dslreports logo
 story category
T-Mobile Offers Four Lines, 10 GB, for $100

T-Mobile offered up a new deal on Monday that significantly undercuts most of the company's competitors, specifically Sprint and their Framily plans. According to an announcement posted by T-Mobile CEO John Legere, the company is now offering a Simple Choice plan at $100 a month that provides 10 GB of data over four lines -- the only catch being that each line is limited to 2.5 GB of data each before a specific user is throttled. The plan is aimed at similar plans by AT&T and Sprint that offer a similar 10 GB bucket of data starting at $160 or up.

Click for full size
Legere takes a direct shot at AT&T and their recent promotional offers in his blog post, effectively stating that AT&T is ripping off "hardworking families that could use that money for more important things":
quote:
So, here’s the math: AT&T’s “Best-Ever Pricing” four lines for $160 vs four lines for $100 with T-Mobile—with unlimited talk, text, and data plus up to 10 GB of LTE data on our data-strong network. Plus, their “Best-Ever” deal comes with a boatload of crap – domestic overages, international roaming fees, hidden device subsidy costs, and on and on.

It doesn’t take a genius, right? That’s $60 in your wallet every month for a family of four —or $1,440 over two years. What would your family or small business do with those savings?

It infuriates me that they’re selling this to hardworking families who could use that money for more important things. And they have the nerve to call it “Best-Ever Pricing.” I just couldn’t stand by without speaking up and calling them on their BS.
According to T-Mobile, this latest promotion will run through 2015.
view:
topics flat nest 
AmericanMan
Premium Member
join:2013-12-28
united state

AmericanMan

Premium Member

It's all about the coverage...

Just sent this to a co-worker who uses T-Mobile. They recently had to get a prepaid Verizon MVNO for use when he or someone from his family goes traveling.

T-Mobile works for them though, they use the T-Mobile when they are around the city, and whoever goes traveling takes the prepaid phone.
Chuck_IV
join:2003-11-18
Connecticut

Chuck_IV

Member

Re: It's all about the coverage...

That's the problem for me. This sounds great especially since my daughter has been pushing me to get her a cell phone. However, their coverage in my areas is total cr@p at 2G only and nothing better for miles, while Sprint(which I currently have), Verizon and AT&T have all been 4G for almost 2 years now.
Banger
join:2014-07-22
Sturgeon Bay, WI

Banger

Member

Re: It's all about the coverage...

I am a bit in the same boat. Where I live Sprint (and of course all the MVNO's), iUS Cellular, and Cellcom (Provider in Wisconsin) all work great (yes sprint works and is 4g, not the fastest in the world but defenetly respectable for day to day use). I use 2 of sprints MVNO's and they both work as suspected. Even 3g is somewhat decent at 2mbit for people like my grandma who uses republic wireless moto g.
elefante72
join:2010-12-03
East Amherst, NY

elefante72

Member

Re: It's all about the coverage...

I have a TMO hotspot that I use when traveling internationally and also has unlimited domestic.

The other vendors (T, VZW) charge like $200 per GB... Ironically it's pretty much useless in many areas of the US where I go (hence the Verizon LTE ipad which works practically everywhere). Sprint I don't bother.

Thus the problem...TMO is great IF you can get a signal and if you do, only voice is somewhat reliable.

I applaud them tho, but if Sprint chews them up the go from "game changer" to "basement dweller"

cb14
join:2013-02-04
Miami Beach, FL

cb14 to AmericanMan

Member

to AmericanMan
So what. I do this since years. A prepaid card costs me $ 107/year, and since I am on an old alltel plan which was half price compared to the current verizon plans I do not even use up all the minutes. And I have a back up phone for the case my TMO battery goes down etc.

hdwhit
@68.203.69.x

hdwhit to AmericanMan

Anon

to AmericanMan
I have a phone on T-Mobile and I face that same problem as well. There's one destination in Arkansas that we travel to regularly that has no T-Mobile signal, but that area is well covered by Verizon. The four or five times a year that I go there, I just stop at a Wal-Mart along the way and buy a Verizon burner phone for about $20 and that still would put me way ahead as far as price is concerned.

notthatmuchb
@75.161.35.x

-1 recommendation

notthatmuchb to AmericanMan

Anon

to AmericanMan
Coverage with VZ is better than with Tmo. I have both, one tmo phone and one VZ phone, and on the interstate in rural states, VZ will come into service about 5-8 percent more. In very rural areas though, both are of course, just really fancy time keepers(useless).

I honestly don't see myself paying another 30-40 dollars a month for service with VZ, as the tmo service will work 95% of the time I need it. To be honest, only once in the last 3 years with both phones, have I tried to call when I really needed to, and only had service with VZ....not so bad, and I saved about a thousand bucks over the last years in service fee's.

(VZ is a work phone, tmo is personal phone -- emergency wasn't too critical for most people, as I was calling the Game and Fish department about a young bull Elk that had obviously been disabled/hurt by traffic, and he was laying in the median of the highway, but wasn't able to stand because he most likely had broken hips/legs).

ctaranto
join:2011-12-14
MA

ctaranto

Member

Only 4?

