Sprint wants DirecTV customers to know more about the carrier. DirecTV is now owned by AT&T, and Sprint does not want DirecTV customers to think they are forced to use AT&T for their wireless carrier. To lure customers away from AT&T, Sprint is offering DirecTV customers a year of free service.

Sprint is the fourth largest wireless carrier in the U.S., and they announced that they would be celebrating AT&T's acquisition of DirecTV with a special promotion Thursday, CNet reports. Sprint said that any DirecTV subscriber would receive a free year of wireless service.

Customers taking advantage of the promotion will receive unlimited minutes and texts, as well as 2GB of wireless data. The deal starts Friday and runs through Sept. 30.

This summer has been very competitive for wireless carriers, with new promotions and policies encouraging customers to switch carriers. T-Mobile created a plan that allows for free roaming in Canada and Mexico, and Verizon decided to end phone subsidies and contracts.

Sprint's free year of service is a direct shot at AT&T, which introduced a bundle plan earlier this month that includes discounted satellite TV and wireless service. AT&T believes that these bundles will keep customers around longer.

AT&T does not endorse Sprint's promotion.

"This ranks right up there with a desperate Hail Mary pass to a petite defensive lineman," the company said in a statement. "With Sprint's network and the many asterisks on this deal, we're feeling good about our offers."

DirecTV customers will present their satellite statements as proof for the promotion. They will be required to sign up for a Sprint leasing program or purchase a phone at full price. Up to five members in a household can receive 12 months of free Sprint service.

"DirecTV customers love their TV service -- but they shouldn't have to settle for AT&T wireless," said Kevin Crull, chief marketing officer for Sprint. "Why not build the perfect bundle by combining with Sprint wireless?"