T-Mobile US#Marketing

{{Short description|American telecommunications company}}

{{for-multi|the associated brand owned by Deutsche Telekom|T-Mobile (brand)|other uses|T-Mobile}}

{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}

{{Infobox company

| name = T-Mobile US, Inc.

| logo = T-Mobile US Logo 2022 RGB Magenta on Transparent.svg

| image = T-Mobile Headquarters in Bellevue, WA.jpg

| image_upright = 1.2

| image_caption = Headquarters in Bellevue, Washington

| former_name = VoiceStream Wireless

| type = Public

| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NASDAQ|TMUS}}|Nasdaq-100 component|S&P 100 component|S&P 500 component}}

| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|US8725901040}}

| industry = Telecommunications

| foundation = {{start date and age|1994}} (as VoiceStream Wireless)

| founder = John W. Stanton

| hq_location_city = Bellevue, Washington

| hq_location_country = United States

| locations = 20,100

| area_served = United States

| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Timotheus Höttges (chairman)|Mike Sievert (president and CEO)}}

| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|81.4 billion|link=yes}} (2024)

| operating_income = {{increase}} {{US$|18 billion}} (2024)

| net_income = {{increase}} {{US$|11.3 billion}} (2024)

| assets = {{increase}} {{US$|208 billion}} (2024)

| equity = {{decrease}} {{US$|61.7 billion}} (2024)

| num_employees = {{circa|70,000}} (2024)

| owner = Deutsche Telekom (51%)

| subsid = Metro by T-Mobile
Assurance Wireless
Ultra Mobile
Mint Mobile{{cite web | url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mint-ultra-welcome-t-mobile-171800866.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEYg3ZgGWJJ7nTS9e_Bm9XQNnJIPLiaM52U5p5NRDgyd1cfHdmKA72HiO7LyTXfFU4bOrgczJR512Qpi9UBu0OwV3xrFR9FwL593tqmUMBxaLco8Ccza4-Y_723QAPRS4BakJmN0g1XfJQqirL2O7njwvDWehjIdzJ8K1v65lfig | title=Mint and Ultra: Welcome to the T-Mobile Family! | date=May 2024 }}

| website = {{url|https://www.t-mobile.com/|t-mobile.com}}

| footnotes = {{cite web|url=http://investor.t-mobile.com/FAQ#FAQ20791|title=FAQ|website=T-Mobile|access-date=June 15, 2017|archive-date=July 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713035916/http://investor.t-mobile.com/FAQ#FAQ20791|url-status=dead}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.tmobile.com/Cms/Files/Published/0000BDF20016F5DD010312E2BDE4AE9B/5657114502E70FF3013D3C9250D9FD76/file/Q4%202012%20Press%20Release_Financial%20Results_FINAL.pdf|title=T-Mobile USA Reports Fourth Quarter 2012 Results|date=February 28, 2013|publisher=T-Mobile USA|format=PDF (123 KB)}} {{dead link|date=August 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1283699/000128369925000012/tmus-20241231.htm |title=T-Mobile US, Inc. 2024 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=January 31, 2025 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=March 2, 2024 }}{{cite web|url=https://s29.q4cdn.com/310188824/files/doc_financials/2025/q1/Q1-2025-Investor-Factbook-vFinal.pdf|title=Q1 2025 Investor Factbook|website=T-Mobile|date=April 24, 2025|archive-date=April 25, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425004044/https://s29.q4cdn.com/310188824/files/doc_financials/2025/q1/Q1-2025-Investor-Factbook-vFinal.pdf|url-status=live}}

| module = {{infobox network service provider|child=yes|asn=21928}}

}}

T-Mobile US, Inc. is an American wireless network operator headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Its majority shareholder and namesake is the German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom. T-Mobile is the second largest wireless carrier in the United States, with 131 million subscribers as of March 31, 2025.

The company was founded in 1994 by John W. Stanton of the Western Wireless Corporation as VoiceStream Wireless. Deutsche Telekom then gained plurality ownership in 2001 and renamed it after its global T-Mobile brand. {{As of|2023|April}}, the German company holds a 51.4% stake in the company.{{Cite news |title=Deutsche Telekom to offload T-Mobile US shares. |url=https://telecoms.com/523459/deutsche-telekom-to-offload-t-mobile-us-shares/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019222041/https://telecoms.com/523459/deutsche-telekom-to-offload-t-mobile-us-shares/ |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |access-date=October 10, 2023 |work=Telecoms}}{{Cite web |last=Hardesty |first=Linda |date=April 6, 2023 |title=Deutsche Telekom achieves majority stake in T-Mobile US |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/deutsche-telekom-achieves-majority-stake-t-mobile-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409072807/https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/deutsche-telekom-achieves-majority-stake-t-mobile-us |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |access-date=April 9, 2023 |website=Fierce Telecom}}{{Cite web |last=Keys |first=Matthew |date=April 9, 2023 |title=Deutsche Telekom acquires majority of T-Mobile U.S. |url=https://thedesk.net/2023/04/deutsche-telekom-acquires-t-mobile-majority/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409072809/https://thedesk.net/2023/04/deutsche-telekom-acquires-t-mobile-majority/ |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |access-date=April 9, 2023 |website=The Desk |language=en-us}}

T-Mobile US operates two main brands: T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile (acquired in a 2013 reverse takeover of MetroPCS that also led to T-Mobile's listing on the NASDAQ). In 2020, T-Mobile expanded through the acquisition of Sprint, which also made T-Mobile the operator of Assurance Wireless, a service subsidized by the federal Lifeline program. The company's growth continued in 2024 with the acquisitions of Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, two low-cost mobile virtual network operators which remain separate brands. {{As of|2025}}, the company plans to acquire the wireless operations of UScellular.

