T-Mobile introduces “Smartphone Equality,” makes devices more accessible to low credit customers
This morning T-Mobile announced yet another Uncarrier change that it’s calling “Smartphone Equality.” The basic idea is, starting next week, any customer who makes 12 monthly payments without skipping any will qualify for the best pricing on devices, including $0 down with no interest or credit checks. In other words, T-Mobile is putting their customer relationships above credit scores, which is something that had been a major pain point for low-credit score customers at any carrier.
Perhaps the best part is that this applies to prepaid customers, too. According to CEO John Legere, this will lower the barrier for millions of Americans to get smartphones, which he says are anything but a luxury in today’s world:
It’s a lifeline. It’s your source of news and information, your compass and your map. It’s how you stay safe and stay connected to family and friends. It’s how you do your banking and how you find a job. In other words, it’s an absolute necessity. The smartphone has become critical to plugging in to economic opportunity and participating in the global conversation.
This is not a “First World problem” we’re solving today. It’s a critical issue when a handful of companies in a single industry can play gatekeeper to the Mobile Age − and shut out millions and millions of Americans.
Sounds good to me!
“Smartphone Equality” will officially start on January 25.
[T-Mobile]
