T-Mobile is simplifying its lineup of consumer rate plans to a single plan for unlimited talk, text and Web, enabling its customers to get popular smartphones including the iPhone 5 whenever they want for the lowest upfront cost. T-Mobile also debuted its fast 4G LTE network service in seven major metropolitan areas.
"These bold moves serve notice that T-Mobile is canceling its membership in the out-of-touch wireless club," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile USA, Inc. "This is an industry filled with ridiculously confusing contracts, limits on how much data you can use or when you can upgrade, and monthly bills that make little sense. As America's Un-carrier, we are changing all of that and bringing common sense to wireless."
T-Mobile announced the Simple Choice Plan, which eliminates restrictive annual contracts.
The company is offering its customers the option to start with one line at $50 per month for unlimited talk, text and Web with 500MB of high-speed data. Customers can add a second phone line for $30 per month, and each additional line is just $10 per month. They can also add 2 GB of high-speed data for $10 per month more per line. Unlimited 4G data is only $20 more per month per line.
Also, because T-Mobile has stopped requiring its consumers to sign annual service contracts, the company's customers have far more flexibility with how they buy and use wireless devices. Traditionally, getting a good deal on a new phone has meant agreeing to an expensive service for two years. Upgrades typically weren't allowed (without significant upfront costs) until contracts expired, and it was often difficult to ascertain the true value of a device offer because it was tied to a long-term annual contract.
With T-Mobile's un-restricted approach, the company's customers can purchase new devices, pay for them in interest-free monthly installments, and upgrade anytime they like. Customers can even use their own unlocked device. Monthly statements are easy to understand since the price stays constant from month to month, and the device cost is clear.
In tandem with the debut of its 4G LTE network service, T-Mobile also announced today that it will have several 4G LTE-capable devices available, including Samsung Galaxy S 4, BlackBerry Z10, HTC One, T-Mobile Sonic 2.0 Mobile HotSpot LTE and Samsung Galaxy Note II.
Exact pricing and timing of availability for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 have not been announced, but the Galaxy S 4 will be available in the second quarter of this year.
Starting today, the BlackBerry Z10 is available for T-Mobile's qualifying customers for $99.99 down with 24 equal monthly payments of $18 for well-qualified buyers OAC. The BlackBerry Z10 is available through all T-Mobile channels.
The HTC One will be available later this spring in all T-Mobile channels.
Current users of the Samsung Galaxy Note II can now take advantage of T-Mobile?s 4G LTE network via an over-the-air software update.
T-Mobile Sonic 2.0 Mobile HotSpot LTE is the first 4G LTE mobile hotspot from T-Mobile, providing simple on-the-go access to the Internet for up to eight devices. The T-Mobile Sonic 2.0 Mobile HotSpot LTE is available for $29.99 down with 24 equal monthly payments of $5 for well-qualified buyers OAC beginning today. It will be sold through all T-Mobile channels.
T-Mobile also today launched its 4G LTE network in seven major metropolitan areas, including Baltimore; Houston; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Phoenix; San Jose, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The 4G LTE network is expected to reach 100 million Americans by midyear and 200 million by the end of 2013.
T-Mobile also announced that qualifying customers can get an iPhone 5 for $99.99 down, plus monthly payments.
iPhone 5 will be available for qualifying customers with T-Mobile?s Simple Choice Plan for $99.99 down and $20 per month for 24 months. Qualifying customers can get iPhone 4S through the Simple Choice Plan for $69.99 down and $20 per month for 24 months. iPhone 4 will be available for qualifying customers through the Simple Choice Plan for $14.99 down and $15 per month for 24 months. iPhone 5 will be available in the U.S. on Friday, April 12, at T-Mobile retail stores and through select dealers and national retail stores, as well as online at http://www.T-Mobile.com.
In addition to the Simple Choice Plan's terms, iPhone 5 customers can take advantage of free benefits from T-Mobile, including:
- HD Voice - delivering high-definition calling and reduced background noise.
- T-Mobile Smartphone Mobile HotSpot for on-the-go tethering Internet access. Through Simple Choice, T-Mobile offers an additional 500MB of 4G data for tethering, enabling its customers to tether from their iPads, Macs and other devices.
- Talk and surf at the same time - without limits. Through T-Mobile's Simple Choice Plan, T-Mobile's customers can opt for totally unlimited 4G data on a nationwide network.