History

T-Mobile U.S. traces its roots to the 1994 establishment of VoiceStream Wireless PCS as a subsidiary of Western Wireless Corporation. After its spin off from parent Western Wireless on May 3, 1999, VoiceStream Wireless was purchased by Deutsche Telekom AG in 2001 for $35 billion and renamed T-Mobile USA, Inc., in July 2002. In 2013, T-Mobile and MetroPCS finalized a merger of the two companies which started trading as T-Mobile U.S.{{cite news |author=Staff |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/VoiceStream-will-now-be-called-T-Mobile-1091686.php |title=VoiceStream Will Now Be Called T-Mobile |date=July 18, 2002 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017202954/http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/VoiceStream-will-now-be-called-T-Mobile-1091686.php |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2011 |quote=T-Mobile, formerly VoiceStream, made its debut yesterday with television, radio and newspaper advertisements in California and Nevada. Over the next few months, the VoiceStream brand will be completely phased out in other cities in favour of T-Mobile.}}{{cite news |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704433904576212810008230654.html |title=AT&T To Buy Rival in $39 Billion Deal |author1=Race, Shayndi |author2=Das, Anupreeta |date=March 21, 2011 |work=The Wall Street Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509023744/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704433904576212810008230654.html |archive-date=May 9, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=April 28, 2011 |quote=AT&T Inc. said it was buying T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom AG for $39 billion in cash and stock, a move that would create the nation's largest wireless carrier...}}{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19990504/2958742/profit-taking-pulls-dow-under-11000 |title=Profit-Taking Pulls Dow Under 11,000 |author=Heberlein, Greg |date=May 4, 1999 |work=The Seattle Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107063634/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19990504&slug=2958742 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |quote=The Western Wireless-VoiceStream Cellular split, effective yesterday... |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Merger of Tmo and Metropcs|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/1/4286622/t-mobile-us-metropcs-merger-complete-tmus|website=The Verge|access-date=July 16, 2017|date=May 2013|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111224558/https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/1/4286622/t-mobile-us-metropcs-merger-complete-tmus|url-status=live}}

= VoiceStream Wireless =

VoiceStream Wireless PCS was established in 1994 as a subsidiary of Western Wireless Corporation to provide wireless personal communications services (PCS) in 19 FCC-defined metropolitan service areas in several western and southwestern states using the GSM digital wireless standard.{{cite web |url=http://www.t-mobile.com/Company/CompanyInfo.aspx?tp=Abt_Tab_CompanyOverview&tsp=Abt_Sub_History |title=T-Mobile History |year=2011 |publisher=T-Mobile USA, Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524035345/http://www.t-mobile.com/Company/CompanyInfo.aspx?tp=Abt_Tab_CompanyOverview&tsp=Abt_Sub_History |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |quote=1994–2001...From the merger of General Cellular and Pacific Northwest Cellular, Western Wireless grows into a PCS provider for several western and southwestern states as well as Hawaii. After a successful public offering by Western Wireless, VoiceStream Wireless is launched. |url-status=dead}} VoiceStream Wireless' digital, urban service areas complemented the analog, rural service areas marketed by Western Wireless under the Cellular One brand.{{cite web |url=http://www.getfilings.com/o0000891020-97-000457.html |title=Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 1996 |date=March 31, 1997 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531005916/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/930738/0000891020-97-000457.txt |archive-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=March 11, 2011 |quote=The Company operates its cellular systems under the CELLULAR ONE(R) brand name and operates its PCS markets under its proprietary VoiceStream(R) brand name.}}

Western Wireless spun off its VoiceStream Wireless division into a new company called VoiceStream Wireless Corporation in May 1999.{{cite web |url=http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/2001/fcc01142.pdf |title=Memorandum Opinion and Order FCC 01-142 |date=April 27, 2001 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040223113143/http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/2001/fcc01142.pdf |archive-date=February 23, 2004 |access-date=May 6, 2011 |url-status=live |quote=VoiceStream is a publicly traded Delaware corporation, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington}}

= Omnipoint and Aerial acquisition =

In 2000, VoiceStream Wireless acquired two regional GSM carriers. Omnipoint Corporation, a regional network operator in the Northeastern United States, was acquired on February 25, 2000. Aerial Communications Inc.; a regional network operator in the Columbus, Houston, Kansas City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Pittsburgh, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Orlando markets; was acquired on May 4, 2000.{{cite web |url=http://www.voicestream.com/about/ |title=About Us |year=2000 |work=voicestream.com |publisher=VoiceStream Wireless Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815221043/http://www.voicestream.com/about/ |archive-date=August 15, 2000 |access-date=May 1, 2011 |quote=The Omnipoint transaction closed on February 25, 2000. The Aerial transaction closed May 4, 2000. The combined companies will operate under the VoiceStream brand name across the country and across the globe.}} The combined company retired the Omnipoint and Aerial brands and completed integrating the three companies by converting to a single customer billing platform, implementing standard business practices and launching the VoiceStream brand and "GET MORE" marketing strategy in all markets.{{cite web |url=http://voicestream.com/about/default.asp |title=About Us |year=2002 |work=voicestream.com |publisher=VoiceStream Wireless Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020403004549/http://voicestream.com/about/default.asp |archive-date=April 3, 2002 |access-date=May 1, 2011 |quote=One June 1, 2001, Deutsche Telekom AG announced that it completed its acquisitions of VoiceStream Wireless Corporation and Powertel, Inc...}}

= Deutsche Telekom acquires VoiceStream and Powertel =

File:VoiceStream-T-Mobile transitional logo circa April 2002.gif

On June 1, 2001, Deutsche Telekom (DT) completed its acquisition of VoiceStream Wireless, Inc., for $35 billion and Southern U.S. regional GSM network operator Powertel, Inc., for $24 billion. By the end of 2001, VoiceStream Wireless had 19,000 employees serving 7 million subscribers.

