All iPads T-Mobile offering iPad Air for $99 down and iPad Mini 2 $0 down; accepting trade-ins

[nolegirl]

I went to my local T-Mobile store in DC yesterday; and was made even more confused by the sales rep. She said that I could get the free 200 mb (which she assured me was barely anything and therefore I should opt for a higher plan). But then she said you had to have a plan, and the cheapest one was 500mb (at $10 a month). I then said, well, that wouldn't be free and she agreed.

So essentially, she didn't really know what was going on. I was hoping to go to the store and feel confident leaving that this was my plan for Friday, but now I am unsure.

She also wasn't certain they would have the Air's in stock on Friday--this is a large store in the middle of Washington, DC, so I might need to just chalk this up to the rep not really knowing much.

I am really enticed by this T-Mo offer but am weary to put my trust here where there is a lot of uncertainty.

You and me both. Even though they are just web articles, both articles I have read have said that you need to have some sort of plan (I believe the minimum was 500mb for $10, I thought it was $20) in order to qualify for the EIP. But their website says nothing of the sort. My guess is when it's time to order, that's when that choose-a-plan thing might pop up. Which is what I don't want and I don't want to waste time with TMO and risk not being able to get one, when I can just add one to my current ATT plan since I know up front what I will need to pay.
It would be nice to be able to get a solid answer. I'm sorry but those articles must have some sort of merit to them. They didn't just make the information up. It had to have come from somewhere, some source associated with TMO.

 

[EDH667]

You and me both. Even though they are just web articles, both articles I have read have said that you need to have some sort of plan (I believe the minimum was 500mb for $10, I thought it was $20) in order to qualify for the EIP. But their website says nothing of the sort. My guess is when it's time to order, that's when that choose-a-plan thing might pop up. Which is what I don't want and I don't want to waste time with TMO and risk not being able to get one, when I can just add one to my current ATT plan since I know up front what I will need to pay.
It would be nice to be able to get a solid answer. I'm sorry but those articles must have some sort of merit to them. They didn't just make the information up. It had to have come from somewhere, some source associated with TMO.

You do not need to pay any additional for the free data according to T-Mobile. I believe you just need to have an open account probably tied to a credit card in case you want to purchase additional data after the 200 MB are used. From the T-Mobile Q&A Page:

"Do I have to be on a plan or a contract in order to get the free data?
In order to get the 200 MB of free Starter Data, you need to have an active Mobile Internet account with T-Mobile.

If you are a postpaid customer, you’ll need to have an On Demand data plan at minimum which is $0/mo. if you are a voice customer (after $10 line credit).

If you are a prepaid customer, you’ll need to activate a prepaid account. You do not have to a purchase data pass in order to access your free Starter Data. T-Mobile does not require an annual service contract. "

 

[panzer06]

You and me both. Even though they are just web articles, both articles I have read have said that you need to have some sort of plan (I believe the minimum was 500mb for $10, I thought it was $20) in order to qualify for the EIP. But their website says nothing of the sort. My guess is when it's time to order, that's when that choose-a-plan thing might pop up. Which is what I don't want and I don't want to waste time with TMO and risk not being able to get one, when I can just add one to my current ATT plan since I know up front what I will need to pay.
It would be nice to be able to get a solid answer. I'm sorry but those articles must have some sort of merit to them. They didn't just make the information up. It had to have come from somewhere, some source associated with TMO.

The HP laptop I own came with the free 200MB data plan (24 months). The phone reps and store reps had no info on the plan and it could only be activated using the SIM that came with the laptop and only by inserting the SIM and disabling wifi so that the laptop could take you to the T-Mobile page to sign up. Once you fill out the info (name address (no credit card), etc) you get an e-mail that you free trial has begun and every month thereafter I've received an e-mail that a new month has begun. I've never gone over so it's never been an issue as to what would happen but I imagine once you maxed the 200MB it would pop up a browser and demand a refill.

Cheers,

 

[deeddawg]

From the T-Mobile Q&A Page

This is MacRumors, we thrive on rumors and speculation. How dare you go to the vendor's website for an actual answer!

Link: http://www.t-mobile.com/landing/free-mobile-internet-data.html

 

[rui no onna]

Which is what I don't want and I don't want to waste time with TMO and risk not being able to get one, when I can just add one to my current ATT plan since I know up front what I will need to pay.

AT&T also has the iPad available on the AT&T Next program (20-month 0% APR, $0-down, $0 activation fee) if the EIP is what you're interested in. Alternately, you can go with a traditional 2-year contract, and get a $100 discount off your iPad.

