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Tag: T-Mobile

  • CES 2013: T-Mobile Is Getting The iPhone In Next Three To Four Months

    Smartphone users absolutely hate limited data plans, but the big carriers don’t seem to be changing their minds on the matter. T-Mobile saw that as an opportunity and started offering unlimited data plans to its customers. Now it just needs the iPhone and its future as a major wireless carrier may just be assured.

    At CES, T-Mobile CEO John Legere told Reuters that his company will begin selling the iPhone to its customers within the next three to four months. The move will allow T-Mobile to properly compete with the big guys who offer a wide range of iPhone options, but tether them to expensive data plans and contracts. T-Mobile is going to change that.

    During the same time frame, Legere says that T-Mobile will also be doing away with phone subsidies. He sees the one-two combination of iPhone availability and phone subsidy removal as an opportunity to grow the company’s market share by five percent. While the removal of phone subsidies will drive the price of phones up, it will allow T-Mobile to offer cheaper service, including its unlimited 4G data plans.

    Of course, T-Mobile customers won’t have to wait until the carrier gets the iPhone to start using Apple’s wonder device. The carrier lets owners of unlocked iPhones switch over to its network quite easily.

    It’s unclear if T-Mobile’s strategy of going against the predominant carrier model will be successful, but it will at least be interesting. If it is successful, it may convince other carriers to bring unlimited data plans. It just might be worth paying full price for our phones if we get cheaper data plans out of it.

  • MLB’s Official Wireless Sponsor is Now T-Mobile

    Major League Baseball (MLB) and T-Mobile today announced a multi-year marketing partnership that makes T-Mobile the official wireless sponsor of MLB. As part of the deal, T-Mobile will “enhance” MLB games with its wireless technology.

    The agreement includes T-Mobile providing a new on-field communication system that will use the wireless carrier’s 4G network. Specifically, the tech will be used to provide a wireless voice system between dugouts and bullpens in “select” MLB stadiums. The dugout-to-bullpen system will appear sometime in 2013 and the companies will continue to look for “options for future innovation within the game.

    “T-Mobile has made a significant commitment to Major League Baseball across our game and business, and its innovative drive and expertise in wireless technology will be an outstanding addition to the baseball industry,” said Tim Brosnan, executive vice president of business at MLB. “T-Mobile has been an impact player in the wireless industry, and we look forward to its innovative spirit positively influencing the game and the way fans enjoy it.”

    In addition to the wireless dugout-to-bullpen system, T-Mobile will provide its subscribers with exclusive MLB content and offers through a collaboration with the MLB.com At Bat mobile app.

    “Baseball is America’s No. 1 digitally consumed sport, and today’s baseball fan is technologically savvy and data hungry, which makes this partnership a great opportunity for not only baseball enthusiasts, but also millions of T-Mobile customers,” said Mike Sievert CMO at T-Mobile.

  • T-Mobile Is Finally Getting the iPhone (Most Likely)

    T-Mobile customers, your long nightmare may be coming to a close. Deutsche Telekom has just announced that T-Mobile USA has “entered into an agreement with Apple to bring products to market together in 2013.”

    So, T-Mobile is finally getting the iPhone (and the iPad)?

    Well, it’s not official yet, as the announcement didn’t mention specifics. In fact, the announcement was sort of hidden inside a large release concerning Deutsche Telekom’s future financial plans.

    If the T-Mobile/Apple deal does in fact include the iPhone (which it has to, right?) it will mean the the last major U.S. carrier finally has the device.

    Rumors about the iPhone coming to T-Mobile have been floating around for years, but last week we heard another one from a Merrill Lynch analyst that said that the big iPhone announcement would be made on December 6th. Looks like he was right on.

    This is a developing story and we will update with details as we learn them,

    [h/t Engadget]

  • iPhone Coming to T-Mobile Next Week [RUMOR]

    I know. The rumors about the iPhone coming to T-Mobile have been flying around since the CES expo in January. However, every time the rumor popped up again, it got a little more specific. In May, T-Mobile began making changes to its network that were clearly the groundwork for nationwide 4G LTE, a prerequisite for carrying the iPhone. Last month, the rumor was that T-Mobile might announce the iPhone on its network by “early 2013.”

