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Today T-Mobile took a bold step forward with their service offerings, making official their Simple Choice service plan while simultaneously launching their 4G LTE network in seven major metropolitan regions. The carrier also unveiled a lineup of new 4G devices and a new ad campaign to spread public awareness of the changes going on at T-Mobile.
All part of T-Mobile’s “Un-carrier” concept, the Simple Choice plan, which went live over the weekend, allows subscribers a simplified experience when choosing a service plan. T-Mobile now offers one base plan featuring unlimited talk and text plus 500MB of data for $50. Unlimited 4G data is and additional $20, among other optional fees to add lines and features to the plan.
Along with the new plans, T-Mobile is doing away two-year commitments and device subsidies, instead opting to sell devices on interest-free monthly payment plans. It’s a big departure from what customers are used to, but it could kick off a new era in the wireless industry if it catches on.
But perhaps the bigger news is the launch of TMo’s 4G LTE network in Baltimore, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Jose, and Washington D.C.. To accompany the new network are a series of LTE devices including the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4, BlackBerry Z10, HTC One, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and a 4G hotspot.
Look for some “wild west” themed commercials to debut in the coming weeks to push all the changes at T-Mobile. We’ll see if other carriers follow their footsteps into the new frontier.
T-Mobile Makes Bold “Un-carrier” Moves
Announces radically simple unlimited plan; axes contracts, unbundles cost of plan and device with lowest upfront costs, lights up 4G LTE network
NEW YORK — March 26, 2013 — T-Mobile has been talking the talk; now it’s walking the walk. The company, known for its “Un-carrier” attitude, today announced a series of moves to address consumer frustration with the unnecessary cost and complexity of wireless.
The moves include radically simplifying its lineup of consumer rate plans to one incredibly affordable plan for unlimited talk, text and Web; ensuring that customers never have to sign another annual service contract through T-Mobile retail outlets; and enabling customers to get the most popular smartphones whenever they want for the lowest upfront cost. T-Mobile also debuted its blazing 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.”
Un-Restricted, Un-Limited
Central to today’s announcement is a radically simple approach to consumer rate plans — the Simple Choice Plan. A break from industry norms, the Simple Choice Plan eliminates restrictive annual contracts, taking pain and confusion out of the wireless experience.What could be simpler than one consumer rate plan?
Simple Choice asks customers two basic questions: How many lines do you need, and how much high-speed data would you like? Customers 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. No caps. No overages. Just simple value.
Also, because T-Mobile is the only major U.S. wireless company to stop requiring consumers to sign annual service contracts, 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, customers can purchase great devices, pay for them in affordable, interest-free monthly installments, and upgrade anytime they like — not just when their carrier says it’s okay. 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 and unmistakable.
Customers can find more information about T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan at nationwide T-Mobile retail stores, on http://www.T-Mobile.com, and through select dealers and national retail stores.
Un-Beatable Prices on LTE Devices
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.
- Samsung Galaxy S® 4 is the next generation of Samsung’s popular Galaxy line of smartphones. Exact pricing and timing of availability have not been announced, but the Galaxy S 4 will be available in the second quarter of this year.
- BlackBerry® Z10 is T-Mobile’s first 4G LTE touchscreen smartphone featuring the redesigned, re-engineered BlackBerry® 10 platform, which continuously adapts to users’ needs. Starting today, the fastest and most advanced BlackBerry smartphone yet is available for 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. For more information about T-Mobile’s Z10, please visit Media Kit.
- HTC One® is the first T-Mobile 4G LTE smartphone featuring new HTC Sense™ innovations, including HTC BlinkFeed,™ HTC Zoe™ and HTC BoomSound™. Wrapped in a sleek full metal body, the HTC One will be available later this spring in all T-Mobile channels. For more information about HTC One, please visit Media Kit.