 

[nolegirl]

AT&T also has the iPad available on the AT&T Next program (20-month 0% APR, $0-down, $0 activation fee) if the EIP is what you're interested in. Alternately, you can go with a traditional 2-year contract, and get a $100 discount off your iPad.

Yeah, it looks like I'll be going with that. I just spoke to TMO and the rep just gave me the runaround. I asked specifically, for new customers are there any additional monthly fees that need to be paid in addition to the iPad EIP. She just simply said, "No, you do not have to be an existing customer to get the 200MB of free 4G data every month, for as long as you own your tablet and it’s connected to our network. But at this point, why wouldn’t you be?"

Did not answer my question at all...

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, it looks like I'll be going with that. I just spoke to TMO and the rep just gave me the runaround. I asked specifically, for new customers are there any additional monthly fees that need to be paid in addition to the iPad EIP. She just simply said, "No, you do not have to be an existing customer to get the 200MB of free 4G data every month, for as long as you own your tablet and it’s connected to our network. But at this point, why wouldn’t you be?"

Phone and store customer service reps tend to be less informed about their own plans, services and policies compared to your average internet geek.

 

[nolegirl]

Phone and store customer service reps tend to be less informed about their own plans, services and policies compared to your average internet geek.

That maybe true, but really it's a simple yes or no. ATT told me up front all I would have to pay, so I'm not surprised when I get the ipad. Someone else just asked the same question, and they were referred to the TMO iPad sign up page. Why is this such a hard question to answer?

 

[rui no onna]

That maybe true, but really it's a simple yes or no. ATT told me up front all I would have to pay, so I'm not surprised when I get the ipad. Someone else just asked the same question, and they were referred to the TMO iPad sign up page. Why is this such a hard question to answer?

Because it's a really new policy which was just announced last week. Highly doubt the reps have been given proper training regarding this new offer.

 

[nolegirl]

Because it's a really new policy which was just announced last week. Highly doubt the reps have been given proper training regarding this new offer.

True. But now I just read this from cnet (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57608908-94/t-mobiles-new-ipads-with-free-200mb-of-data-a-month-offered-at-$0-down/)

"As listed on Apple's site, T-Mobile will offer 200 megabytes of data for free to all tablet users, and people can pay up for more data in plans. For its customers, T-Mobile offers a $10 a month plan for 500MB of LTE data, which would be throttled down to the slower speed after. Non-T-Mobile customers can sign up for the same plan for $20 a month. There are also daily passes that include a $5 plan for 500 MB of 4G LTE data and $10 for 1 GB of data."

This is the third article, yet none if this is on their website. Basically, you have to sign up for a mobile internet account (their website does say this). The minimum amount is $20 for the 500mb. The 200mb is in addition to the 500mb (if you went with that plan). So, your total monthly payment will be more than the twenty six dollars.

And this was posted from someone who was chatting with a TMO rep who claimed that a plan was needed. (https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=9524...99852!4734&v=3&sff=1&authkey=!AG0Dq9xrdxGqkrA)

 

[nolegirl]

So, I just called again, and asked the same question to a new rep and this time I was told that they needed to run a credit check first to "see what I qualify for". I'm okay with the credit check if I decide to go through them, but why do I need a credit check just to get a question answered?

 

[EDH667]

So, I just called again, and asked the same question to a new rep and this time I was told that they needed to run a credit check first to "see what I qualify for". I'm okay with the credit check if I decide to go through them, but why do I need a credit check just to get a question answered?

Because they would run a credit check before they qualify you to purchase the iPad Air with no money down, 0% interest and monthly payments. Just like buying anything else on installment payments.

 

[nolegirl]

In case anyone is wondering why I'm being so doubtful and stubborn about this is because, I understand that this is TMO's attempt to get more customers to try out their network. But how are they making money on this? For people bringing in their own tablet, if all they need to do is buy a sim card and they can enjoy free data, albeit a small amount, at NO EXTRA COST why would anyone get a tablet from anywhere else? The other carriers would eventually have to stop selling tablets on their network or raise the cost even higher. How is TMO getting any profit from this? Att has the same plan, but charges an extra $10 per month to add it to your current plan.
Now for people with the EIP plan. If people could just walk in, get a new tablet, only to pay it off in, oh say, 6 months. They get to keep using the 200mb for life and after that's done, tether it to their phone on ATT or Verizon. Again, where is the profit for TMO? It's kind of like that whole ad you see about making $20/hr working from home. If it was real, everybody would be doing it. I'm not saying it's not real, I'm saying there is a little more to it, and they aren't advertising it. But the articles are. Not only that, but I haven't been able to get a straight yes or no from them. I would love to get this with TMO, but I want to know up front what I am getting and what I will be paying for. There's Nothing wrong with that.
Also, if there isn't a monthly plan with TMO to get this, why would the full price of the ipad/android tablet be due "if you cancel"? Cancel what?