File:T-Mobile logo.svg

On September 2, 2001, VoiceStream Wireless Inc. adopted the name, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and began rolling out the T-Mobile brand, starting with locations in California and Nevada.{{cite web |url=http://www.voicestream.com/about/facts.asp |title=About Us |year=2002 |work=voicestream.com |publisher=VoiceStream Wireless Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020806151342/http://www.voicestream.com/about/facts.asp |archive-date=August 6, 2002 |access-date=May 1, 2011 |quote=In July 2002, T-Mobile launched its all digital wireless voice, messaging and data services to customers in California and Nevada, marking the debut of the global brand name in the United States.}} T-Mobile USA, Inc. was an operating entity of T-Mobile International AG,{{cite web |url=http://www.t-mobile.com/Company/CompanyInfo.aspx?tp=Abt_Tab_CompanyOverview |title=Overview – Quick Facts |year=2011 |publisher=T-Mobile USA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423153610/http://www.t-mobile.com/Company/CompanyInfo.aspx?tp=Abt_Tab_CompanyOverview |archive-date=April 23, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |quote=Ownership: T-Mobile USA is the U.S. operating entity of T-Mobile International AG, the mobile communications subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG |url-status=dead}} before becoming a direct subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG.{{cite web |url=http://www.t-mobile.com/company/company-info/overview/quick-facts.html |title=Quick Facts About T-Mobile |publisher=T-Mobile US |access-date=December 1, 2016 |archive-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504063736/https://www.t-mobile.com/company/company-info/overview/quick-facts.html |url-status=live }} The merger became official in July 2002.{{Cite web |date=July 18, 2002 |title=VoiceStream will now be called T-Mobile |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/voicestream-will-now-be-called-t-mobile-1091686.php |access-date=September 11, 2023 |website=seattlepi |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929023801/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/voicestream-will-now-be-called-t-mobile-1091686.php |url-status=live }}

= SunCom acquisition =

On September 17, 2007, the company announced the acquisition of regional GSM carrier SunCom Wireless Holdings, Inc. for $2.4 billion; the acquisition closed on February 22, 2008. By September 8, 2008, SunCom's operations were integrated with those of the company. The acquisition added SunCom's 1.1 million customers to the company's customer base and expanded the company's network coverage to include southern Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, northeastern Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Following the Suncom acquisition, T-Mobile possessed native network presence in all the major metro areas in the United States.

= Aborted acquisition by AT&T =

{{Main|Attempted purchase of T-Mobile USA by AT&T}}

On March 20, 2011, AT&T announced its intention to purchase T-Mobile US from Deutsche Telekom. The Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice responded by filing a federal lawsuit on August 31, 2011, to block the merger.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-31/u-s-files-antitrust-complaint-to-block-proposed-at-t-t-mobile-merger.html|title=U.S. Files to Block AT&T, T-Mobile Merger|date=August 31, 2011|accessdate=August 31, 2011|work=Bloomberg|first1=Tom|last1=Schoenberg|first2=Sara|last2=Forden|first3=Jeff|last3=Bliss|archive-date=November 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116063444/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-31/u-s-files-antitrust-complaint-to-block-proposed-at-t-t-mobile-merger.html|url-status=live}} AT&T then decided to formally abandon the merger bid on December 19, 2011.{{cite web |author=AT&T |url=http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=22146&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=33560&mapcode=corporate%7Cwireless-networks-general |title=AT&T Ends Bid To Add Network Capacity Through T-Mobile USA Purchase |publisher=AT&T |date=December 19, 2011 |accessdate=December 19, 2011 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721114105/http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=22146&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=33560&mapcode=corporate%7Cwireless-networks-general |url-status=dead }}

= Merger with MetroPCS Communications =

On October 3, 2012, MetroPCS Communications agreed to merge with T-Mobile USA. MetroPCS shareholders would hold a 26% stake in the company formed after the merger, which retained the T-Mobile brand. While the new company was still the fourth-largest carrier in the United States (at the time), the acquisition gave T-Mobile access to more spectrum and financial resources to maintain competitiveness and expand its LTE network.{{cite news|title=T-Mobile USA merging with MetroPCS|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tmobile-metropcs-20121004,0,7653985.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005190535/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tmobile-metropcs-20121004,0,7653985.story|archive-date=October 5, 2012|access-date=October 3, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 3, 2012|url-status=dead}} The merger between T-Mobile USA Inc. and MetroPCS was officially approved by MetroPCS shareholders on April 24, 2013. The deal was structured as a reverse takeover; the combined company went public on the New York Stock Exchange as TMUS and became T-Mobile U.S. Inc. on May 1, 2013.{{cite news|title=MetroPCS shareholders approve merger with T-Mobile USA|date=April 24, 2013|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-metropcs-tmobileusa-idUSBRE93N0S620130424|work=Reuters|access-date=April 25, 2013|archive-date=May 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523175746/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-metropcs-tmobileusa-idUSBRE93N0S620130424|url-status=live}} The merger agreement gave Deutsche Telekom the option to sell its 72% stake in the company formed by the merger and valued at around $14.2 billion to a third party before the end of the 18-month lock-up period.{{cite news|last=Rahn|first=Cornelius|title=Deutsche Telekom Can Sell T-Mobile Before Share Lock-Up Ends|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-16/deutsche-telekom-can-sell-t-mobile-us-before-lock-up-period-ends.html|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=May 19, 2013|archive-date=December 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205013908/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-16/deutsche-telekom-can-sell-t-mobile-us-before-lock-up-period-ends.html|url-status=live}}