    Today, Fortune is reporting that a Merrill Lynch analyst has begun spreading the news that “speculation is heightening” of an iPhone announcement by T-Mobile. The speculation surrounds Deutche Telekom, T-Mobile USA’s parent company, announcing the big news at an analyst day next week on December 6. The analyst predicts that T-Mobile could sell around 4 million, increasing Apple revenue by around 1%.

    It’s clear that T-Mobile will eventually be getting the iPhone, though the timing is still up in the air. Ever since the carrier’s acquisition by AT&T was foiled by the U.S. Justice Department last year, T-Mobile has doubled-down on becoming a real competitor to Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. Though T-Mobile is still the fourth largest U.S. wireless carrier by subscriber numbers, its 4G LTE coverage is expanding rapidly and it’s recent merger with MetroPCS puts its subscriber numbers close to that of Sprint. The company has also appointed a new CEO and new CMO this fall, meaning the company’s direction and marketing are getting a fresh look.

  • T-Mobile Hires New Chief Marketing Officer

    T-Mobile Hires New Chief Marketing Officer

    T-Mobile announced this weekend that it has appointed Michael Sievert as the company’s new chief marketing officer. Sievert began his new position today.

    Sievert has 20 years of marketing experience with companies such as Clearwire, AT&T Wireless, Microsoft, IBM, and Procter & Gamble. He has twice been cited as one of the 35 most influential marketers in the U.S. by Advertising Age. Sievert was most recently the CEO of Discovery Bay Games, the maker of tablet gaming accessories such as the Atari Arcade peripheral for the iPad.

    Acting CMO Andrew Sherrard will resume his duties as senor vice president of marketing for T-Mobile’s contract business. Sherrard has been serving as acting CMO since spring 2012.

    “Mike is a unique creative genius, and his track record as a disruptive force in tech and telecom couldn’t be better suited to our plans to redefine wireless as America’s un-carrier,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile USA. “This is a critical and incredibly exciting time for T-Mobile as we race forward with our network modernization and LTE launch in 2013, ramp up investments in re-launching our brand, and begin to shake up the U.S. wireless market.”

    Since the proposed merger with AT&T was halted by the U.S. Justice Department last year, T-Mobile has been building out its 4G LTE network and positioning itself along with Sprint as a U.S. wireless carrier that offers truly unlimited data plans. Though T-Mobile is the fourth largest U.S. carrier in terms of subscribers, its recent merger with MetroPCS puts its subscriber number closer than ever to the third largest carrier, Sprint.

    (Image courtesy T-Mobile)

  • Samsung Galaxy Note II Finally Arrives In America Via T-Mobile

    Samsung Galaxy Note II Finally Arrives In America Via T-Mobile

    Samsung’s Galaxy Note, its interesting phone/tablet hybrid, met with mild success. Now it’s time for its successor to make an impact on the American smartphone market. Too bad it’s launching at a ridiculously high price on one of the smaller US carriers.

    The Galaxy Note II goes on sale today via T-Mobile for $369.99. Of course, that’s only if you subsidize it with a two-year contract. The unlocked price is $649.99. The device will be cheaper on Sprint as it launches tomorrow for $299 under contract on their network. Cult of Android reports that AT&T is just starting to take pre-orders while Verizon is MIA.

    If you have the money to throw at the device, you’ll be getting a pretty fantastic smartphone. The Galaxy Note II’s obvious main selling point is its large screen. It features a 5.5-inch AMOLED HD that blurs the line between smartphones and tablets. It’s powered by a quad-core 1.6GHz processor that runs Android 4.1. It also features 16GB of built-in memory with a MicroSD slot for further expansion.

    Consumers who do decide to go with T-Mobile will get a few exclusive perks. All T-Mobile Galaxy Note II devices will have access to an exclusive racing game. The title of the game is not listed, but free games are always nice. It also features support for T-Mobile’s AllShare Cast Wireless Hub accessory that allows users to stream content including movies and games to any HDMI-capable television.

