T-Mobile

T-Mobile moved more tablets on iPad Air launch day than entire last quarter

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 4, 2017

Earlier this morning, T-Mobile filed its September quarter earnings and announced selling 540,000 iPhones amid iPhone 5s shortages, representing fifteen percent of T-Mobile’s prepaid and MetroPCS-branded devices sold. During an earnings call with Wall Street investors, company executives dropped another interesting factoid: just on the iPad Air launch day this past Friday, the Deutsche Telekom-owned carrier has managed to move more tablets than it'd done throughout the entirety of the prior quarter.

It's an ambiguous data point which doesn't reveal much in terms of numbers, nor does it tell us which specific tablet brands moved the needle on the iPad Air launch day. However, it jibes with claims made by other carriers such as AT&T, which yesterday said its Apple tablet activations over the iPad Air launch weekend tripled compared to last Fall’s launch...

T-Mobile sold 540,000 iPhones in Q3, representing 15% of branded devices

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 4, 2017

T-Mobile USA, the nation's fourth-largest wireless carrier, has sold 540,000 iPhones during the September quarter, comprising between ten and fifteen percent of the telco's total 5.6 million smartphones sold, which includes T-Mobile's prepaid and MetroPCS-branded devices.

By comparison, the #3 Sprint typically reports iPhone sales comprising as much as 25 percent of all smartphone sold.

For example, Sprint said it sold 1.4 million iPhones during the third quarter of 2013, 40 percent of which went to new customers, versus the five million total smartphones sold...

T-Mobile clears up the confusion around no-interest iPad financing and free 200MB data

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

T-Mobile has caused quite a stir announcing carrying the new iPads with no downpayment, especially the promise of 200MB of free LTE data for life for those who opt for cellular models, as long as they remain customers.

Our own Jeff Benjamin praised T-Mobile's un-carrier move, noting no other U.S. wireless company has offered free data to iPad users.

The controversy was born after some customers complained that T-Mobile reps told them they couldn't claim 200MB worth of free monthly data unless they were paying phone customers. Otherwise, it's a $10 a month On Demand plan charge and T-Mobile CEO John Legere calling it an “executional mistake” didn't help.

So, what exactly is going on here? Is the 200MB free tier a bait and switch or a legitimate offer, with some strings attached? We lay it all out for you right after the break...

After fixing its mistake, T-Mobile’s free tablet data is a great deal

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Yesterday I wrote a post going at T-Mobile pretty hard after it appeared to do the 'ol bait and switch on its free 200MB/month data claims. I wasn't alone. Numerous customers complained that T-Mobile reps were insisting that they sign up for a monthly plan in order to take advantage of the free data offer.

As it turns out, that was a mistake; a costly one as far as overall perception goes, but nonetheless a mistake. T-Mobile's CEO clarified things yesterday via Twitter, and the company appeared to iron out any miscommunication between corporate and those on the front lines.

I'm very happy about this. Not so much due to the free data — everyone knows that 200MB on an LTE network is the equivalent to raving about skiing down a 10 foot slope — yes you went down fast, but it didn't last very long. I'm happy because T-Mobile owned up to its mistake, and did what it said it'd do.

T-Mobile CEO claims $10 charge for “free” tablet data was a mistake

Jeff Benjamin ∙ November 1, 2013

I gave T-Mobile a lot of props this past week for truly trying to break the mold and do something that no other carrier has done — offering free data to iPad users. I probably should have just kept my mouth shut until I was able to put its claims to the test.

That's because When I walked into a T-Mobile store this morning, the reps told me that I needed to either be a paying phone customer, or pay $10 a month to claim my 200MB worth a free data. While I don't blame T-Mobile for wanting to make money, this was the exact opposite of its "no strings attached" claims on its website and in the press.

This wasn't just a one off. Every single T-Mobile store that I called this morning reiterated the idea that I needed to be a paying customer. All of them said the exact same thing, making it evident that it had to be a company line.

John Legere, T-Mobile's CEO, stated via Twitter that it was an "executional mistake." But how can a mistake be so pervasive throughout the company, unless some of its leaders were pushing the idea?