What about us "poor slobs" who have 5 lines?

I went to the Tmo website, selected "Change Plan", and it claimed I was on the best plan possible.

Drat.
patt2k
join:2009-01-16

patt2k

Member

Re: Only 4?

said by ctaranto:

What about us "poor slobs" who have 5 lines?

I went to the Tmo website, selected "Change Plan", and it claimed I was on the best plan possible.

Drat.

This does not start til 30th.

ctaranto
join:2011-12-14
MA

ctaranto

Member

Re: Only 4?

Thanks. Stupid me believed "...the company is now offering..." when I read it above.

I clicked on the link to get the real details. Then the fine print. Appears this is a temporary promotion for users that currently have the 1GB plan on 4 lines, because that's what this will revert to when it's over. Hopefully our 5 line 1GB plan will have the same benefit come July 30.
ctaranto

ctaranto

Member

Re: Only 4?

The deal is for 5 lines as well. Chatted with a Tmo CSR and they changed my account to now have 2.5GB/line through 1/2/16 starting on my next billing cycle. Took no more than 5 minutes. I'm still astounded by the competence and pleasantry of Tmo CSRs.
BosstonesOwn
join:2002-12-15
Wakefield, MA

BosstonesOwn

Member

Awesome...

My only issue is I have 1 feature phone. And the lte data is wasted there... But this saves me yet another $60 a month.

Wonder if it's a contract plan.

AnonTmoUsr
@173.227.18.x

AnonTmoUsr

Anon

Re: Awesome...

There are no more contract plans for T-mo.
Acarney
join:2003-01-27
Richland, WA

Acarney

Member

Network

I'm just hoping tmobile can get their network straight within the next couple years and still offer a unlimited plan at $50/$60 a person (or some big family bundle) I don't mind being slowed down to like 3G speeds (or even a reliable ~120kbps) after a couple gigs IF the full speed data is fast LTE with a good footprint.

Recently drove from eastern Washington state to the OR coast and had LTE 90% of the travel down AND in Seaside, OR. Fake 4G a couple times but that was the slowest. I'm paying a boat load for AT&T but my data is as fast at 75mph on the highway, walking on the beach, or in downtown Portland as it is when I'm at home.
MaynardKrebs
We did it. We heaved Steve. Yipee.
Premium Member
join:2009-06-17

MaynardKrebs

Premium Member

It's a decent deal.....

...even if you use it just for voice - if T-Mobile's coverage area works for you.

It's perfect for those who need e-mail/txt & the occasional surf to check the weather, a flight time/status, etc.....

n2jtx
join:2001-01-13
Glen Head, NY

n2jtx

Member

Sprint?

I noticed that except for a passing shot at "Framily", he did not make any noise about Sprint (or Verizon for that matter). I wonder if he is just being careful with Sprint clamoring to take over his company and, in such a scenario, Sprint having a major dependence on Verizon's network for roaming.
SunnyD
join:2009-03-20
Madison, AL

SunnyD

Member

I wonder if this is a gambit to get people off Corp Discounts.

I'm currently paying that amount minus a corporate discount for 4 lines but capped at 1GB each. I'm wondering if the bigger data bucket is an attempt to whittle away at what is now the "legacy" corporate discount user.

josephf
join:2009-04-26

josephf

Member

Sprint Framily is the same pricing of $25/month/line

Sprint Framily, with seven lines, also come out to $25 per line for unlimited.

Plus they allow separate billing per line, so each user is responsible for their own and you can set this up with anyone, including non-family.

delusion_ftl
@172.56.40.x

delusion_ftl

Anon

Re: Sprint Framily is the same pricing of $25/month/line

The point is that the framily plans are 1GB per line with overages, and this offer is 2.5 GB per line, no overages and includes tethering, and only requires 4 lines to get to that point instead of 7.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList to josephf

Premium Member

to josephf
7 lines? my god
rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO

rradina

Member

Re: Sprint Framily is the same pricing of $25/month/line

As the poster mentioned, it's separate billing per line and the group of 7 don't have to be genetically or legally related. In other words, any 7 people can pool together and get this deal complete with separate billing.

IMO it's a great deal except it's on Sprint's network. My middle son had Sprint and in our area their 4G is/was provided by Clear. When he had a good connection, the service was good. Walk into a building and the coverage is gone -- not just 4G but entirely gone. At least in my area, Sprint's coverage isn't good despite their map showing otherwise. I'd only be interested at half this price because I'd only be able to use my phone half the time!

SysOp
join:2001-04-18
Atlanta, GA

SysOp

Member

Re: Sprint Framily is the same pricing of $25/month/line

The following fine print is shown during the Sprint commercial:

$30 max. savings
Separate bills per account
$0 down + $27.09/mo. for 24 months for well-qualified buyer with a Framily Plan. Limited Time Offer
Offer/coverage not avail. everywhere or for discounted phones. Excludes taxes, surcharges. Subject to new-line activation. $36 activ. fee, credit and deposit per line. $55/mo rate plan with discount range $5-$30 depending on number of friends in group. Knowledge of required group code allows others to join group. Phone offer req. service plan. $649.99 with 0% APR. If you cancel service, remaining balance on phone becomes due. Tab requires 2-yr agmt and data plan. Restrictions apply. See store or Sprint.com.
geonap
lolatidiots
join:2005-12-14
Los Angeles, CA

geonap

Member

fine print ?