    The Galaxy Note II is available in two colors – Marble White and Titanium Gray. Either way, you’re sure to be the envy of all your Apple loving friends.

  • Isis Mobile Wallet App is Available – For a Few

    Isis Mobile Wallet App is Available – For a Few

    Isis, the mobile wallet technology that AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have sunk millions of dollars into over the past year was delayed past its originally planned launch. This week, the service has finally launched – sort of.

    According to a Mobileburn report, the service is only available to a very specific few mobile subscribers. First, the app is only available to T-Mobile customers who have a Samsung Galaxy S III or Galaxy Relay 4G. Second, the app requires a special SIM card and the device must not be rooted. Of the subscribers who meet all of that criteria, only those living in Salt Lake City, Utah or Austin, Texas can get the app. These are the two cities in the Isis pilot program.

    The Isis mobile app is AT&T’s, Verizon’s, and T-Mobile’s answer to Google Wallet and PayPal mobile payments. The service will allow users to complete purchases at participating retailers using their smartphone.

    Though the iPhone 5 did not include NFC capabilities as expected, the mobile payment investments were already in place and multiple services (including one backed by Walmart and Target) will debut over the next year. T-Mobile’s parent company, Deutsche Telekom has been leading the push for mobile payment investment in Europe.

  • iPhone Could Finally be Coming to T-Mobile

    T-Mobile is now the only major U.S. wireless carrier that doesn’t carry the iPhone. It isn’t a coincidence that t’s also the only carrier that doesn’t have a nationwide 4G LTE network (its 4G is HSPA+) or that it is lagging behind the other three major carriers. This weeks’s news, if true, could put T-Mobile on-track to truly compete in the U.S. wireless market.

    CNET is reporting that a Morgan Stanley analyst predicts T-Mobile “could” announce iPhone distribution in “early 2013.” The analyst also said that such an announcement would mean one or two million more iPhone 5’s sold in the first quarter 2013.

    T-Mobile is already known to be developing iOS versions of its smartphone software. Last month T-Mobile launched an ad campaign urging customers to buy unlocked iPhones for full price and use them on its network. The company pointed out that T-Mobile’s less-expensive plans would save them money over time, though the upfront cost is high.

    Though Android phones have been gaining in popularity over the past few years, no single device can yet compete with the hype that surrounds the iPhone. Apple’s latest model of their smartphone, the iPhone 5, sold out its initial shipment of pre-orders in under one hour and analysts predict that Apple could sell as many as 250 million of the devices over the next few years.

    In the meantime, T-Mobile subscribers will have to be content with high-end Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy Note II, which is rumored to be coming to the carrier in one week. T-Mobile is also negotiating the purchase of a smaller U.S. carrier, MetroPCS, which will raise its subscriber numbers closer to the third largest U.S. carrier, Sprint.

  • T-Mobile Gets the Galaxy Note II on October 24 [RUMOR]

    T-Mobile Gets the Galaxy Note II on October 24 [RUMOR]

    It’s already known that Samsung will be releasing the Galaxy Note II on every major U.S. carrier, just like it did the Galaxy S III. If history serves a a preview, however, the actual launch date for the extra-large smartphone will be different for every carrier, as will the price and version availability. In other words, it will be a confusing mess.

    Today, the confusion kicks off as TmoNews reports that a leaked photo of a sales preview shows the Galaxy Note II as launching on October 24. The leaked pic also shows that the device will come in gray or white and that it will be running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean when it ships (with Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface running on top of it, no doubt).

    Though this is just a rumor, TmoNews points out that October 24 is the same day that Samsung has teased a big launch event for the Galaxy Note II in New York. Could it be that Samsung has learned from the messy Galaxy S III launch? Have they actually reigned in U.S. carriers, bringing them together for a coordinated, Apple-like product launch?

    The company does expect the Note II to sell over 20 million units, which is as much as the Galaxy S III has sold. Perhaps Samsung has their manufacturing pipelines in overdrive and is ready for a concerted launch effort for their newest (and largest) smartphone.