 

[PBG4 Dude]

In case anyone is wondering why I'm being so doubtful and stubborn about this is because, I understand that this is TMO's attempt to get more customers to try out their network. But how are they making money on this? For people bringing in their own tablet, if all they need to do is buy a sim card and they can enjoy free data, albeit a small amount, at NO EXTRA COST why would anyone get a tablet from anywhere else? The other carriers would eventually have to stop selling tablets on their network or raise the cost even higher. How is TMO getting any profit from this? Att has the same plan, but charges an extra $10 per month to add it to your current plan.
Now for people with the EIP plan. If people could just walk in, get a new tablet, only to pay it off in, oh say, 6 months. They get to keep using the 200mb for life and after that's done, tether it to their phone on ATT or Verizon. Again, where is the profit for TMO? It's kind of like that whole ad you see about making $20/hr working from home. If it was real, everybody would be doing it. Also, if there isn't a monthly plan with TMO to get this, why would the full price of the ipad/android tablet be due "if you cancel"? Cancel what?

This is an offer to buy an iPad on installment plans, as long as you have an open account with t mobile. If you close your account (even a free one), the balance on your iPad becomes due.

 

[rui no onna]

"As listed on Apple's site, T-Mobile will offer 200 megabytes of data for free to all tablet users, and people can pay up for more data in plans. For its customers, T-Mobile offers a $10 a month plan for 500MB of LTE data, which would be throttled down to the slower speed after. Non-T-Mobile customers can sign up for the same plan for $20 a month. There are also daily passes that include a $5 plan for 500 MB of 4G LTE data and $10 for 1 GB of data."

All that says is if you want 500MB LTE, you have to pay $10 per month if you're already a T-Mobile customer (I presume voice) and $20 per month if you're on prepaid. You also have the option of daily and weekly passes.

Again, T-Mobile needs more customers and the 200MB free data is just a sampler if you will. It's like those loss leaders for retail stores. Once you're in the store, they can entice you to buy other products. T-Mobile's doing the same thing here to get more customers inside their stores so to speak.

 

[nolegirl]

So, after finally getting someone who could answer my question, this is what I got. This is my entire transcript. If she is in fact being truthful, she confirmed my suspicions as well as the details in the articles.

T-Mobile: We have received your information and will connect you with a T-Mobile Chat Specialist soon.
Elaine C: Hi K!
You: Hi.
Elaine C: Great to know that you want to have the tablet plan.
Elaine C: I can definitely assist you with this one.
Elaine C: I appreciate that you want to have our service for your data.
Elaine C: Let me verify on the $0 down payment.
Elaine C: Upon checking, the new promotion we have for the tablet is for trade in, K?
Elaine C: Is this the same information you are looking at right now?
You: No. I'm wanting to get a new tablet on the EIP.
Elaine C: Thanks for that information.
You: I Just want to know do I have to have a data plan in order to make monthly payments on the tablet, and get the free 200mb per month that you all are advertising.
Elaine C: Yes. That is right.
Elaine C: A data plan is required to be able to pay the tablet for installment, K.
You: So, my monthly cost would be the monthly cost of the EIP for 24 months, plus the monthly cost of a data plan?
Elaine C: That is correct.
You: What is your cheapest monthly data plan, if you don't mind?
Elaine C: The most affordable plan we have is for $20.
You: Ok. Great. So, if I were to get the new Ipad Air on 24 monthly payments of $26.32 per your press release, I would pay that in addition to the $20 per month for the data plan, but I would get the 200mb for free for a total estimated monthly cost of $56?
Elaine C: Would you like to activate the plan now, K?
Elaine C: That is right.
You: Got it! Thanks so much. I've already signed up to be notified when it's available so I'll order then.
Elaine C: Great!
Elaine C: We look forward to have you as one of our loyal customers.
Elaine C: Have I addressed all your concerns for today, K?
You: Yes. Thanks so much!
Elaine C: I'm happy I was able to assist you today. Have a nice day!

 

[isephmusic]

so you have to pay a data plan with is 500mb a mont for 20 bucks ? so u get 700 mb a month while paying ur installment on the iPad plus the data ?

if i am on tmobiles wall mart 30 $ everything plan do i have to pay the 20 or would i quality for the 10 $ add on. quote me please so i get notification. ty

 

[rui no onna]

So, after finally getting someone who could answer my question, this is what I got. This is my entire transcript. If she is in fact being truthful, she confirmed my suspicions as well as the details in the articles.

