T-Mobile USA to Carry iPhone Beginning April 12th, Using New 'Uncarrier' Payment Plan

[aneftp]

This is still not cheaper for many of us who have 4-5 lines with ATT/Verizon/Sprint especially you factor in discounts (I currently have 24% FAN with ATT).

And factor in the huge $400/per line subsidy we get from the carriers ever 20 months.

Just do the math. T-mobile's plans only make sense for those with 1-2 lines.

 

[howyoudoin]

Can anybody explain to me why not having a contract is a good idea for the average person (one who generally stays with the same carrier)? It seems like if you know you are going to stay with the same carrier, a contract is a good thing. The only way the Tmobile plan saves you money is if you keep a device longer than 2 years. But for most people, it is preferable to sell your device after your two years and have your upgrade paid for.

Within the two years, the costs for ATT vs Tmobile are very similar:

Unlimited talk/text/data for $90 a month for 2 years then $70 a month after? ATT and Verizon can't touch that.

 

[BlockEight88]

This is great news, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions.

1. What about the 32GB and 64GB iPhone 5? Is it just $100 more, or will they NOT be offering those models?
2. What about all the unlocked iPhones running on T-Mobile? That's not really fair all those customers don't get the native AWS support. The fact that I purchased an unlocked iPhone 5 directly from Apple and still can't use it on T-Mobile doesn't make me happy. I would still need to buy the T-Mobile iPhone.
3. The AWS inconsistencies!!! At least in my area, AT&T's HSPA+ seems more reliable. Using a T-Mobile branded HSPA+ device, I often found it jumping back and fourth to EDGE. The signal didn't seem very strong in buildings and EDGE always would pop up at the wrong time. So I hope the T-Mobile iPhone 5 doesn't jump back and fourth to EDGE.

I must say, the unlimited HSPA+ and LTE are making me drool. However, all the inconsistencies with T-Mobile's network make me wonder how the iPhone experience will compare to AT&T's.

:/

 

[SnowLeopard OSX]

It's about time.

 

[aneftp]

Unlimited talk/text/data for $90 a month for 2 years then $70 a month after? ATT and Verizon can't touch that.

For single line, yes. T-mobile new plans make sense.

But those on ATT/Verizon/Sprint have $400 per line subsidies ever 20 months plus corp discount. Those on 4-5 lines are better sticking with the post paid carriers.

 

[flux73]

Let's also not forget that T-mobile plans don't have any extra fees tacked on. When I was with AT&T, I had all these fees added onto my monthly bill. My $85 plan turned into almost $100 with added fees. With T-mobile, since it's prepaid, the $30 plan is $30. Not a penny more.

 

[abbstrack]

Yes but you need to pay $20/month for the iPhone as well so it costs $90/month until your iPhone is payed off, then it's $70/month.

But since I already own my iPhone 5 (I purchased it unlocked) this $20 charge should not apply to me, correct? So $70/month prepaid, no contract, unlimited everything?

 

[Haswell]

OK I know that the T-Mobile iPhone was JUST announced, but real quick, is there anything different about the T-Mobile iPhone the one that's currently out?

If not, since the Verizon iPhone is GSM unlocked out of the box. Is there any advantage to waiting until April 12th to buy the T-Mobile iPhone?

 

[howyoudoin]

But since I already own my iPhone 5 (I purchased it unlocked) this $20 charge should not apply to me, correct? So $70/month prepaid, no contract, unlimited everything?

That's correct, $70 a month if you already are bringing over a iphone (or bought a iphone outright from them)

 

[Am3r1ca16]

what's going to be the difference between a factory unlocked AT&T iPhone 5 and a T-Mobile iPhone 5?

What is AWS? im kind of confused.

I have a factory unlocked iPhone 4S on T-Mobile

 

[1984]

"Additionally, he noted that Apple added some new technology to T-Mobile’s iPhone 5 — it can now support LTE networks, HSPA+ 42 Mbps, and other HSPA networks.