    (via BGR)

  • Nokia Lumia 810 Will be Exclusive For T-Mobile

    Last week it was announced that Nokia’s upcoming flagship Windows Phone 8 smartphone, the Lumia 920, will be an AT&T exclusive. While that announcement might have upset Windows Phone fans who aren’t subscribers to AT&T, today’s announcement from Nokia might give them renewed hope.

    Today, Nokia and T-Mobile jointly announced the Lumia 810 – a T-Mobile-exclusive version of the already announced Lumia 820. The specs for the Lumia 810 are nearly identical to those of the 820, which was announced alongside the Lumia 920 as a more value-priced option. If the Lumia 820 can be slightly modified and called an “exclusive,” then the same might happen for the Lumia 920 for Verizon or other carriers.

    “We’re providing our customers with a unique Windows Phone 8 experience by offering an exclusive device paired with our Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan and a comprehensive set of enhanced features,” said Andrew Morrison, vice president of product management at T-Mobile USA. “The Nokia Lumia 810 gives customers speedy 4G access to T-Mobile’s nationwide network and the content and features they want, whenever they need it. From navigation tools to an enhanced camera, the Lumia 810 provides a great value and a high-quality experience.”

    T-Mobile didn’t mention what the Lumia 810 will cost, though it almost certainly won’t cost as much as a Galaxy S III or other high-end smartphones. The company also didn’t specify exactly when it will be released, though it did say the device will be available “in the coming weeks.”

  • T-Mobile Merges With MetroPCS, Still Named T-Mobile

    T-Mobile is still considered one of the for major wireless carriers in the U.S., but it still has a lot of ground to make up if it hopes to catch up to AT&T and Verizon. The failed acquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T proved to actually be a $4 billion windfall for T-Mobile, and it used its newfound billions to begin upgrading its services. While its 4G LTE network is far behind its competitors’ networks, it, along with Sprint, now offer unlimited data plans as a means to compete with AT&T’s and Verizon’s expensive new shared plans.

    Today, T-Mobile parent company Deutsche Telekom and MetroPCS Communications announced that they have signed an agreement to combine T-Mobile and MetroPCS. The new company will retain the T-Mobile name and branding. The combined company will have an estimated 42.5 million subscribers, pulling T-Mobile closer to Sprint’s subscriber numbers, but still leaving it as the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the U.S.

    The agreement is structured as a recapitalization. MetroPCS will declare a 1 for 2 reverse stock split and make a cash payment of $1.5 billion to its shareholders, or about $4.09 per share before the reverse split. MetroPCS will then issue Deutsche Telekom 74% of its common stock, pro forma.

    T-Mobile estimates the combined company will take in around $24.8 billion in revenue in 2012. It also estimated it would bring in $6.3 billion in adjusted earnings, have $4.2 billion in capital expenditures, and have $2.1 billion of free cash flow in 2012.

    “We are extremely pleased to announce this transaction with MetroPCS, which enhances Deutsche Telekom’s position in the expanding U.S. wireless market,” said René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom. “The T-Mobile and MetroPCS brands are a great strategic fit – both operationally and culturally. The new company will be the value leader in wireless with the scale, spectrum, and financial and other resources to expand its geographic coverage, broaden choice among all types of customers and continue to innovate, especially around the next-generation LTE network. We are committed to creating a sustainable and financially viable national challenger in the U.S., and we believe this combination helps us deliver on that commitment.”

  • T-Mobile Sells Cell Tower Rights For $2.4 Billion

    T-Mobile and Crown Castle International announced today that they have inked an agreement regarding T-Mobile’s cellular network towers. Under the deal, Crown Castle will pay T-Mobile $2.4 billion and acquire the rights to around 7,200 T-Mobile towers for approximately 28 years. Crown Castle will have exclusive rights to lease and operate the towers during that time.

