I wonder if the 12 month track record requirement applies to tmob users or any user on any carrier? I think that would make a difference. And different from the Sprint problem, because it does require a track record even if not a credit report.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
T-Mobile's 'Smartphone Equality' Program Ends Credit Score Requirement for Loyal Paying Customers
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I wonder if the 12 month track record requirement applies to tmob users or any user on any carrier? I think that would make a difference. And different from the Sprint problem, because it does require a track record even if not a credit report.
Having a 12 month track record of paying your cell phone bill on time is probably just as reliable of an indicator to T-mobile that someone will be a responsible customer as their credit rating is....perhaps even a better indicator. T-mobile only cares that the customer will pay his/her T-mobile bill...they don't really care if they manage their other finances correctly. This will help them add customers who might not be so great with money overall but who put priority on paying their phone bill. If the person is a total dud with finances, what are the chances that they will have paid on time for 12 months in a row?
With all the things T-Mobile has been doing lately it's too bad AT&T or Verizon don't feel the need to follow.
Yes they do.
It's a refreshing change and one that's paying off for them.
I love T-Mobile and have my iPhone and iPad service through them and always will.
There was someone within T-Mobile a few days ago that admitted that all these changes are just not sustainable for long. Something will have to give.
They take anyone who paid their bill on time twelve times in a row. That's their own credit check. It also encourages people who don't have much money to prioritise T-Mobile's bill ahead of other bills, because paying twelve months on time saves you money. And that's good for T-Mobile.
Well yea, just as if a stranger were to comes up to you to ask to borrow money. You would probably talk to his friends and family first to find out to see if he can be trusted. But you'd be much more willing to loan a friends the money, because they have already established "personal credit" with you.
At least T-mobile is trying to figure out another way to trust people, based on their action.
John Legere is actually the best "Rebel"-CEO in the mobile carrier world in my opinion. He has that cool approach to the younger customer generation and is like a breeze of fresh air in terms of new ideas, revamping the mobile provider business and strategy approach.
Too bad, that as cool it is in the US, its german Mothership called T-Mobile is actually a most conservative, slow-reacting and antediluvian "pink giant" with a disastrous service quality...
We could use a clone of Legere here in Germany to replace those pencil pushers currently in charge. The only thing they've done right was to allow him being the CEO of T-Mobile USA. But they had nothing to loose at that time back then, I guess...
Too bad, that as cool it is in the US, its german Mothership called T-Mobile is actually a most conservative, slow-reacting and antediluvian "pink giant" with a disastrous service quality...
We could use a clone of Legere here in Germany to replace those pencil pushers currently in charge. The only thing they've done right was to allow him being the CEO of T-Mobile USA. But they had nothing to loose at that time back then, I guess...
Last edited:
'Someone within T-Mobile' means absolutely nothing. Many people work for Apple but don't have a clue about the next product. There's still a astonishing amount of profit in T-Mobile's current plan. The reason people think it may not be sustainable is because it's much more different, and aggressive, than other carriers. Mobile data costs carriers very, very little. An inconceivably small amount compared to what consumers pay.
John Legere is amazing for cutting the BS and trying his best to make things easier, fairer and cheaper for consumers, but don't for one minute think it's unsustainable. They're still making mountains of profit.
In the video, this is what he says T-mobile's research shows.
"it's smart business.."
The fact that the 12 month track record also applies to pre-paid customers is a HUGE deal. T-mobile can use the lure of no interest iPhones to pull these customers into the post-paid world.
This is a (strange?) tactic to try to make the video feel "down home" and "authentic" and to make you believe it's not scripted with a huge production crew behind the cameras.
...it kinda works...I guess.
-Iamthinking
Nice post. The important thing you've noted is that things like coverage can't be improved. You see, carriers either start with lots of coverage, or none at all, and it stays that way for the rest of time.
I'm really, really pleased you've brought this to everybody's attention. If only we all shared your 'to hell with pushing innovative, long term solutions' attitude.
Just out of interest: were you ever RIM's CEO?
Only for people who live out in the country. Those of use in cities have great service.
(after making the video):
"Sir, we've noticed that most of the people with crappy credit don't pay their bills on time."
"Exactly, but we'll be nice to those that do to us."
"Sir, could we bring back the cute T-Mobile girl that rides the motorcycles and makes guys drool now?"
"We'll see."
You know what's a great way to avoid financial hardship? Don't buy stuff on credit. And don't try to tell me that the $7,000 per capita in credit card debt in this country is all truly necessary emergency expenses. The fact is that the common people are just as greedy as the rich. They're just too dumb to play the game well.
T-mobile is great. But if you roam from where they have good coverage, you will hate them with every fiber of your being. From my experience last summer, there are huge swaths of the Northeast (and I'm not talking about being in the sticks) where you get no signal.
So, you still have to have their service for 12 months.
By then, you would have some credit history already, so what is the point? Not to mention that you have to stick with no service for a whole year.
By then, you would have some credit history already, so what is the point? Not to mention that you have to stick with no service for a whole year.