I’ve decided to get an iPad Air

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

If you've been listening to Let's Talk Jailbreak, you know that I've been going through a bit of a metamorphosis as of late. I've gotten rid of a lot of excess in the name of simplifying and streamlining my life. Sebastien and Cody like to make fun of me because of that, but it is deserved when you consider how I've waffled back and forth.

My 64GB iPad mini was one of the casualties of my downsizing efforts. I convinced myself that owning just one iOS device made life a lot simpler. I still believe that managing multiple devices is a bit of a pain, but I've decided to go ahead and take the plunge again.

T-Mobile to sell 16GB iPads with no downpayment

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 4, 2016

Piggy-backing on Tuesday's unveiling of the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display, the agile T-Mobile USA immediately tweeted out they'll be carrying cellular models with a free 200MB plan. Today, the Deutsche Telekom-owned carrier, the nation's fourth-largest, has shed more light on its iPad strategy.

Your key takeaway: there will be no downpayment for those in the market for a cellular iPad Air or Retina iPad mini variant. However, the no-downpayment bait applies only to the entry-level models with sixteen gigabytes of storage. The full breakdown of T-Mobile's UnCarrier offering is right below...

T-Mobile to carry cellular models of new iPads with free 200MB plan

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Wow, just when you thought T-Mobile couldn't get any crazier, it goes and does something like this. As CEO John Leger hinted last week, the [un-]carrier has finally landed Apple's iPad, but there's a big twist.

Apparently, T-Mobile will be offering an entry-level data package with 200 MB free of charge alongside the tablet. And of course, higher-limit packages will be available too, starting at $30/month for 2.5 GB...

JD Power: Apple leads in satisfaction on AT&T/Verizon, Samsung on Sprint/T-Mobile

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

When it comes to smartphone satisfaction, carriers are key. That's the central finding of J.D. Power, which Thursday released its latest study indicating Apple and Samsung lead in satisfaction across all four major U.S. providers.

When it comes to the iPhone, customers of long-time Apple partners Verizon and AT&T love the Cupertino, Cupertino, company's smartphone lineup, more than any other smartphone brand.

As for South Korean Samsung, Sprint customers report are most satisfied by the Galaxy family of smartphones. Which U.S. carriers do the best job supporting smartphones? According to the study, AT&T and Sprint report the greatest satisfaction, followed by T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless...

Tweet from T-Mobile CEO suggests carrier will carry new iPads

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

While we feel like we have a pretty good idea of what to expect in regards to Apple's new iPads it's going to announce next week, there are a few things we still don't know—like when and where the tablets will be available.

But we may have gained some insight on the latter question today. T-Mobile's outspoken CEO John Legere tweeted out a link to an article on Apple's upcoming keynote this afternoon, and indicated he's excited for the event...

T-Mobile launches 2G data roaming in 100+ countries at no extra charge

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Adamant to change the way the world uses their phones, Deutsche Telekom-owned U.S. wireless carrier, T-Mobile USA, on Thursday announced that it will make available cellular data service in over a hundred countries around the world, at no extra charge. It's no secret the industry's been charging huge fees for data roaming. "What's most surprising is that no one's called them out," T-Mobile's boss remarked unapologetically.

Indeed, the telco's deal represents a significant departure from the exorbitant roaming fees wireless carriers typically impose and is a positive step toward providing global data coverage on fair and reasonable terms. The only drawback: only T-Mobile's slow 2G data service is included in the promotion...

T-Mobile offering unlimited texting and 2G data in 100 countries

Cody Lee ∙ October 10, 2013

T-Mobile announced some major changes to its 'Un-carrier' smartphone plans last night. In addition to unlimited texting and data here in the US, the provider is now offering free unlimited texting and 2G data in 100 major countries.

"There’s just so many pieces of data that suggest to us this is a huge issue and pain point," says T-Mobile CEO John Legere. Legere notes that over 40% of customers turn off their phones while overseas in an effort to avoid high charges...