CEO Confirms All iPads on T-Mobile Receive 200MB Free Data Each Month

[T-Will]

If you buy T-Mobile products at the Apple store do they do the 24 month financing or is that only if you buy directly from T-Mobile?

I didn't ask, but I don't think Apple offers the financing deal.

 

[iDave]

Tmobile has been doing everything the right way lately to grow their customer base. I will be buying the mini retina with them.

Yes, I can see them dominating the wireless industry in a few years, if they don't go broke in the process. I use their $30 per month pre-paid plan and though it's not perfect, I'll remain their customer as long as they keep going the way they are.

 

[bpcookson]

Tmobile has been doing everything the right way lately to grow their customer base. I will be buying the mini retina with them.

Everything except for informing their reps about the free data plan...

 

[aleXXXps]

I ordered mine this morning and am paying the monthly price of the iPad at $26.25 plus a $10 per month on demand data pass? The data definitely isn't free if you're a new T-Mobile customer.

 

[anthonymoody]

This is actually an ingenious way for T-Mobile to educate US customers on their data network. If both the coverage and speed are robust enough, it will help convince users to switch cellular carrier as well.

I will be getting iPad mini (retina) preloaded with T-Mobile SIM and if it works out, I may pay early termination and switch from AT&T to T-Mobile when iPhone 6 ships.

Yup. Ordered two 128GB TMo IPA's for the Mrs. and I, both currently ATT iPhone customers. Depending on our experience with the data coverage (they're about to light a new tower in my town) I will happily switch our phones over.

I didn't ask, but I don't think Apple offers the financing deal.

Correct. Apple does not offer the TMo financing plan.

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I wonder when we'll know whether that free international EDGE data thing they announced recently will work for free Air customers. That would be incredible.

 

[Lazy]

My Verizon iPad Air is currently connected to a T-Mobile 200MB/month free account. Made the mistake of buying the nano-SIM in person though. I didn't care about paying the 10 bucks, it was the 20 minutes of constant sell up while they 'programmed' my SIM.

Didn't need to use a credit card to buy the SIM, and didn't provide any payment details when I signed up for the 200MB plan.

I don't know. All I can say is I bought a Verizon Air which is now connected to T-Mobile. T-Mobile doesn't provide LTE in my area so I'm speed limited to the next step down.

Now that's interesting. I was in a Verizon store today inquiring about exactly this, i.e. are Verizon iPads locked, or can I use a GSM SIM in one. The rep said he'd have to check, and after a couple of minutes said all of their iPads (4th gen and Air) are locked. I wonder if that was a shameless lie or if they have some twisted definition of "locked".

Anyway, what exactly is it I need to buy at T-Mobile to take them up on their free 200MB? On their web site I see a "T-Mobile Data SIM Starter Kit - Nano SIM" for 99 cents. Is that all that's needed?

Thanks!

 

[RMo]

Now that's interesting. I was in a Verizon store today inquiring about exactly this, i.e. are Verizon iPads locked, or can I use a GSM SIM in one. The rep said he'd have to check, and after a couple of minutes said all of their iPads (4th gen and Air) are locked. I wonder if that was a shameless lie or if they have some twisted definition of "locked".

Well, it is either a lie or a twisted definition of "locked." No cellular iPad has ever been locked in the sense that it's tied to a specific carrier. However, before the iPad Air, they were effectively functional on only select carriers depending on which model you bought because they used different cellular chips in different models. The Verizon rep may still be under that impression and may be using "locked" to mean that.

However, Apple's suppliers have apparently figured out how to combine all of the relevant cellular capabilities into one chip now that is small enough to fit inside the iPad. Because of this, the Air is the same model across all US carriers. It's still not locked, but whether you can move it from one carrier to another (some like Verizon are hesitant to let unknown IMEIs on their network) is something people are still trying to figure out, though we know at least some moves are possible--and you'll see people reporting that they have, in fact, used a Verizion iPad Air with other carriers.

 

[pika2000]

Now that's interesting. I was in a Verizon store today inquiring about exactly this, i.e. are Verizon iPads locked, or can I use a GSM SIM in one. The rep said he'd have to check, and after a couple of minutes said all of their iPads (4th gen and Air) are locked. I wonder if that was a shameless lie or if they have some twisted definition of "locked".