- Samsung Galaxy Note® II. Current users of the popular Samsung Galaxy Note II can now take advantage of T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network via an over-the-air software update. For more information about this update and for complete download instructions, customers can visit T-Mobile’s support page at http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4962. For more information about the Samsung Galaxy Note II, please visit Media Kit.
- T-Mobile Sonic 2.0 Mobile HotSpot LTE is the first 4G LTE mobile hotspot from T-Mobile, providing simple and affordable 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. For more information about the mobile hotspot, please visit Media Kit.
Un-Congested 4G Network
T-Mobile is moving at breakneck speed to expand the capabilities of its network.Today, T-Mobile launched its state-of-the-art 4G LTE network in seven major metropolitan areas, including Baltimore; Houston; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Phoenix; San Jose, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The advanced 4G LTE network is expected to reach 100 million Americans by midyear and 200 million by the end of 2013.
T-Mobile is deploying the latest LTE technology, paving the way to LTE Advanced. T-Mobile’s 4G LTE deployment will complement its existing nationwide 4G network — which third-party tests show rivals or beats existing LTE networks — creating what T-Mobile expects to be the fastest 4G combination in the United States. T-Mobile 4G LTE devices will automatically and seamlessly transition to T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G where LTE has not yet launched.
T-Mobile Launches Un-carrier with Wild West Commercial
To underscore its Un-carrier attitude, T-Mobile today unveiled a new tagline, “T-Mobile un-leash.” In tandem, the company will roll out a new nationwide advertising campaign, beginning with a television commercial tomorrow that plays off the Western film genre. The new commercial features a group of four cowboys in black hats riding into a dusty town to the terror of its residents. As three of the cowboys tell town folk they’re going to have to “do what we say,” the fourth, representing T-Mobile, switches to a magenta-colored hat and rides in another direction, saying he “just doesn’t want to do this anymore.” The 60-second ad spot closes with one cowboy musing “I’m gonna miss the guy” while our hero simply states “Oh, I’ll be around.”
This a great time to be a tmobile customer.
no, its a great time to BECOME a NEW T-Mobile customer! If you are already a customer, it sucks cuz you are stuck in a contract or have to pay $200 fee to go to the new plans (same fee as cancelling a contract!)
Nope, I have the former value plans and I don’t have to pay anything to switch to the new plans. If you have a classic plan, then you got your phone discounted, and depending on how long its been since you started your contract, you may not have to pay anything to migrate.
Yea but with the unlimited everything plan for 69.99 that I have I don’t think I am going anywhere any time soon, so yea is a great time to be and to become a tmobile customer.
Not True! I spoke to a t-mo rep in a store. I have a ONE S and its on contract till next year and they said theres a way for me to “migrate” over to a new plan with a new phone for a minimal if any migration fee. They want current customers on the new plan, especially if they want to be. They dont want to lose customers.
Good thing I am still on the grandfathered Even More plus plan, was never on contract.
NCMACASL, I remember you from the Sidekick forums days, how goes with the new smartphones, what are you rocking now a days?
you can be a tmobile customer and not be on contract…
It will be interesting to see how this will change the wireless industry, or at the very least there pricing policy’s we’ll see , I like the fact of there new phone policy ………
I think the plan most people will go for is the $60 (base $50+$10) plan, unlimited talk, text, and 2.5GB high speed data. Pretty solid. Taxes and fees are always consistent on tmo as well. On my older $59.99 plan the bill is $63.84 on the dot every single month.
Plus throw in the $20+ a month for each phone you do not buy out right and you are right back up there and the huge out of pocket up front cost. It might be decent for 1 person, but when you have 5 lines it’s very pricey up front.
or when your kids/little brother/mother/grandfather are done paying off their phones (whether it be a $700 iphone or $300 nexus or a $200 lower end phone) their contracts drop back down to $64 as opposed to staying at $90 no matter what.
Way to go T Mobile and set example for the wireless industry… People we are talking LTE for these prices. Verizon and AT&T charge close to $100 plus taxes. I know this isn’t going to make everyone happy but T Mobile will sure attract some buyers.
