T-Mobile, the fourth largest wireless provider in the U.S., is looking to shake things up by touting its LTE network, unveiling plans to stop subsidizing new phones, and striking a deal to start selling the iPhone. At its "UNcarrier" press event Tuesday, T-Mobile said that it will carry the iPhone 5 on April 12 nationwide, as well as the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S in select markets. Through its Simple Choice plan, T-Mobile is providing unlimited text, talk and Web minus the restrictive annual service contracts. "Stop the bullshit," T-Mobile CEO John Legere said, referring to the traditional subsidy model being pushed by Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. The 16GB iPhone 5 would be available for $99 upfront with 24 months of $20 payments on T-Mobile's no-contract wireless plans.
What Else You Need To Know
- T-Mobile's 4G LTE network was launched today in Baltimore, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Jose, and Washington DC and will expand over the coming months.
- The Simple Choice plans are available starting at $50 per month for individual users and include unlimited text messages, unlimited voice minutes, data tethering, and data plans that don't include overage fees, but are slowed down to 2G data speeds once you've hit your cap (500MB for $50 plan).
- On T-Mobile's new unsubsidized and no-contract plan, users have the option to pay full price up-front for a handset or spread the cost over 24 months with installment plans.
- Although it would be the last major carrier in the U.S. to offer the iPhone, T-Mobile notes that it would be the only U.S. carrier to offer high-fidelity voice transmissions with the iPhone 5.
Other sources
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