= The "Un-carrier", additional wireless spectrum acquisition =

File:T-Mobile logo2.svg

In March 2013, T-Mobile introduced a major overhaul of its plan structure, marketed by branding themselves as being "the Un-carrier". A new contract-free pricing structure with simpler plans was introduced in which a phone's cost is paid over a two-year financing plan. The "Un-carrier" strategy has since been expanded to encompass other value-added services, such as a plan add-on allowing phone trade-ins for early upgrades twice per year,{{cite web|title=T-Mobile announces Jump: two phone upgrades per year for $10 monthly|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/10/4511160/t-mobile-announces-jump-two-phone-upgrades-per-year-for-10-monthly|work=The Verge|access-date=July 10, 2013|date=July 10, 2013|archive-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609042150/https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/10/4511160/t-mobile-announces-jump-two-phone-upgrades-per-year-for-10-monthly|url-status=live}} carrying over unused data allotments for up to a year,{{cite web|title=T-Mobile rocks a data rollover offer, with a 10 GB bonus|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobile-unveils-data-stash-a-data-rollover-program/|website=CNET|access-date=December 2, 2015|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224123536/https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobile-unveils-data-stash-a-data-rollover-program/|url-status=live}} and zero-rating of selected music and video services (the latter locked to "DVD quality") over the mobile network,{{cite web|title=T-Mobile gives existing customers 3 months of unlimited LTE, with one catch|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3007984/carriers/t-mobile-gives-existing-customers-3-months-of-unlimited-lte-with-a-catch.html|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=December 2, 2015|date=November 24, 2015|archive-date=November 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127015511/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3007984/carriers/t-mobile-gives-existing-customers-3-months-of-unlimited-lte-with-a-catch.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=T-Mobile's latest 'Un-carrier' feature: Rhapsody Unradio, an odd streaming music service.|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/6/18/5819804/t-mobile-unradio-rhapsody-free-internet-radio-service|access-date=June 19, 2014|date=June 18, 2014|archive-date=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619132425/http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/18/5819804/t-mobile-unradio-rhapsody-free-internet-radio-service|url-status=live}} These moves came as part of an effort under new CEO John Legere to help revitalize the business as it improves its network quality.

Though this system is said to improve network quality, issues surrounding net neutrality infringement have also come to light. The type of zero-rating that is offered by T-Mobile allows it to charge higher rates to third-parties, meaning that ISP can prioritize the company that pays a higher premium. This makes it more difficult for smaller third-parties who are unable to pay the high premium charged by the ISP.{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/12/fcc-verizon-and-atandt-zero-rating-perks-harm-consumers/|title=FCC: Verizon and AT&T 'zero-rating' perks harm consumers|last=Dent|first=Steve|date=January 12, 2017|website=Engaget|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=May 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531220601/https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/12/fcc-verizon-and-atandt-zero-rating-perks-harm-consumers/|url-status=live}}

On June 28, 2013, T-Mobile agreed to buy wireless spectrum for the Mississippi Valley region from its competitor U.S. Cellular for around $308 million, allowing it to expand its 4G network across 29 more markets.{{cite news| title=T-Mobile buys wireless spectrum from U.S. Cellular for $308 million| first=Chandni| last=Doulatramani| publisher=Reuters| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tmobileus-spectrum-idUSBRE95R0IB20130628| date=June 28, 2013| access-date=July 5, 2021| archive-date=April 9, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409090613/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tmobileus-spectrum-idUSBRE95R0IB20130628| url-status=live}}

On January 6, 2014, T-Mobile signed agreements with Verizon Wireless to purchase some 700 MHz A-Block spectrum licenses for $2.365 billion. Moreover, a transfer of some AWS and PCS spectrum licenses with a value of $950 million has been agreed upon by T-Mobile and Verizon. The acquisition reportedly gave T-Mobile additional coverage for approximately 158 million people in 9 of the top 10 and 21 of the top 30 U.S. markets.{{cite web|url=http://investor.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=177745&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1887921&highlight= |title=T-Mobile to Acquire 700 MHz A-Block Spectrum from Verizon Wireless, Significant Step in Rapidly Advancing Un-carrier Network Experience |date=January 6, 2014 |website=T-Mobile Investor Relations |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140107054117/http://investor.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=177745&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1887921&highlight= |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |access-date=January 6, 2014}}

