SoftBank-promoted Sprint announced a free offer — unlimited talk, text and 2GB data per line for 12 months — exclusively for DIRECTV customers when they switch to Sprint and dump AT&T.

AT&T owns DIRECTV.

The scheme will be on between August 28 and September 30.

Sprint is the fourth largest wireless operator in the U.S. after dropping from its third rank. T-Mobile US is currently the third largest wireless operator.

AT&T-owned DIRECTV customers switching to Sprint or existing Sprint customers adding a new line of service through Sprint Lease, iPhone Forever, Sprint Easy Pay1 or paying full retail price for a smartphone get 12 months of unlimited talk, text and a full 2GB of data per line (up to five lines) all while on the Sprint network.

Sprint said customers are responsible for the one-time $36 activation fee and monthly taxes and surcharges.

The special offer is available at participating Sprint branded retail stores, Sprint store at RadioShack, Sprint.com.

Sprint will pay off your old phone and contract. If you’re not currently under contract or don’t have installment billing phone payments, Sprint will buy back your current working smartphone for up to $300 per line.

“DIRECTV customers love their TV service – but they shouldn’t have to settle for AT&T wireless,” said Kevin Crull, chief marketing officer, Sprint.

After 12 months of free Sprint service, customers on this plan automatically move to a competitive rate-per-line plan for unlimited talk, text and 2GB data.

Baburajan K
[email protected]