LTE in a very small footprint.
In a very large EDGE footprint. I can’t even get HSPA+, but they say they cover over 220 million people with it. I’ll give them 3-4 years and then consider Tmobile.
Hey Heads up everyone. There is a $350 migration fee for existing customers if you want to change to the new plan and are still on a contract.
You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Max you will pay on a migration fee is 200 dollars, after 18 months tenure you will have no migration.
Considering I just looked to change over to the new plans the system told me it would be $350 per line.
call them. If you read your contract, the termination fee is $200. So that is the most T-Mobile will charge you to migrate. AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint charge $350
ETF on a new T-mo contract is $200, it drops over the course of the contract down to $50 for 6 months.. Someone lied to you, you made it up, or someone dont know what theyre talking about.
Or you can just pay out your contract depending on how much longer you have , in my case its 100 dollars with 6 months left…..
Contracts are for chumps. I’ve been a T Mobile customer for over 10 years……Before they were T Mobile…..You know, Voice Stream…..I haven’t had a contract since 2009.
They will not charge more than ETF for migration, i heard it from the horses mouth, a t-mo rep in a store. They said they will make it easy to migrate. they WANT people on the new plans, not being discouraged from taking them.
As soon as I can confirm something in San Jose as far as official speeds, I am thinking about it. Only one place I want super fast speed, which is my work on the east side San Jose…I hope it’s good as currently speeds are around 150 kbps for T Mobile, when my EVO V (Virgin Mobile) is pulling 5-8 Mbps
I believe T Mobile will take a very large piece of the pre paid industry , with now everyone being able to buy phones like the upcoming s4 the HTC one and the already available note 2 with no contract and no interest in 24 monthly payments , its gonna be a very very busy 1st and 2nd quarter for t mo ……….
I don’t know…now people are going to think to themselves if that $600 cost for a phone is justified.
Which devices are $600?
How much did you spend on your TV, or car?
You can get 10 years or more out of a TV or car. It’s not an apt comparison. Heck, you can get 5 or 6 out of a PC. The wireless industry is changing to fast to make that kind of investment worth it.
There are also people that only get 3-5 years out of TVs and Cars. Depending on how you use them depends on how long they last. Usually the only thing that goes out in 2-3 years in phones is the battery. $10 and you got that replaced.
Every high end android phone costs $400 to $600 if you buy it unlocked. The carriers offer it with a subsidy at cheaper prices but the phone still costs $600, they reap the benefits of giving it away cheaply by locking you into a 2 year contract and making it difficult to upgrade. Now you can get the new phone, even cheaper than before but NOT be locked into a contract and be able to upgrade whenever you like to a new phone.
Everyone pays the full price of a phone and then more… if you are on other carriers you still pay the higher monthly fee to justify the cost of the phone even after a two year contract…at least with this new plan you don’t have to keep paying for it.
I don’t think so. The contract price is a fixed price. As long as the phone uses 3G or higher data, you will be paying that premium contract price. So you can’t really say you pay the cost of the phone over the contract. On Tmo, you actually do. They have plans that do that. On other carriers, no. You’re paying a fixed contract price regardless of what phone you buy.
If that were the case, wouldn’t your contract price fluctuate depending on what phone you bought?
What I meant was over the course of two years their contract prices are higher no matter what, even after two years the contract price stays the same so you will probably be paying more for the phone in the end. Of course they didn’t just go out and tell everyone, otherwise no one would go over two years without getting a new phone, but I’m sure a lot of people do it.
you can still pay off your phone with monthly payments
This is the time for Google to start advertising their Nexus devices.
This isn’t that big of deal IMO. You still have a contract, it will just be on your phone instead of your service unless you purchase your device outright. I don’t find their plans to be any cheaper than what I pay on Sprint and get no throttling.
