T-Mobile Announces 'Boldest Moves': Jump, LTE, & More

[dgstorm]

T-Mobile just wrapped up their press event which they teased a few weeks ago. The promised to showcase their "boldest moves yet" and some of what they shared might just reflect that. Here's a breakdown of all of their announcements:

Jump: This is T-Mo's most exciting new offer. It's basically a new monthly add-on which offers unlimited upgrades up to twice per year, and also includes total protection against device malfunction, damage, loss or theft. This all comes for just $10 per month. The way it works is you basically can trade in your phone up to twice per year as long as it's an "eligible phone that's in good working condition." The payments left on your current Equipment Installment Program (EIP) will be wiped away, and you will simply continue paying the EIP payments for whichever new device you traded in for. If instead you are trading in because of damage or loss, the protection part kicks in and lets you pay a deductible and you can trade in for any new device you want. The new T-Mobile Jump program will be available starting Sunday on new EIP purchases.

Simple Choice Plan for All Families: This is basically a new family plan for families with credit issues. It's called the Simple Choice Plan and it offers families 4 lines with unlimited talk, text, and up to 500MB of high-speed data for only $100 per month (plus taxes & fees). The best part for some is that it doesn't require a credit check or annual service contract. T-Mobile shared that one in three families can't get "the best wireless rates" because of poor credit scores. This is a way for the company to remove the need for credit checks on family plans, but Individuals will still need to have a credit check run in order to sign up.

Rapidly expanding 4G LTE network: T-Mobile shared that their 4G LTE network has been expanding very quickly. The service apparently now reaches 157 million people across the U.S. live in 116 metropolitan areas. T-Mobile is on track to have 4G LTE network coverage for 200 million people in more than 200 metropolitan markets by the end of the year.
Obviously, their network still isn't quite as large as their competitors but for folks in major metro areas it's quickly becoming a decent alternative.

Expanding 4G LTE Device Lineup: To go along with their rapidly expanding 4G LTE network, T-Mo is also expanding the number of 4G LTE devices available on their network. This will include devices like the Sony Xperia Z and the Nokia Lumia 925.

Overall, it looks like T-Mo is working hard and coming up with some creative ideas to entice new customers to try them out. Here's the full press release below,

T-Mobile Announces Boldest Moves Yet as America’s Un-carrier
– Unveils JUMP!™ — a groundbreaking approach to more frequent phone upgrades

– Rapidly expands 4G LTE network to cover 157 million people in 116 metro areas

– Launches four-line family plan for $100 per month


NEW YORK — July 10, 2013 — T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) isn’t resting after turning the industry upside down with its “Un-carrier” approach to wireless earlier this year. It’s picking up the pace and continuing to revolutionize wireless for consumers.
At an event in New York today, America’s Un-carrier announced a groundbreaking new program, JUMP!™, which enables people to upgrade their phones when they want, up to twice a year as soon as six months from enrollment.

“At some point, big wireless companies made a decision for you that you should have to wait two years to get a new phone for a fair price. That’s 730 days of waiting. 730 days of watching new phones come out that you can’t have. Or having to live with a cracked screen or an outdated camera,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile US. “We say two years is just too long to wait. Today, we’re changing all that with the launch of JUMP! Now, customers never have to worry about being stuck with the wrong phone. And, yes — it’s really as good as it sounds.”

In addition to JUMP!, T-Mobile today announced a major expansion of its 4G LTE network to reach 157 million people in 116 metro areas across the United States. The company also unveiled a program enabling families to get four phone lines with unlimited talk, text and Web and up to 500MB of high-speed data for only $100 per month — with no credit check or annual service contract required.

Today’s news builds on months of momentum since T-Mobile announced a series of bold moves in March. The announcements included dramatically simplifying its lineup of consumer rate plans to one affordable plan for unlimited talk, text and Web on a nationwide network; eliminating the need for consumers to sign annual service contracts; and enabling customers to get popular smartphones whenever they want for amazingly low upfront pricing.

Since then, market data indicates the company has nearly tripled its flow of postpaid net-new customers from AT&T and shows T-Mobile gaining more net-new customers in May than each of the other major wireless carriers in New York; Los Angeles; Houston; the San Francisco Bay Area; Miami; San Diego; and Washington, D.C.

An Easy “JUMP” to Phone Upgrades
JUMP! from T-Mobile is designed to provide customers with total protection for one of their prized possessions: their smartphones. It offers the freedom to upgrade to a new device more affordably and protects against malfunction, damage, loss or theft — all for just $10 per month, per phone (plus taxes and fees). That’s just $2 more than most customers have been paying for handset protection alone.

Beginning Sunday, July 14, customers can choose to upgrade when they want, not when they’re told with JUMP! Here’s how it works: Customers can upgrade to a new phone, financed through T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Program (EIP), twice every 12 months after they’ve been in the JUMP! program for six months. Simply trade in an eligible T-Mobile phone in good working condition at a participating store location. Any remaining EIP payments will be eliminated, and current customers can purchase new phones for the same upfront pricing as new customers, with device financing and Simple Choice Plan, a no-annual-service contract. With JUMP!, current customers never pay more for their new phones than new customers.1

T-Mobile’s 4G LTE Network Rapidly Expanding

Having a great device means little without a fantastic network supporting it, so T-Mobile is also moving at incredible speed to make its already lightning-fast network even better and faster for customers.

Today, T-Mobile announced that its 4G LTE network now reaches 157 million people across the United States — far exceeding the company’s stated midyear goal of reaching 100 million people — and is live in 116 metropolitan areas.

Major metropolitan areas where T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network service has launched include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, and many others. The company debuted 4G LTE less than four months ago.

