These are some of the most broad and sweeping since the Sprint Nextel merger took place. Sprint has updated their warranty policy which will be effective this week.

Previously, the last policy that ended on Sunday has been universally criticized outside of Sprint. The procedures made Sprint the only national carrier which charged for in-warranty service of their own devices. Sprint did this to upsell their Express Service and Repair Plan (ESRP). Throughout this period, the $4/month plan offered expedited warranty repairs, a warranty extension, and (at one point) covered significant physical damage. Without it, there was costs involved of $35 to $55.

The modifications now are that, Customers will be able to have phones serviced at any Sprint Nextel service location at no charge. For out of warranty service, customers will pay a flat rate of $99 for phones and mobile broadband cards, or $119 for smart devices. Out of warranty or physical damage will cost incur a $99/$119 fee. Software Updates are now free, regardless of warranty status.

[via Phone News]