= Merger with Sprint Corporation =

{{Main|Merger of Sprint Corporation and T-Mobile US}}

File:T-Mobile US Logo 2020 RGB Magenta on Transparent.svg

On April 29, 2018, T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation announced their intention to merge.{{cite news|last1=de la Merced|first1=Michael J|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/29/business/dealbook/sprint-tmobile-deal.html|title=Sprint and T-Mobile Agree to Merge, in Bid to Remake Wireless Market|date=April 29, 2018|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=April 29, 2018|last2=Kang|first2=Cecilia|archive-date=April 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429191319/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/29/business/dealbook/sprint-tmobile-deal.html|url-status=live}} Although the U.S. Justice Department initially approved the merger on July 26, 2019,{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/26/6646158/t-mobile-sprint-merger-justice-department-approves-26-billion-fcc|title=Justice Department approves T-Mobile and Sprint merger|last=Kelly|first=Makena|date=July 26, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=July 26, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727161822/https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/26/6646158/t-mobile-sprint-merger-justice-department-approves-26-billion-fcc|url-status=live}} the attorneys general from several states filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to block it, alleging that the merger would result in higher prices for consumers in the range of $4.5 billion annually.{{cite news|last1=Vas|first1=Nicole|url=https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/448281-new-lawsuit-poses-major-threat-to-t-mobile-sprint-merger|title=New lawsuit poses major threat to T-Mobile, Sprint merger|date=June 12, 2019|work=The Hill|accessdate=June 12, 2019|language=en|archive-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613031855/https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/448281-new-lawsuit-poses-major-threat-to-t-mobile-sprint-merger|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Hsu|first1=Tiffany|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/business/sprint-tmobile-merger.html|title=Sprint and T-Mobile Merger Faces New Hurdle With Lawsuit by States|date=June 11, 2019|work=The New York Times|accessdate=June 11, 2019|last2=Goldstein|first2=Matthew|archive-date=June 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614000601/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/business/sprint-tmobile-merger.html|url-status=live}} District Judge Victor Marrero then announced his decision in favor of the merger on February 11, 2020, stating that it "is not likely to substantially lessen competition like the suing [states] had claimed it would" and that Sprint "does not have a sustainable long-term competitive strategy" to remain a viable competitor.{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/t-mobile-said-win-judge-234308851.html|title=T-Mobile Wins Court Approval for $26.5 Billion Sprint Deal|website=finance.yahoo.com|language=en-US|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227104256/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/t-mobile-said-win-judge-234308851.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2020/02/t-mobile-sprint-merger-approved-judge/|title=Judge approves T-Mobile-Sprint merger|language=en-US|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120075744/https://www.tmonews.com/2020/02/t-mobile-sprint-merger-approved-judge/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/11/t-mobile-and-sprint-merger-approved-by-federal-judge/|title=T-Mobile and Sprint merger approved by federal judge|website=Engadget|date=February 11, 2020|language=en|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=March 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307103728/https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/11/t-mobile-and-sprint-merger-approved-by-federal-judge/|url-status=live}}

The merger finally closed on April 1, 2020,{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2020/04/t-mobile-sprint-merger-complete/|title=T-Mobile and Sprint's merger is officially complete|language=en-US|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404004042/https://www.tmonews.com/2020/04/t-mobile-sprint-merger-complete/|url-status=live}} and the Sprint brand was officially discontinued on August 2, 2020.{{Cite web|last=Manfredi|first=Lucas|date=August 2, 2020|title=Sprint stores get rebrand, begin operating under T-Mobile brand|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/sprint-stores-rebranding-t-mobile|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=FOXBusiness|language=en-US|archive-date=January 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123220047/https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/sprint-stores-rebranding-t-mobile|url-status=live}} Leadership, background and stock changes happened immediately, with customer-side changes happening over time. Billing was already showing the T-Mobile brand, and all retail, customer service, and all other company branding switched to the T-Mobile brand. T-Mobile and Sprint accounts were still managed by employees in separate systems and the company still offered Sprint branded SIM cards. New rate plans were also introduced as well for all new and existing customers from both companies, though all were grandfathered into their current plan should they choose not to switch to a new T-Mobile plan for at least three years.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2020/04/t-mobile-sprint-merger-complete/|title=T-Mobile and Sprint's merger is officially complete|language=en-US|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404004042/https://www.tmonews.com/2020/04/t-mobile-sprint-merger-complete/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-sprint-one-company|title=T-Mobile Completes Merger with Sprint to Create the New T-Mobile|language=en|access-date=April 1, 2020|date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=May 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501045623/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-sprint-one-company|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/t-mobile-sprint-merger-updates?icid=MGPO_TMO_C_20NEWTMO_J97FL0UY3YE116S1120231_HP|title=What the T-Mobile & Sprint Merger Means for You {{!}} T-Mobile|publisher=www.t-mobile.com|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809164712/https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/t-mobile-sprint-merger-updates?icid=MGPO_TMO_C_20NEWTMO_J97FL0UY3YE116S1120231_HP|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=T-Mo and Sprint will unify under the T-Mobile brand on August 2|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2020/07/t-mobile-sprint-brand-unification-august-2/|access-date=July 16, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=July 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716195250/https://www.tmonews.com/2020/07/t-mobile-sprint-brand-unification-august-2/|url-status=live}}{{Cite press release|title=T‑Mobile Unveils Latest Un‑carrier Move: Scam Shield — A Massive Set of Free Solutions to Protect Customers From Rampant Scams and Robocalls {{!}} T‑Mobile Newsroom|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/scam-shield-protects-customers-from-scams-robocalls/|access-date=July 16, 2020|publisher=T-Mobile Newsroom|archive-date=July 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716161714/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/scam-shield-protects-customers-from-scams-robocalls/|url-status=live}}