    “We are very pleased with our agreement with T-Mobile, which strengthens our position as the largest provider of shared wireless infrastructure in the US, which we believe is the largest, fastest growing and most profitable wireless market in the world,” said Ben Moreland, Crown Castle president and CEO. “Consistent with our focus on the top 100 US markets, the T-Mobile towers are similarly well-located, with 83% of the towers in the top 100 markets and 72% located in the top 50 markets. The T-Mobile assets are expected to provide significant growth driven by the continued demand for wireless data services, particularly in the most densely populated areas in the US. While this transaction increases our tower count by approximately 33%, the transaction consideration represents only approximately 9% of our enterprise value. Further, we expect the impact from the contemplated transaction and related expected debt financing to be accretive to our 2013 adjusted funds from operations per share and approximately 5% accretive to our long-term adjusted funds from operations per share.”

    The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2012. As Moreland mentioned, Crown Castle will finance the deal with cash on hand and with debt financing. The company is currently the largest wireless infrastructure operator in the U.S., operating around 30,000 towers.

    T-Mobile subscribers will be unaffected by today’s deal. The telecom company has committed to maintain its communications facilities on the Crown Castle towners for a minimun of 10 years.

    “We are pleased to reach this mutually beneficial agreement with Crown Castle and take another step closer to realizing the bold vision outlined in our ‘Challenger’ strategy to solidify our competitiveness in the industry by investing in areas where we anticipate the strongest return for our customers,” said John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile USA. “T-Mobile USA is working aggressively to make our 4G network stronger, faster and more dependable for consumers, and this transaction will support our ongoing $4 billion network modernization initiative that is the cornerstone of this effort as we work tirelessly to continue to deliver our amazing 4G services nationwide.”

  • T-Mobile USA Names John Legere CEO

    Deutsche Telekom just announced that John Legere will assume the role of CEO of T-Mobile USA.

    Legere, 54, succeeds Jim Alling, who has been serving as interim CEO since June. Legere will take over on September 22, and Alling will return to his role as T-Mobile’s COO.

    “John is a talented and proven executive who brings a successful track record of leading and operating consumer- and business-focused telecommunications and technology companies,” said Deutsche Telekom CEO René Obermann. “As T-Mobile moves forward with its strategic initiatives to improve its market position, including expanding its network coverage and initiating LTE service, John has obviously the right skillset to lead the business into the future. John’s experience in the telecommunication and technology industries at Global Crossing and Dell will enhance T-Mobile’s ability to deliver superior mobile experiences for our customers as the Company continues to strengthen its business. I am delighted to welcome John to T-Mobile and look forward to working with him to make T-Mobile a stronger competitor.”

    Legere has spent 32 years in the telecommunications and tech industries. He’s the former CEO of Global Crossing. Before that, he was CEO of Asia Global Crossing, a Microsoft, Softbank and Global Crossing joint venture. Before that, he was SVP at Dell, where he was President of the company’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region. Before that, Legere worked at AT&T in a variety of senior positions, including President of AT&T Asia, President of AT&T Solutions Outsourcing and head of global corporate strategy and business development.

    “I am thrilled to join T-Mobile and lead the Company at such a pivotal time,” said Legere. “T-Mobile is taking a number of significant steps to revitalize the business and I look forward to leading our team and partners to accelerate these efforts to become a force in our industry.”

    T-Mobile is the only major U.S. carrier not to get the iPhone 5.

  • T-Mobile Appoints John Legere as New CEO

    T-Mobile Appoints John Legere as New CEO

    Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile USA, announced today that John Legere has been appointed CEO of T-Mobile.

    “John is a talented and proven executive who brings a successful track record of leading and operating consumer- and business-focused telecommunications and technology companies,” said René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom. “As T-Mobile moves forward with its strategic initiatives to improve its market position, including expanding its network coverage and initiating LTE service, John has obviously the right skillset to lead the business into the future.”

    Legere is a former CEO of Global Crossing, a former worldwide networking services telecom company. He has also in the past served as CEO of Asia Global Crossing, and senior vice president of EMEA and Asia-Pacific operations at Dell.