Offer ends 9/30/14. Pricing for 4 lines only 2.5 GB data per line/month until 1/2/16; then 1GB data per line. Taxes & fees addit’l. Visit t-mobile.com for offer and coverage details.

Termites
@174.79.1.x

Termites

Anon

T-mobile

Here's what people have to Understand unlike the article which is totally incorrect,There's NO INTERNATIONAL DATA ROAMING Because you will be on T-mobiles network overseas.
also phone Roaming can be eliminated 100% if your family is on the T-mobile network already theres no charge or hidden fees calling to the USA from Europe,Unlike Verizon which through fees/Roaming charges as i found this out the hard way $175 in Data fees.. i bought a per-paid simcard for 50 Euro win win..
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA

Premium Member

For EDGE and no service?

No thanks.

SysOp
join:2001-04-18
Atlanta, GA

SysOp

Member

Re: For EDGE and no service?

said by BiggA:

No thanks.

Funny, I get lte coverage in the County, outside the city, in the suburbs near Earth. You need a new phone is all.

BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA

Premium Member

Re: For EDGE and no service?

I don't have T-Mobile, because I don't want EDGE and No service half the time. I've looked at the coverage maps, and big chunks of the areas that I am in regularly, between New York and Boston are EDGE or No Service. Pathetic.
78036364 (banned)
join:2014-05-06
USA

78036364 (banned) to SysOp

Member

to SysOp
said by SysOp:

Funny, I get lte coverage in the County, outside the city, in the suburbs near Earth. You need a new phone is all.

I live in the eastern US and you could draw a circle with a radius of 40 miles around my town and you wouldn't touch a T-Mobile signal. Low pricing an "unlimited" 4G data do no good if there isn't any service. T-Mobile might get that one day.
verta
join:2007-05-29
Tallahassee, FL

verta

Member

Good thing I only have 3 lines

... As this might be tempting. No one has mentioned yet, but this is a plan to eliminate unlimited plans. I have one, and it IS my broadband, cut that cord when I realized centurylink was awful and TMO coverage was fine for me. Not giving it up anytime soon.

Justsayin
@74.115.237.x

Justsayin

Anon

Sprints the best price but network still sux

I got my kid a new HTC one and put him on a Framily plan. Just paying over 50 bucks (with tax/fees) and he's the Only one on it so he gets unlimited everything. They couldn't put anymore people on my old employee/SERO plus accounts so I went with just one phone/plan. Last time I check, T-Mobile isn't a good choice if you venture out of your yard as its coverage isn't something to rave about. But then again, Sprints voice quality and network speed isn't either. However, I'm paying around 300.00 a month for 5 phones all with unlimited 'slow' data LOL.. and all but one has 500 anytime min, unlimited nights/weekends and mobile to mobile. One has PTT and I also have a free airave. Just sayin..

Torque
@74.115.237.x

Torque

Anon

But they don't have any good rugged phones

Sorry T-Mobile but you don't have any phones that can handle use outside. I spend lots of time outside and camping. My Torque has held up without as much as a scratch and has been underwater, in mud, ice/snow, operating in below zero temps, dropped/bounced off a couple of 2 story homes (once onto the driveway). Splashing water on a S4/5 isn't going to cut it as far as it being rugged.. So, when you have a decent heavy duty phone, you come back and see us now, you hear.

SysOp
join:2001-04-18
Atlanta, GA

1 edit

SysOp

Member

Re: But they don't have any good rugged phones

said by Torque :

...Sorry T-Mobile but you don't have any phones that can handle use outside...

»youtu.be/spO7ES02eDY

Actually, the Kyocera Hydro Xtrm LTE is made for use on Tmobile. My brother is a contractor and swears by this phone. Priced at most metropcs retailers for $69.99. No contract.

»business.t-mobile.com/ky ··· ss-phone
»www.metropcs.com/cell-ph ··· 023.html
tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Brooklyn, NY

tmc8080

Member

short memories

before tmobile bought metro pcs, metro had 4 lines unlimited for $100..
after tmobile bought metro pcs, they offer 4 lines with bucket data for $100...
maybe after another merger.. we can have 4 lines with 1gb shared for $400...

stop paying etf's and start the REAL competing on price that should have been done from the start after getting ATT's breakup money!!

•••••••••••••

dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ

dvd536

Premium Member

2.5 gigs

what a joke!

•••

kevinds
Premium Member
join:2003-05-01
Calgary, AB

kevinds

Premium Member

The fine print

Saw this on a commercial, fine print said 2.5 GB per line till a certain date, and then after that 1GB/month/line after another date, I think a year later

Sharing minimum of 2 lines, max of 4...

Which may be fine short term, but long term, much lower transfer allowed