As part of the Sprint merger, T-Mobile US acquired Assurance Wireless, the service subsidized by the Lifeline Assistance program of the federal Universal Service Fund.{{cite web | title=T-Mobile promises to support low-income Lifeline program 'indefinitely' if merger approved | website=USA Today | date=March 3, 2019 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/03/11/t-mobile-well-keep-low-income-offers-indefinitely-merger/3129108002/ | access-date=September 25, 2022 | archive-date=September 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925133428/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/03/11/t-mobile-well-keep-low-income-offers-indefinitely-merger/3129108002/ | url-status=live }}

= Acquisition of Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile =

In March 2023, T-Mobile US agreed to acquire Ka’ena Corporation as well as subsidiaries and brands: Mint Mobile, a successful budget direct-to-consumer prepaid wireless brand in the US, and Ultra Mobile, a wireless service that offers international calling options to communities across the country, for up to $1.35 billion. It was noted that Ryan Reynolds who owns a majority stake in Mint Mobile would stay on as Mint's official spokesman. The deal was expected to close later that year, and the final price would be based on Ka’ena's performance.

{{Cite web |title=T‑Mobile to Acquire and Turbocharge Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, Brands Will Continue Delivering Value on the Un‑carrier's 5G Network ‑ T‑Mobile Newsroom |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/business/t-mobile-to-acquire-mint-and-ultra-mobile/ |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=T-Mobile Newsroom |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317193433/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/business/t-mobile-to-acquire-mint-and-ultra-mobile |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Korn |first=Jennifer |date=March 15, 2023 |title=T-Mobile to buy Ryan Reynolds' Mint Mobile in a $1.35 billion deal {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/15/tech/mint-mobile-tmobile-purchase-ryan-reynolds/index.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317110050/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/15/tech/mint-mobile-tmobile-purchase-ryan-reynolds/index.html |url-status=live }}

= Planned acquisition of UScellular assets =

On May 28, 2024, T-Mobile US announced it would acquire the wireless operations of UScellular. Valued at $4.4 billion, the deal includes UScellular's customer base of 4 million users, approximately 30% of spectrum assets, and the rights to more than 2,000 towers.{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Michelle |date=May 28, 2024 |title=T-Mobile to buy almost all of U.S Cellular in deal worth $4.4 billion with debt|url=https://apnews.com/article/tmobile-tds-us-cellular-67d4d2a85fd73338334987933b468a40 |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}

Wireless networks

T-Mobile's network provides coverage in the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

= Cellular network =

== 2G GSM ==

File:Novatel G100 VoiceStream.jpg PC Card modem for the VoiceStream GPRS service]]

VoiceStream Wireless (T-Mobile's predecessor) first started building out its cellular network in 1994. This initial 2G network utilized the GSM standard was first turned on in Honolulu and Salt Lake City by 1996. Through strategic acquisitions and spectrum purchases, the network steadily expanded its geographic reach and technological capabilities.

Data transmission was later added the network by implementing General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). This was later augmented with the Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technology, significantly accelerating data transmission speeds. EDGE coverage was available within at least forty percent of the GSM footprint.T-Mobile USA's [https://web.archive.org/web/20090106054447/http://support.t-mobile.com/knowbase/root/public/tm22696.htm#top "What is EDGE"]. t-mobile.com.

T-Mobile began notifying customers in January 2025 of the impending shutdown of the GSM network on February 9, 2025.{{cite web |title=T-Mobile Network Evolution |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network-evolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209005524/https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network-evolution |archive-date=February 9, 2024 |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=T-Mobile}}{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2025 |title=T-Mobile's 2G network is shutting down next month |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/tmobiles_2g_network_is_shutting_down_next_month-news-66207.php |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=GSMArena.com}}

== {{anchor|3G AWS upgrade}}3G UMTS ==

In September 2006, T-Mobile made a significant strategic investment in its network infrastructure by participating in a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auction, securing licenses in the 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) bands for {{US$|4.18 billion}} (equivalent to ${{Inflation|index=USD|value=4.18|start_year=2006|r=2}} billion in {{Inflation/year|index=USD}}). This spectrum acquisition provided the foundation for the nationwide deployment of a 3G network utilizing the UMTS standard.

The initial rollout targeted major markets and offered projected speeds of 7.2 Mbit/s, exceeding competitor offerings at the time. This ambitious initiative required an additional investment of $2.6 billion (equivalent to ${{Inflation|index=USD|value=2.6|start_year=2006|r=1}} billion in {{Inflation/year|index=USD}}) beyond the spectrum acquisition cost.Rash, Wayne (October 6, 2006). [https://archive.today/20130122125348/http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2025375,00.asp "T-Mobile Moves to 3G"]. eWeek. Retrieved July 30, 2011.