Anyway, what exactly is it I need to buy at T-Mobile to take them up on their free 200MB? On their web site I see a "T-Mobile Data SIM Starter Kit - Nano SIM" for 99 cents. Is that all that's needed?

Thanks!

I have used my Verizon iPad 3 on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile without issues (obviously only at 3G speed on AT&T and T-Mobile). All iPad with cellular are unlocked. It's even better with the iPad Air as it supports all LTE bands around the world (only one model for everybody).

 

[Aetherhole]

I ordered mine this morning and am paying the monthly price of the iPad at $26.25 plus a $10 per month on demand data pass? The data definitely isn't free if you're a new T-Mobile customer.

I hope this doesn't sound rude, but did you not read the title article of the thread you are replying on?

Regardless, I'll answer anyway... the data is free. It's a mistake on T-Mobile's part currently, which the CEO stated in the article. It will all soon be rectified soon.

That said, I will probably be walking into my T-Mobile store and picking one up!

 

[Amazing Iceman]

200 MB is like a sip from a cup of coffee, but hey! it's better than nothing. it's free and good for all.

 

[T-Will]

200 MB is like a sip from a cup of coffee, but hey! it's better than nothing. it's free and good for all.

It's better than paying $15 for 250MB's (AT&T).

 

[Lubes]

I hope this doesn't sound rude, but did you not read the title article of the thread you are replying on?

Regardless, I'll answer anyway... the data is free. It's a mistake on T-Mobile's part currently, which the CEO stated in the article. It will all soon be rectified soon.

That said, I will probably be walking into my T-Mobile store and picking one up!

I got an e-mail from T-mobile this evening around 11:00EST. T-mobile stated that in order to receive the equipment installment plan (I.e. The $26 per month) you need to be a T-mobile existing user or pay an extra $10 a month for an active plan.

If you own your iPad outright, you get the 200MB per month for free. If you're on the payment plan with them, and the iPad is the only device, you're stuck paying an additional $10 a month to keep your plan active. T-mob quote below:

To be able to take advantage of the Equipment installment plan of EIP you would be to be on an eligible rate plan to qualify. So if you buy the device outright or have another voice line on the account you would be able to get the 200MB and EIP. But if this is a stand alone account you would need to have a plan active and as you have found those plans start at $10/month. I hope that answers the questions and I look forward to assisting you soon.

 

[xmit]

still says 10 bucks on their web site

So the CEO says no $10 for iPads. Does that include only new iPads or all iPads?

 

[AbyssImpact]

It is not free, you get a $10 credit after paying $10 a month. The credit is useless unless you are on T mobile's cell phone network.

 

[CEmajr]

This is going to be dangerous for AT&T. Tablet customers was the only thing keeping their numbers positive last quarter.

I have my iPad Mini on Verizon right now and it's only $10 but for 200MB of free data I might just sell it and get an iPad Mini Retina on T-Mobile

 

[xmit]

I just wanted to add my experience on this as well. My previous iPad was Wifi, but when I read about the free data on T-Mobile I decided to buy one of the cellular models instead.

I picked it up at the Apple store with in-store pickup option. I brought it home, and went to the cellular settings on the device. I tapped the sign-up button, filled out a form with name, address, phone, e-mail, etc. Never got asked for a credit card number at all. So in the end, I never had to directly deal with anyone at T-Mobile to set it up.

After finishing the sign up process, I got a confirmation e-mail and data worked just fine.

The only strange thing is the e-mail that I got:


(Real device number removed for obvious reasons)
I'm not sure if this means the free data was only for the first month, or if the post implies that it is ongoing.

The other thing that was unusual is that the terms of service you have to agree to is not adapted for this type of device. The majority of it was regarding stuff like service contracts and there was some stuff about 911 service, much was not applicable. There was nothing in the terms that made it sound like the deal was only for the first month, until I got the e-mail quoted above. So that part is still a bit confusing.

You will get the same email once a month telling you the plan has been renewed.

 

[9000]

I don't get it. 200MB free with any plan... so basically, all plans just have 200MB extra. What's the big deal?

EDIT: Wait, it's free for anyone, not even T-Mobile customers?? What?

 

[Capt T]

I just wanted to add my experience on this as well. My previous iPad was Wifi, but when I read about the free data on T-Mobile I decided to buy one of the cellular models instead.

