T-Mobile notes that the company now zero rates (exempts from usage caps) over 100 different video services under its Binge On program. A company press release notes that a number of new services have been added to T-Mobile's whitelist this week, including ABC, Apple Music, Disney, DISH Anywhere, FOX NOW and NAT GEO TV, along with CEEK VR, and D-PAN.TV. Under Binge on, large video providers are automatically exempted from usage caps, though video quality is reduced to 1.5 Mbps or 480p (or less).
Users can opt in or opt out of the program via either the company's website or phone short codes.
“Over 100 streaming services on board in just eight months and 765 MILLION hours of video streamed data-free so far. Binge On’s popularity with consumers and video providers is amazing!” T-Mobile CEO John Legere said of the expanded offerings. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – it’s all about listening to your customers and doing what they want! So glad Dumb and Dumber keep getting it wrong!," the CEO added, referring to AT&T and Verizon.
While the program has proven very popular with consumers, critics continue to ding Binge On for not only being a net neutrality violation (exempting 100 companies puts thousands more non-white-listed companies at a disadvantage) but
potentially exploitable. Still, the lure of "free stuff" has proven an alluring siren call for subscribers, many of which continue to flock to T-Mobile from other carriers.