T-Mobile remains on target to deliver nationwide 4G LTE network coverage by the end of the year, reaching 200 million people in more than 200 metropolitan areas.

In addition, T-Mobile’s 4G HSPA+ network service is available to 228 million people nationwide. By combining 4G HSPA+ and LTE network technologies, T-Mobile can provide customers with a strong, seamless nationwide 4G network experience.

Launching Breakthrough Family Option with No Credit Checks
T-Mobile today is also extending its Un-carrier strategy to families by addressing a huge customer headache: being denied premium family-plan rates because of less-than-premium credit.

Beginning July 14, families can get four Simple Choice Plan lines with unlimited talk, text and Web and up to 500MB of high-speed data for only $100 per month (plus taxes and fees) — no credit check and no annual service contract required.

An average of one in three consumers who apply for wireless service do not have strong enough credit to qualify for the best wireless rates, according to industry data. Other customers prefer to avoid the hassle of a credit check. As a result, these customers may forego service from a top provider or purchase several prepaid lines.

But with T-Mobile, all families can now access a great multi-line deal with no credit check. Simply put down a deposit (roughly equivalent to one month’s bill) to get the same incredible multi-line rates and network experience as other customers.

The Simple Choice Plan has been wildly popular with families since its introduction in March. About 80 percent of customers who have signed up for the plan have opted for multiple lines.

Continues to Expand 4G LTE Device Lineup
T-Mobile also is quickly growing its premium lineup of 4G LTE-capable devices. Today, the company announced pricing and availability for three new devices, bringing its portfolio to nine 4G LTE-capable smartphones. The new devices include the following:

· Xperia® Z from Sony. T-Mobile will be the exclusive U.S. wireless company to offer Sony’s flagship water-resistant Android™-powered smartphone to customers this summer.2 The Xperia Z will be available for $99.99 down, with 24 equal monthly device payments of $20 for well-qualified buyers for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at Cell Phones | 4G Phones | iPhone and Android Phones | T-Mobile starting July 17. On July 16, customers can also pre-order the device online from the same website and receive a free Sony Wireless Bluetooth Speaker gift with purchase (while supplies last). Customers may also purchase the device beginning today at any of the 38 U.S. Sony Store locations, including the flagship store in New York, or online at Sony Android Waterproof Smartphone | Xperia Z for T-Mobile | C6606PL | Sony USA and will be eligible to receive the free Sony speaker as a gift with purchase (while supplies last).

· Nokia Lumia 925. Also starting July 17, T-Mobile’s first 4G LTE Windows Phone will be available for $49.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $20 for well-qualified buyers for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at Cell Phones | 4G Phones | iPhone and Android Phones | T-Mobile.

· Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 2 10.1. T-Mobile will provide current Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.0 users with an over-the-air software update that will enable customers to take advantage of T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network in the coming weeks. Well-qualified customers may also purchase the device with the 4G LTE capability for $99.99 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $15 for 0 percent APR on approved credit3 through T-Mobile retail stores and select retailers, as well as online at Cell Phones | 4G Phones | iPhone and Android Phones | T-Mobile today.

JUMP! may not be available in all locations. See your sales associate at participating T-Mobile retail stores, or go to Cell Phones | 4G Phones | iPhone and Android Phones | T-Mobile for details.

For more information, fact sheets, artwork and other collateral materials, see T-Mobile's Un-carrier 2.0 Event - T-Mobile US, Inc..


1 Device pricing may vary based on approved credit.

2 As of Feb. 4, 2013, outside of Japan there are no smartphones with a waterproof rating higher than the Sony Xperia Z/ZL. For more information on Strategy Analytics results, go to http//:Sony claims - tested true - Sony Smartphones (Global UK English).

3 If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone becomes due. Not available in Washington, D.C.

 

[smalltowngirl13]

It looks like they want to be considered as a serious player in the ever changing game of cellular companies.

 

[pc747]

My thoughts (as I posted elsewhere):

T-mobile is making some waves in the industry offering plans and options that are hassle free and customer friendly. Who do not listen to all that they offer and think "man I am ready to jump ship". The CEO in the beginning said the main reason people have not switched was because they are stuck in a contract but toward the end some one asked the question that is on a lot of our minds and that is the fast LTE in one area and edge less than a block over. That is the achilles heel for T-mobile right now and they know it as they tried to spin it and talk about the drop off speed with sprint from LTE. But the big reason people are reluctant to switch from AT&T or Verizon is that. We buy these super high speed devices because we want speed and nothing frustrates us more than watching a movie and seeing buffering because we lost 4g (which with AT&T I rarely have ...only place I have the issue is at this movie theater in town every where else is strong lte). I see T-mobile getting a large base of their customers from sprint or those who were already a part of Metro. As far as the people leaving AT&T or Verizon will depend on the coverage strength. Where Vzw has a leg up on ATT is they use a different technology where ATT customers can grab a T-mobile sim card and "test" the waters before making the jump.

 

[cereal killer]

Heck, if their LTE network has some good speeds AND reliable I may just give them a look in 2 years.

 

[rakumiazuri]

I made the jump to T-mobile. The 4g is kinda flaky, but it works really well. The indoor penetration is kinda weak, but I'm in government buildings all day.

 

[jamjr74]

I've been wondering if these T-Mobile moves are really as good as everyone thinks. Seems like it may be just smoke and mirrors when u actually break down the cost. Hmmm

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[trestevenson]

My contract is up towards the end of this year. If T-mobile has nationwide 4G by then, there's a very good chance I'm jumping ship! I'll be monitoring the situation closely these next few months.

 

[Xfactorx316]

They are really impressing me. With the money I save by switching to T-mobile I would gladly enroll in jump. Too bad my friends still complain about slow speeds around me. I think my contract is up next year. Hopefully they'll have everything I need by then!