And I'm betting if you order online come Friday (with the automated system), you can get a T-Mobile iPad for the 24-month EIP with a $0 200MB Starter Data plan after a credit check.

 

[CEmajr]

In case anyone is wondering why I'm being so doubtful and stubborn about this is because, I understand that this is TMO's attempt to get more customers to try out their network. But how are they making money on this? For people bringing in their own tablet, if all they need to do is buy a sim card and they can enjoy free data, albeit a small amount, at NO EXTRA COST why would anyone get a tablet from anywhere else? The other carriers would eventually have to stop selling tablets on their network or raise the cost even higher. How is TMO getting any profit from this? Att has the same plan, but charges an extra $10 per month to add it to your current plan.
Now for people with the EIP plan. If people could just walk in, get a new tablet, only to pay it off in, oh say, 6 months. They get to keep using the 200mb for life and after that's done, tether it to their phone on ATT or Verizon. Again, where is the profit for TMO? It's kind of like that whole ad you see about making $20/hr working from home. If it was real, everybody would be doing it. I'm not saying it's not real, I'm saying there is a little more to it, and they aren't advertising it. But the articles are. Not only that, but I haven't been able to get a straight yes or no from them. I would love to get this with TMO, but I want to know up front what I am getting and what I will be paying for. There's Nothing wrong with that.
Also, if there isn't a monthly plan with TMO to get this, why would the full price of the ipad/android tablet be due "if you cancel"? Cancel what?

The remaining balance is due because the EIP plan is an interest free loan that they're giving you for that iPad. They're letting you walk out the door with it for $0/$99 with an agreement to pay the rest to them over 24 months. If you cancel your agreement with them then you have to pay whatever balance is left immediately.

There are a few reasons I can think of for them doing this:
- They are hoping that you exceed the 200MB and purchase more data from them
- They are using it to get people to try out their network and if it works well for them, hoping those users will consider switching to TMO since their smartphone plans trump the other 3 carriers
- Without counting tablets, Verizon has had slow growth and AT&T even had net subscriber loss last quarter. If TMO can steal their tablet subscribers by offering free data, it makes TMO subscribers numbers look really good and would greatly hurt the big 2.

So think of it as a loss leader of sorts to get one of those 3 things to happen. TMO uses high frequency AWS for their LTE so offering 200MB to iPad users for free won't harm their network very much.

 

[Julien]

So, after finally getting someone who could answer my question, this is what I got. This is my entire transcript. If she is in fact being truthful, she confirmed my suspicions as well as the details in the articles....
Elaine C: Would you like to activate the plan now, K?...

You are getting current data info for tablets. The new free data for tablet plans don't start until Friday and then you can get the free data. Not today. The agents simply don't have the upcoming info yet so they are just telling you what they have in front of them.

I'll bet $ to donuts it will be just what T-Mobile says it is. FREE

 

[nolegirl]

so you have to pay a data plan with is 500mb a mont for 20 bucks ? so u get 700 mb a month while paying ur installment on the iPad plus the data ?

if i am on tmobiles wall mart 30 $ everything plan do i have to pay the 20 or would i quality for the 10 $ add on. quote me please so i get notification. ty

I think yours would be $10 since you're a voice customer already.

----------

You are getting current info tablet. The new plans for tablets don't start until Friday and then you can get the free data. Not today.

And right after that I said I signed up to be notified when it will be available, which is Friday. I also mentioned the Air, which everyone knows isn't available until Friday. I just wanted to know if I need a data plan in order to qualify for the 200mb and the EIP. Per her words, yes you do. If she's lying great!

 

[isephmusic]

my 30$ plan is pre paid tho. do prepaid customers get the 10 $ or 20 $ addition fee ?

 

[protoxx]

my 30$ plan is pre paid tho. do prepaid customers get the 10 $ or 20 $ addition fee ?

I do not believe so. Just like you can't get the $5 off each line for additional lines on pre-paid.

 

[nostresshere]

Sadly, people are mixing the free 200 plan with the buying an ipad payment plan. Oh, and then to add to it, some are mixing in those that have regular phone service with T-Mo. And, don't forget those that are mixing in the fact they do not even sell these new fangled ipads, so most rules change when they come out. And change when the new data plan comes out on Nov 1st.

 

[eeore]

Ive got a line with Tmobile...Pay $50/m PLUS $20 for an iPhone 5.

Will I have to pay anything extra for this iPad Air? Can I just add it to my account?

I asked Tmobile, but they seem to not have a clue..."Nothing is certain until Nov 1"

I just want the iPad and free 200mB of data. I will hardly ever use the data since I connect to WIFI...