If you have the carrier subsidy and pay the $199 up front it averages out to be about the same, besides Sprint has LTE in my area and it’s solid. I had tried Tmobile in the past and the service was horrible. I couldn’t get service hardly anywhere. Not even service right beside a T-mobile store. LOL
Also, what about employee discounts? I get 27% a month from Sprint, and I know my company did the same with T-mobile, so will this be done away with?
Interesting that they are NOT offering a discount if you buy the phone outright. I personally think that this is NOTHING but a shell game. TMobile is doing nothing to help the notion of buying your phone and shopping for carriers. The only one that is helping with this is Google. the phone companies will continue to keep phone pricing artificially inflated! There is hardly anything, “uncarrier” about tmobile. This is just SLICK MARKETING!
Verizon/AT&T charge you less up front then charge you $30 a month more on average. Multiply 30 by 24. That’s where you lose out because you fail at math.
Dude you can BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE…if you dont like their prices, shop around.
Also, keep in mind that on a family plan you get multiple subsidized phones for the monthly add-line fee on other carriers. In other words, if you have multiple subsidized phones, the contract price actually evens things out. With Tmobile, you pay full price.
Big difference is you can upgrade whenever you like to a new phone. If you like sprint and like being locked into one 2 yr contract after another, good luck ! T-Mo in NYC is amazing !! With the upcoming LTE its going to crush the other 3 carriers, in device costs, no contract plans, and great data speeds.
You will still be locked into a contract for your phone unless you are buying it straight out and I doubt most people are paying $600-$800 out of pocket for a phone for fake savings.
Think you need to go back to school and actually learn some math this time, T-Mobile has always been the cheapest, and now they upped the ante and have the best plans you can get, don’t let your irrational hate for T-Mo to cloud your judgement
I think you need to go back to school because T-mobile has not always been the cheapest and it sucks in my area. I would give them a chance if they had better service and LTE in more areas.
Even T-mobile’s throttled data is faster than Sprints full speed. Sprint has the slowest data of all the carriers
Don’t count your employee discount as the norm. Sprint offers $80/mo + taxes for its individual unlimited data and text plan (which doesnt include unlimited talk which is $110/mo). So that’s , $90+/mo whether your phone is 800 bucks or if you give your mother your old gs3 when you buy a gs4, everyone is still paying $90+/mo. On tmobile i could give my brother my old phone, n he can pay $65/mo instead of $90/mo. Or if i decide to not buy a nexus phone, n buy say a gs4 pay it off monthly and get the unlimited everything plan i’d be paying $90/mo vs Sprint’s $110/mo.
I just left sprint for tmobile in january. I am getting muuuuch better speeds (12mbps vs .3mbps) for 1/3rd of the price. (currently using $30/mo plan)
It just depends on your area. T-mobile is crappy in my area and Sprint has LTE so i’m good.
well yeah, location is the number one factor in all of this.
Why is anyone on a contract?
I’m getting out of mine ASAP !! lol
theyre also gettin the iphone
When are going to update the coverage check maps to show new LTE coverages?
i got the update today on my note2- getting 25 down and 15 up
LTE really doesn’t matter. HSPA+ is fast enough for anything you’d want to do on a phone; from downloading apps to web browsing to even streaming 720p video.
Unfortunately, LTE has basically become a marketing buzzword, kind of like “HD” and “3D”. That’s really the main reason T-Mobile is going with LTE–they tried ignoring it at first because their HSPA+ speeds were amazing. But people are easy to fool, and most believe that LTE = bad. Kind of how those Nexus 4 reviews will bring up the lack of LTE as some kind of crippling weakness.
My very first speed test on T-Mobile’s HSPA+ on my Nexus 4 yielded something like 12Mbps. Yeah, that’s technically slower than LTE, but really who cares?
I like the concept of the model, but i dont know how that works with their phones. They had 2 versions of the LG L9 available. I got the no contract version, i’m not sure if they only start selling the no contract versions then, or if they’ll abandon that and only start selling the contract version. All i know is whatever version they’re selling now costs $50 more.