That means T-Mobile’s iPhone will be far faster than the competition when outside of LTE coverage. In contrast, Verizon users get stuck with its slow 3G network when they drop off LTE".

Read more at http://venturebeat.com/2013/03/26/live-at-t-mobiles-uncarrier-event-in-nyc/#upH1Rwh2jguIoOhQ.99

 

[paul4339]

Can anybody explain to me why not having a contract is a good idea for the average person (one who generally stays with the same carrier)? It seems like if you know you are going to stay with the same carrier, a contract is a good thing. The only way the Tmobile plan saves you money is if you keep a device longer than 2 years. But for most people, it is preferable to sell your device after your two years and have your upgrade paid for.

Within the two years, the costs for ATT vs Tmobile are very similar:

Is it really $20/mo/device for text? I thought that was included in the base plan...

 

[pixelwix]

But since I already own my iPhone 5 (I purchased it unlocked) this $20 charge should not apply to me, correct? So $70/month prepaid, no contract, unlimited everything?

Correct... the plan is $70+ whatever device you by from tmobile. if you byod, then all you pay is $70 for unlimited..

I'm an employee, if you're thinking of getting the phone and after one month or so cancel, think again we have imei blocking in place to block phone that haven't been paid of from working on any gsm network in the us.

 

[Tiger8]

But since I already own my iPhone 5 (I purchased it unlocked) this $20 charge should not apply to me, correct? So $70/month prepaid, no contract, unlimited everything?

Yes. Prepaid.

 

[TallManNY]

Can anybody explain to me why not having a contract is a good idea for the average person (one who generally stays with the same carrier)? It seems like if you know you are going to stay with the same carrier, a contract is a good thing. The only way the Tmobile plan saves you money is if you keep a device longer than 2 years. But for most people, it is preferable to sell your device after your two years and have your upgrade paid for.

Within the two years, the costs for ATT vs Tmobile are very similar:

Yes, but what is your two year period doesn't end at a point convenient for a new phone? Lets say you know (or strongly suspect) the next iPhone that you want is coming out in two months. You won't take the upgrade then and you will hold off for a few months during which time you will pay a much higher rate. And if your phone becomes a three year phone because you love it so much and the OS updates are working for you, then you really don't do as well. Of course after two years under your normal plan you could switch as well, but it will be easier under T-Mobile to just default into a lower monthly bill once the phone is paid for.

Also being off contract allows you to negotiate for even lower deals from time to time. There are some really small cell service providers that are beating even T-Mobile's prices. You might decide later to payoff your phone and switch.

 

[jman240]

Some math for you. Looking at the base plans on each carrier you get...Also using the iPhone 5 16gb as the phone here since it's on every carrier and I have the numbers in front of me

Verizon
Phone up front cost = $199
Plan (cheapest I see is 2GB data) = $60 plus $40 for one device = $100
Over 2 years you get plan = $100 *24 = $2400
Plus the initial cost of the device = $2600

AT&T
Phone up front cost = $199
Plan (cheapest I see that's usable is 3GB data) = $30
plus $39 for 450 minutes and then $20 for texting
over 24 months $89.99*24 = $2159.76
Plus phone cost = $2358.76

Tmobile
Phone up front cost = $100
Pay off the phone over 24 months = $20 * 24 = $480
Total cost of phone = $580
For unlimited 3G data + 500m 4G its $50 a month * 24 = $1200
For unlimited 3G data + 2.5GB 4G its $60 a month * 24 = $1440
For unlimited 4G (the 4G is the diff) its $70 * 24 = $1680
So there's 3 options here over 24 months and they are
$1780, $2020, or unlimited everything with 4G $1680+$580 = $2260

 

[abbstrack]

He stated he wanted to bring over his unlocked iPhone 5 after he's done with his current contract. So yes he would be at $70 a month

Perfect! Now just hoping I can purchase one month of t-mobile for a trial before canceling my now month-to-month contract. If so I can push it to the max and see my results then make an informed decision.