    “I am thrilled to join T-Mobile and lead the Company at such a pivotal time,” said Legere. “T-Mobile is taking a number of significant steps to revitalize the business and I look forward to leading our team and partners to accelerate these efforts to become a force in our industry.”

    Both T-Mobile and Sprint are positioning themselves as low-cost alternatives to Verizon and AT&T. Both T-Mobile and Sprint now offer unlimited data plans, in contrast to the more expensive “shared” plans that AT&T and Verizon rolled out this year. Also, T-Mobile has just begun trying to convince Apple fans to buy T-Mobile is in the process of implementing its 4G LTE data network. It will be that last of the major U.S. carriers to have 4G LTE.

  • T-Mobile Trying to Lure Unlocked iPhone Users

    Poor T-Mobile stil isn’t getting the iPhone. This is most likely due to T-Mobile’s data network, which will not be compatible with the iPhone 5’s 4G LTE. While AT&T and Verizon celebrate the bonanza that is sure to be the iPhone 5, T-Mobile will be stuck selling less-popular Android and Windows Phones.

    Still, T-Mobile has a plan. The company is launching a campaign to lure iPhone users to its network by doing a little math for them. T-Mobile pointed out on its Issues & Insights Blog today that buying an unlocked iPhone 5 and bringing it to T-Mobile’s network will actually save money in the long run, compared to AT&T’s new shared plans. With T-Mobile’s new truly unlimited data plan, it really does seem to be a good deal – if customers can afford the upfront cost of an iPhone, that is.

    Starting on September 12 (the same day as the big iPhone 5 announcement), T-Mobile stores will have unlocked iPhone demo units for their sales people to demonstrate to customers how to set up their own iPhones on T-Mobile. In addition, T-Mobile announced it was developing iOS versions of software such as T-Mobile myAccount, T-Mobile Visual Voicemail, and T-Mobile TV. Select markets will also gain access to test incentive offers for iPhone owners.

    Unfortunately, T-Mobile’s 4G LTE service is not fully implemented yet. iPhone owners who go to the carrier will have to weigh how likely their city is to get LTE service soon. T-Mobile’s iPhone-compatible 4G HSPA+ service is already live in some cities across the U.S., though its speeds might not match those of 4G LTE.

  • Galaxy S Relay 4G To Ship In Coming Weeks

    Galaxy S Relay 4G To Ship In Coming Weeks

    T-Mobile unveiled the Galaxy S Relay 4G from Samsung on Thursday, the latest in the Samsung Galaxy line, which will be offered exclusively by the carrier.

    It’s powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and leverages T-Mobile’s 4G (HSPA+ 42) network. T-Mobile is really touting the business features of the phone.

    “The Galaxy S Relay 4G is also a SAFE (Samsung Approved for Enterprise)-designated device that offers a full portfolio of enterprise-ready features and capabilities,” says T-Mobile. “Samsung SAFE offers comprehensive IT Policy support for top-tier mobile device management (MDM) solutions, on-device AES-256 bit encryption, and enhanced support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, as well as integrated support for a range of virtual private network solutions.”

    It has a ful 5-row QWERTY keyboard and 1.5-GHz Dual-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 processor. T-Mobile says this enables business customers to quickly view and edit documents and share files. It has Wi-Fi Calling and support for Smartphone Mobile HotSpot for up to five devices (with a qualifying plan).

    It has a 4-inch, Super AMOLED screen, a 5-megapixel rear camera, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera and 720p HD camcorder (1280×720) resolution. It comes with T-Mobile TV in mobile HD2, which lets you watch live TV, as well as Samsung Media Hub for renting and buying movies and TV show.

    “Consumers are increasingly looking for a powerful device that makes it easy to integrate their busy work and personal lives,” said Andrew Morrison, vice president of product management, T-Mobile USA. “The Galaxy S Relay 4G is the perfect addition to T-Mobile’s popular Galaxy smartphone lineup, providing our customers with a reliable and business-centric Android experience — and the easy access to entertainment for which Galaxy devices are known.”