The initial network activation was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances related to government agencies vacating the allocated spectrum. Despite launching the first 3G phone in November 2007,{{cite web |last=German |first=Kent |date=December 5, 2007 |title=T-Mobile's new Nokia 6263 brings 3G | News Blogs – CNET News |url=http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9829444-7.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907181410/http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9829444-7.html |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |publisher=News.com}} the network itself wasn't operational until May 2008 in New York City.{{cite web |author=Ed Hardy |date=February 18, 2008 |title=T-Mobile To Have U.S. 3G Service Before Summer |url=http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid40_gci1301086,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501084710/http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid40_gci1301086,00.html |archive-date=May 1, 2008 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |publisher=Searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com}}{{cite web |date=May 5, 2008 |title=T-Mobile USA Begins Commercial 3G Network Rollout |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080505005934/en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606055216/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080505005934/en |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |publisher=Business Wire}} By 2009, T-Mobile had expanded its 3G network to cover over 200 markets.{{cite web |title=T-Mobile's new Nokia 6263 brings 3G |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobiles-new-nokia-6263-brings-3g/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207111029/https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobiles-new-nokia-6263-brings-3g/ |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |access-date=February 21, 2020 |publisher=CNET}} The company further enhanced its network capabilities by upgrading to HSPA+ in 2010.{{cite web |date=July 5, 2010 |title=T-Mobile milking HSPA+ for all its worth? |url=http://www.tmonews.com/2010/07/t-mobile-milking-hspa-for-all-its-worth/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710210626/http://www.tmonews.com/2010/07/t-mobile-milking-hspa-for-all-its-worth/ |archive-date=July 10, 2010 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |publisher=TmoNews}}

In 2015, to optimize network bandwidth for the deployment of 4G LTE services, T-Mobile initiated a process of migrating 3G services to its PCS band. This strategic shift ultimately rendered some 3G devices incompatible with the network.{{cite web |date=June 23, 2015 |title=T-Mobile shutting off HSPA+ service on its AWS spectrum market by market – FierceWireless |url=http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-shutting-hspa-service-its-aws-spectrum-market-market/2015-06-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418181256/http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-shutting-hspa-service-its-aws-spectrum-market-market/2015-06-23 |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=April 4, 2016 |website=www.fiercewireless.com}} T-Mobile decommissioned its UMTS network in July 2022.

== 4G LTE ==

On February 23, 2012, during the Q4 Earnings Call, T-Mobile laid out the future of their 4G upgrade path. They would roll out the LTE network on the AWS spectrum, and transition their HSPA+ network to the PCS band. To achieve compatibility with other networks and phones in the US, T-Mobile began this transition in March 2013, and the rollout of LTE is currently underway as T-Mobile expands to more markets.{{cite web |url=http://www.extremetech.com/electronics/119703-t-mobile-announces-lte-prepares-to-take-the-us-wireless-market-by-storm |title=T-Mobile announces LTE, prepares to take the US wireless market by storm |publisher=ExtremeTech |date=February 24, 2012 |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027100929/https://www.extremetech.com/electronics/119703-t-mobile-announces-lte-prepares-to-take-the-us-wireless-market-by-storm |url-status=live }} Due to the failed acquisition of T-Mobile USA by AT&T, T-Mobile USA received additional UMTS frequency band 4 (AWS) spectrum. On March 26, 2013, T-Mobile began rolling out LTE in 7 markets: Baltimore, San Jose, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Houston.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/03/26/t-mobile-announces-first-lte-markets/ |title=T-Mobile lights up LTE in seven markets nationwide |publisher=Engadget |date=March 26, 2013 |access-date=April 30, 2013 |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122160606/https://www.engadget.com/2013/03/26/t-mobile-announces-first-lte-markets/ |url-status=live }}

On August 21, 2012, the FCC approved a deal between T-Mobile and Verizon in which T-Mobile gained additional AWS spectrum licenses in 125 Cellular Market Areas.{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0823/FCC-12-95A1.pdf|title=MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER AND DECLARATORY RULING|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=August 23, 2012|access-date=September 15, 2012|archive-date=September 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901114050/http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0823/FCC-12-95A1.pdf|url-status=live}}

On February 25, 2014, T-Mobile announced in its Q4 2013 earnings call that its 4G LTE network covered 209 million people in 273 metro areas. They also planned to start rolling out their 700 MHz A-Block spectrum by the end of 2014, which by the end of the rollout would cover 158 million people. This spectrum led to improved LTE coverage overall in these areas, particularly indoors.{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=251624&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1903058&highlight=&AID=11031750&PID=6147683 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140320070420/http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=251624&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1903058&highlight=&AID=11031750&PID=6147683 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |title=T-Mobile US Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2013 Results and Third Consecutive Quarter of Over One Million Net Customer Additions |publisher=T-Mobile US, Inc. |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2014}}

On March 13, 2014, T-Mobile announced a new plan to upgrade its entire 2G/EDGE network to 4G LTE. They expected 50% to be done by the end of 2014, and it to be "substantially complete" by the middle of 2015.{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=251624&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1908666&highlight=|title=T-Mobile Celebrates 1st Anniversary of LTE Rollout By Launching Major Network Upgrade Program|publisher=T-Mobile US, Inc.|date=March 13, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2014|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026063932/https://www.t-mobile.com/news|url-status=live}}

On December 16, 2014, T-Mobile announced during CEO John Legere's Un-carrier 8.0 interview that their 4G LTE network covered 260 million people and their 700 MHz Band 12 LTE had been rolled out in Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. They expected to cover 280 million with LTE by mid-2015 and 300 million by the end of 2015. They also stated that they covered 121 metro areas with their Wideband LTE.{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/issues-insights-blog/uncarrier-8-blog.htm |title=Network Building Un-carrier Style |publisher=T-mobile.com |access-date=December 17, 2014 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126045436/https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/issues-insights-blog/uncarrier-8-blog.htm |url-status=live }}

