T-Mobile will offer truly unlimited, uncapped, unthrottled data starting September 5
Late last night, rumors started flying around that T-Mobile here in the US was preparing to launch truly unlimited data plans starting on September 5. Everyone knew that this would be huge news if it were true, as the only carrier of the big four to offer currently offer unlimited data is Sprint.
Well, T-Mobile has just announced that the rumors are indeed correct, and it will only cost a very reasonable $30/month for Classic Plan customers (postpaid customers who buy a subsidized device) or $20/month for Value Plan customers (postpaid customers who bring their own device, or buy a device with no subsidy). The only catch is that tethering is not allowed on this plan, either officially or unofficially – customers who wish to use the mobile hotspot feature on their phones will still be required to choose from a 5GB or 10GB option, instead.
Could this be the start of a trend back to unlimited data? Prepaid MVNOs have still continued to offer unlimited data, often with unknown, unadvertised caps, but if unlimited data seems to become the norm again among all carriers other than Verizon and AT&T, perhaps those two will start to feel the pressure and rethink their ways.
Additionally, T-Mobile has a much larger “4G” footprint than Sprint, even if T-Mobile’s 4G is in the form of HSPA+ instead of LTE or WiMAX. The prospect of unlimited data on an even larger 4G network than Sprint may entice some people to switch, so the pressure is now on Sprint even harder than it was before to improve its network.
Furthermore, T-Mobile’s new unlimited option will give iPhone users yet another way to get fast, unlimited data, so it’s possible that AT&T might feel some repercussions, too.
T-Mobile’s full press release appears below.
T-Mobile Unleashes Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data
Starting Sept. 5, T-Mobile will be the only carrier with a nationwide 4G network to offer unlimited nationwide 4G data
T-Mobile USA, Inc., today announced an industry first — a truly Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan. Featuring no data caps, speed limits or bill shock, as well as fast, dependable nationwide 4G coverage, T-Mobile’s new Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan offers the ultimate worry-free experience. The new plan is designed to satisfy 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.
Today’s smartphones offer amazing experiences, and consumers are increasingly relying on them for everything from navigation, entertainment and shopping to just staying connected. With the introduction of the Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, T-Mobile® is the only U.S. carrier to empower customers to do what they want, when they want, with their smartphones by making fast, nationwide 4G data accessible for everyone — without limits and at a great value.
“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.”
For customers seeking an unlimited experience on their smartphones, T-Mobile offers several ways for new and existing customers to take advantage of its Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan. New customers can purchase any smartphone in T-Mobile’s robust lineup of innovative devices or bring their own compatible smartphone and have access to a worry-free unlimited data experience on T-Mobile’s fast nationwide 4G network. Current T-Mobile customers on Classic or Value plans can simply upgrade their existing service by adding an Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan.
The Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan will cost $20 per month when added to a Value voice and text plan or $30 per month when added to a Classic voice and text plan. For example, a single line Value plan with unlimited talk and text combined with unlimited nationwide 4G data will cost $69.99 or a single line Classic plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited nationwide 4G data will cost $89.99.
Available starting Sept. 5, T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan will provide smartphone customers with uncompromised, dependable access to data on the blazing-fast speeds of T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G network. The Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan will be available at T-Mobile retail stores, on http://www.T-Mobile.com/unlimited-data-plan and through select dealers and national retail stores.