    The Galaxy S Relay 4G will be available nationwide at T-Mobile stores, and other select retailers (and at T-Mobile.com, of course) in the coming weeks.

  • T-Mobile’s Nationwide Unlimited 4G Data Plan Launches Today

    T-Mobile announced last month that they would be introducing an unlimited 4G data plan across the country to consumers tired of paying for tiered data from the big guys. It was supposed to be available on September 5 and T-Mobile has stayed true to their word.

    T-Mobile announced today that their Unlimited Nationwide 4G data plan is now available to customers at their stores or online. It should be a big boost to T-Mobile’s business after consumers have become increasingly fed up with Verizon and AT&T only increasing the prices of their plans.

    “Since our inception, we’ve always strived to shake up the industry with plans, network capabilities, and innovative products and services for our customers,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “Today’s release of our Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan continues our tradition of bold moves that enhance the customer experience and change the way wireless is done.”

    To convince people to make the switch, T-Mobile is offering a free (after rebate) HTC One S to all who sign a two-year contract. Offering a free HTC One S is a pretty tempting offer when you consider it’s one of the best Android handsets on the market. It will also be getting an upgrade to Jelly Bean later this year.

    Even with the offer of the free HTC One S, it doesn’t excuse the elephant in the room – no iPhone 5. The iPhone 4 and 4S were just recently made compatible with T-Mobile’s network, but that requires customers buy an unlocked iPhone at full price. Not being able to offer a subsidized iPhone 5 alongside their unlimited 4G plan might hurt T-Mobile in the long run.

    Regardless, T-Mobile has become a good guy of sorts among mobile carriers. Offering an unlimited 4G data plan only further cements that image. It still might not be enough to convince people to switch over from carriers that do offer the iPhone and will be selling the iPhone 5 day one.

  • Sprint Ad Skewers AT&T and Verizon Shared Plans

    Sprint Ad Skewers AT&T and Verizon Shared Plans

    When Verizon and AT&T switched their subscriptions to shared data plans, many customers were upset. The new plans offer a small “shared” pool of data that a variety of devices can use. Of course, subscribers have to pay a monthly fee for each device they want the privilege of using with the plan, making the shared plans more expensive for those who don’t have lots of devices.

    The Verizon plans even ended the grandfathered unlimited plans many subscribers had had for years. A Verizon spokesperson was awkwardly unable to explain how the new plans would help save customers money, as many of the company’s statements about the plans suggested.

    The plans are a clear example of the two largest wireless carriers in the U.S. raising the prices of their data access. It would be pretty evil if those companies had a monopoly on the wireless industry, but, luckily, they don’t. Sprint announced earlier this year that it would offer truly unlimited 4G data plans, and the company has followed through. It is the only company that currently offers such a plan, although T-Mobile has recently announced one as well.

    Now Sprint is doubling-down on its unique unlimited plans, creating an ad campaign to show just how silly the claims about the shared data plans are. In a new TV spot, Sprint features a family arguing about how their small pool of data should be divided up:

    Clearly the smaller players in the U.S. wireless market see an opportunity to use AT&T and Verizon’s new, more expensive plans against them. And it just might work, if Sprint and T-Mobile can roll out their 4G LTE networks in a competitive time frame. Sprint announced just this week that its 4G LTE network is now available in four more markets across the U.S.

    (via 9 to 5 Mac)

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Not Coming to T-Mobile

    Despite the lower prices the network offers for its plans and its soon-to-be unlimited data offerings, T-Mobile subscribers have always had to jump through hoops to get new iPhone models on the carrier’s network, if they could at all. Part of the reason for this is T-Mobile’s lack of a 4G LTE network, though the company is in the process of updating its infrastructure.

    Today, rumors began that the story will be no different for the iPhone 5, and that T-Mobile will not be getting the smartphone. TmoNews got hold of two screenshots of a field sales news memo meant for T-Mobile employees. The pictures insinuate that T-Mobile will not subsidize the iPhone 5 and that it might encourage customers with iPhones to switch.