 

[unlimitedx]

For single line, yes. T-mobile new plans make sense.

But those on ATT/Verizon/Sprint have $400 per line subsidies ever 20 months plus corp discount. Those on 4-5 lines are better sticking with the post paid carriers.

Post paid still makes sense if the scenario you described above. At least now we have choices (competition) This is all good for the wireless industry as a whole. People should really be rooting for tmobile regardless of which carrier you are with. It's a win win for consumers.

 

[jman240]

This is still not cheaper for many of us who have 4-5 lines with ATT/Verizon/Sprint especially you factor in discounts (I currently have 24% FAN with ATT).

And factor in the huge $400/per line subsidy we get from the carriers ever 20 months.

Just do the math. T-mobile's plans only make sense for those with 1-2 lines.

If you already own the devices you can get away with 5 lines from Tmob for $110 a month.

That gets you unlimited talk, text, and 3G data, as well as a sample of 500mb of 4G data. Seems a lot better to me.

 

[ravenvii]

Wow, so buying an iPhone outright OR via installments from T-Mobile is CHEAPER than buying it from Apple sans contract?

Apple: $649

T-Mobile: $99 + (20 * 24) = $579

How about that. T-Mobile is not ripping you off on the installments, at all.

Once my contract is up with AT&T, I'm gone.

 

[Tiger8]

Can anybody explain to me why not having a contract is a good idea for the average person (one who generally stays with the same carrier)? It seems like if you know you are going to stay with the same carrier, a contract is a good thing. The only way the Tmobile plan saves you money is if you keep a device longer than 2 years. But for most people, it is preferable to sell your device after your two years and have your upgrade paid for.

Within the two years, the costs for ATT vs Tmobile are very similar:

Your comparison is not accurate, you are comparing the unlimited data plan from T-Mobile to the capped data plan from AT&T.

 

[seecoolguy]

Let's see... $20/month (iPhone) + $50/month (base rate) + $20/month (unlimited data) = $90/month for one line.

I pay $100 for Verizon and 2GB of Data. I would rather pay $10 more a month for a far more grown out LTE network that Verizon offers. (even if T-Mobile offers unlimited data)

I have unlimited with AT&T and it sucks that at 3gb+ they begin throttling you, I bought my son a tmobile prepaid account and he burns up to 4gb with no throttling. the service works for him and my pocketbook. I plan on migrating to tmob as soon as the iPhone5S is ready.

 

[abbstrack]

Correct... the plan is $70+ whatever device you by from tmobile. if you byod, then all you pay is $70 for unlimited..

I'm an employee, if you're thinking of getting the phone and after one month or so cancel, think again we have imei blocking in place to block phone that haven't been paid of from working on any gsm network in the us.

I think I already know the answer, but to confirm this IMEI blocking does not apply To BYOD customers..correct?

 

[coolfactor]

I LOVE the fact that after you've paid the subsidy, YOU JUST PAY FOR SERVICE! I told the AT&T guy that I've been a customer 2 years, my subsidy was paid and that I wanted to see my rate drop. He just laughed.

Yup. Here in Canada, mobile contracts are 3 years, and the rate does not drop afterwards. It's criminal. Let's hope T-Mobile is successful in influencing the industry. At these lower rates, I think they have a good chance at doing just that. Their pricing plans are far more attractive and less threatening.

 

[iGrip]

This question has been lingering for a while.

Sign up with the payment plan, cancel 1 month later. obviously T-Mobile would expect you to either return the phone, or pay the full unsubsidized value (reduced by the amount already paid) of the device.

Isn't that a "contract" ?

Clearly, the financing plan is a contract. Likely it includes both a promissory note and a security agreement.

The monthly service is not a long term contract - it is month to month.

you surmise that T-Mob will not enter into the financing contract absent the monthly service. I'm not sure why you think that. Is it correct?