I picked it up at the Apple store with in-store pickup option. I brought it home, and went to the cellular settings on the device. I tapped the sign-up button, filled out a form with name, address, phone, e-mail, etc. Never got asked for a credit card number at all. So in the end, I never had to directly deal with anyone at T-Mobile to set it up.

After finishing the sign up process, I got a confirmation e-mail and data worked just fine.

The only strange thing is the e-mail that I got:


(Real device number removed for obvious reasons)
I'm not sure if this means the free data was only for the first month, or if the post implies that it is ongoing.

The other thing that was unusual is that the terms of service you have to agree to is not adapted for this type of device. The majority of it was regarding stuff like service contracts and there was some stuff about 911 service, much was not applicable. There was nothing in the terms that made it sound like the deal was only for the first month, until I got the e-mail quoted above. So that part is still a bit confusing.

Same for me...

I believe the email is telling you when the 200mb is good until. Then the next month will start new, after that date with another 200mb. It was how virgin would put it for their pre paid mifi devices, when I used that in the past.

Could be wrong but would make sense.

 

[nostaws]

No you get throttled

No, the data is cut off. I read the fine print. After 200 MB data halted. They are running this differently than their cellphone plans. A bummer, but understandable.

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I didn't read it like that. If you buy your iPad outright, you don't have to pay $10. They charge $10 per month if you are doing the installment plan, and new to t-mobile because they don't want you to get a "free" tablet, and disappear. After the iPad is paid for, there wouldn't be a reason to keep charging the $10.

From their FAQ: "Customers who don’t currently have a line of service with T-Mobile and want $0 down interest free financing on the purchase of a new tablet will be required to pay $10 a month in order to reduce the risk of fraud. This $10 a month charge is not connected to the free data, rather it is a part of the financing package."

I got an e-mail from T-mobile this evening around 11:00EST. T-mobile stated that in order to receive the equipment installment plan (I.e. The $26 per month) you need to be a T-mobile existing user or pay an extra $10 a month for an active plan.

If you own your iPad outright, you get the 200MB per month for free. If you're on the payment plan with them, and the iPad is the only device, you're stuck paying an additional $10 a month to keep your plan active. T-mob quote below:

 

[Terrin]

I spoke to a tmobile rep and it's $10/month but you get a $10 discount for having a data plan so it's free.

I was wondering, could I take the sim out if my iPhone 5S and put it in the iPad and use my unlimited data?

No, but most of its plans have free tethering. So just turn on the hot spot feature in the iPhone, and that will let you use the phone's data plan on your iPad.

 

[goinskiing]

I ordered mine this morning and am paying the monthly price of the iPad at $26.25 plus a $10 per month on demand data pass? The data definitely isn't free if you're a new T-Mobile customer.

Just call and they'll get it sorted, it's definitely free. Mine came free and both reps were up to speed.

 

[MrXiro]

I ordered mine this morning and am paying the monthly price of the iPad at $26.25 plus a $10 per month on demand data pass? The data definitely isn't free if you're a new T-Mobile customer.

It's free if your ipad is paid in full or you get financing somewhere else like best buy. 18 month for AT&T ipad stuck a Tmo prepaid card I got for 99 cents online an boom free 200mb a month.

 

[goinskiing]

No, the data is cut off. I read the fine print. After 200 MB data halted. They are running this differently than their cellphone plans. A bummer, but understandable.

----------

I didn't read it like that. If you buy your iPad outright, you don't have to pay $10. They charge $10 per month if you are doing the installment plan, and new to t-mobile because they don't want you to get a "free" tablet, and disappear. After the iPad is paid for, there wouldn't be a reason to keep charging the $10.

From their FAQ: "Customers who don’t currently have a line of service with T-Mobile and want $0 down interest free financing on the purchase of a new tablet will be required to pay $10 a month in order to reduce the risk of fraud. This $10 a month charge is not connected to the free data, rather it is a part of the financing package."

This depends on credit worthiness. I indeed have free 200MB being new customer on the installment plan.

 

[jav6454]

200MB is a great offer. This is one plan that will keep T-Mobile on the map.

 

[elev8d]

Typing this on my new tmobile iPad air. Sign up was simple. No credit card info needed, 200 mb free no strings. SIM card is swappable with any domestic or international network supported by the lte bands, ie most major carriers in Europe and US
I use AT&T for my cell provider