and that "certain other restrictions may apply."

A Sprint customer service representative could not explain what those other restrictions might be. The mailer lists a Web site for additional information. The offer listed there carries the same name but has some differences. The online offer includes $50 in "Sprint savings checks," which are issued to customers in denominations of $10 each and payable only to Sprint, Sprint PCS or "The Local Telephone" company. The $50 savings is limited to one per household and might take six to eight weeks to arrive by mail. Another key difference: The Web site says Sprint will accept new sign-ups through Jan. 3, 2001, while the paper mailer lists Oct. 31 as the expiration date.