    A section on employee training priorities for September includes a list of training beats for “Selling Against the iPhone.” The list includes the highlighted date September 21, which is very interesting considering that is the exact date currently rumored for the iPhone 5 release.

    The part about having iPhone customers switch is a bit more complicated. Starting today, T-Mobile stores will have new “Monthly4G SIM kits” that includes a micro SIM kit capable of making the iPhone 4 and 4S compatible with T-Mobile’s network. It could be T-Mobile’s plan to encourage customers to buy a full-priced, unlocked iPhone at an Apple store, then bring the phone to T-Mobile for its lower-priced plans.

    So, T-Mobile subscribers will have to continue not getting Apple’s cutting edge devices. Still, there are plenty of nice Android phones to choose from, and a couple of them will probably rival the iPhone 5 in terms of both hardware and features.

  • T-Mobile Announces Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data Plan

    T-Mobile Announces Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data Plan

    Unlimited data plans are a thing of the past. AT&T and Verizon still have a few users here and there on grandfathered plans, but they use every trick in the book to get them onto one of their tiered plans. It makes perfect business sense since the gatekeepers are allowed to charge whatever they want for paltry amounts of data. T-Mobile is looking to buck that trend.

    Completely going against current industry trends, T-Mobile announced today that they will begin offering unlimited 4G data to their customers. The company says the new plan is perfect for “both data-hungry customers who want to experience all their smartphones are capable of and those wanting the peace of mind of never having to keep track of their data usage.”

    “We’re big believers in customer-driven innovation, and our Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan is the answer to customers who are frustrated by the cost, complexity and congested networks of our competitors,” said Kevin McLaughlin, vice president, marketing, T-Mobile USA. “Consumers want the freedom of unlimited 4G data. Our bold move to be the only wireless carrier to offer an Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan reinforces our value leadership and capitalizes on the strength of our nationwide 4G network.”

    T-Mobile is opening the new unlimited plan to both new and existing customers. New customers need only buy a new phone and they’re set with the new plan. Existing customers will only need to upgrade to the unlimited 4G plan when it becomes available on September 5.

    Unlimited data is nice and all, but how much is it going to cost? Surprisingly, not much at all. T-Mobile says that a single line with the value voice and text plan combined with unlimited data will cost $69.99 a month. A classic voice and text plan with unlimited data will go for a bit more at $89.99 a month. It will obviously cost more for Family plans as the unlimited data will cost $20 per line on the value plan and $30 per line on the classic plan.

    I can see customers angry over Verizon’s and AT&T’s new data plans moving to T-Mobile, but only if the carrier gets better phones. For one, T-Mobile doesn’t carry the iPhone and their Android line-up is severely lacking. The only great Android phone they carry is the Samsung Galaxy S III whereas other popular Android products are exclusive to Verizon and AT&T.

    Regardless, it will be interesting to see how this announcement shakes up the mobile world. Will customers leave carriers like Verizon and AT&T for free unlimited data or will they put up with their current carriers for better phones? It’s a balancing act that consumers unfortunately have to play as carriers continue to evolve their plans for maximum profit.

  • Pissed Off Guy Vandalizes T-Mobile Store With A Fire Extinguisher

    I’m sure that we’ve all experienced the blood-boiling anger that can arise from dealings with mobile carriers. Whether it’s AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, some bad news about your data plan or your upgrade or your warranty has probably pushed you pretty close to the deep end.

    While most of us are able to control these unavoidable emotions for the most part, I guess it’s no surprise to find that someone just snapped.

    It’s unknown exactly what set off this guy in Machester. Poor customer service? Bath Salts? Whatever it was, the end result was a smashed up T-Mobile store, handcuffs, and a viral vid.

    The man’s level of calm is kind of amazing, considering the destructive powers of his actions. After methodically tearing down signs, ripping display models from the wall, and coating the store with extinguishing agent, he just sits down and accepts his fate. I guess when you’re mad an hell and just can’t take it anymore, you simply accept what has to be done – regardless of the consequences.

    Judging by the end of the video, at least the guy put on a hell of a show for a pretty big audience.

    [via reddit]