On October 27, 2015, T-Mobile announced in its Q3 2015 earnings call that they covered over 300 million people with LTE, reaching their 2015 end of year goal months ahead of schedule. They had 245 markets with Wideband (at least 15+15 MHz) LTE. They also had 204 markets with Extended Range 700 MHz Band 12 LTE covering around 175 million people. Their coverage map revealed that they now had new native LTE coverage in Montana, the Dakotas, Eastern West Virginia, and Northern Michigan.{{cite web|title=T-Mobile Delivers Industry-Leading Customer and Financial Growth in Q3 2015|url=https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-delivers-industry-leading-customer-and-financial-growth-in-q3-2015.htm|publisher=T-Mobile US, Inc.|access-date=November 17, 2015|archive-date=January 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126045435/https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-delivers-industry-leading-customer-and-financial-growth-in-q3-2015.htm|url-status=live}}

On May 25, 2016, T-Mobile announced that it will be purchasing the 700Mhz A-block license (LTE band 12) for the Chicago metro area. When this transaction closes, together with several other pending 700Mhz license acquisitions, T-Mobile expects to possess 700Mhz licenses covering a total of 272 million people, or 84% of the US population – including 10 of the top 10 largest US metro areas. T-Mobile refers to its 700Mhz low-band network as 'Extended-range LTE' and claims it penetrates buildings and reaches out farther than its PCS and AWS only network.{{cite press release|title= T-Mobile to Bolster Extended Range LTE Coverage with Chicago-area Spectrum Agreement|url= https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/t-mobile-secures-new-spectrum-to-deliver-extended-range-lte-to-chicago-area.htm|location= Bellevue, Washington|publisher= T-Mobile US|date= May 25, 2016|access-date= May 25, 2016|archive-date= August 6, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160806221611/https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/t-mobile-secures-new-spectrum-to-deliver-extended-range-lte-to-chicago-area.htm|url-status= live}} In September 2016, T-Mobile launched 4x4 MIMO and 3 channel carrier aggregation allowing theoretical speeds of 400 Mbit/s, and also announced that the company's LTE network reaches over 312 million potential subscribers.{{cite web | url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/blog/lte-advanced | title=LTE Advanced is so 2014. We're already on to the next big thing. Verizon is now 50% faster … and still slower than T‑Mobile! | access-date=August 9, 2023 | archive-date=August 10, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230810/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/blog/lte-advanced | url-status=live }}

In early 2017, T-Mobile purchased 45% of available 600 MHz spectrum in the US, covering 100% geographically of the US. They started the rollout of LTE on this band on August 15, 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/cheyenne-600-mhz|title=T-Mobile Lights Up World's First 600 MHz LTE Network at Breakneck Pace|access-date=August 6, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215193720/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/cheyenne-600-mhz|url-status=live}}

In 2018 T-Mobile has stated they will not discontinue rollout and upgrades of LTE in favor of 5G. Instead, they will continue to grow and support their LTE network to work simultaneously with 5G.{{Cite news|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/taking-the-next-step-in-supercharging-the-un-carrier|title=Taking the Next Step in Supercharging the Un-carrier|access-date=August 6, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215120135/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/taking-the-next-step-in-supercharging-the-un-carrier|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/mwc-2018-5g|title=T-Mobile Building Out 5G in 30 Cities This Year …and That's Just the Start|access-date=August 6, 2018|language=en|archive-date=December 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213145422/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/mwc-2018-5g|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/t-mobile-to-build-but-not-necessarily-sell-5g-30-cities-year|title=T-Mobile to build—but not necessarily sell—5G in 30 cities this year {{!}} FierceWireless|website=www.fiercewireless.com|date=February 27, 2018|language=en|access-date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409195557/https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/t-mobile-to-build-but-not-necessarily-sell-5g-30-cities-year|url-status=live}}

As of January 22, 2019, the LTE-Advanced upgrade has been deployed in 6,000 cities and towns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-customers-happiest-and-fastest-lte-for-five-years|title=T-Mobile Customers Happiest in Wireless (Probably Because They Have the Fastest LTE)|date=January 22, 2019|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128030348/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-customers-happiest-and-fastest-lte-for-five-years|url-status=live}}

As of October 28, 2019, LTE now covers 326 million people.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2019/10/t-mobile-q3-2019-earnings-26th-straight-quarter-1-million-customer-adds/|title=T-Mobile says Q3 2019 was its 26th straight quarter with more than 1 million new customers|language=en-US|access-date=October 30, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030063012/https://www.tmonews.com/2019/10/t-mobile-q3-2019-earnings-26th-straight-quarter-1-million-customer-adds/|url-status=live}}

As of February 6, 2020, the 600 MHz network reaches 8,900 cities and towns, covering 248 million people.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-q4-fy19-earnings|title=T-Mobile Reports Record Financials and Strong Customer Growth in FY 2019, Beating Increased Guidance while Balancing Growth and Profitability|date=February 6, 2019|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221081339/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-q4-fy19-earnings|url-status=live}}

== 5G NR ==

== Preparations ==

On June 25, 2018, T-Mobile and Nokia completed their first bi-directional 5G NR transmission in the 28 GHz frequency compliant with 3GPP 5G standards, showing a big step forward to building a nationwide 5G Network.{{Cite news|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/nokia-and-t-mobile-achieve-nations-first-3gpp-compliant-bi-directional-5g-new-radio-data-transmission|title=Nokia and T-Mobile Achieve Nation's first 3GPP-compliant bi-directional 5G New Radio Data Transmission|access-date=August 6, 2018|language=en|archive-date=August 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806085525/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/nokia-and-t-mobile-achieve-nations-first-3gpp-compliant-bi-directional-5g-new-radio-data-transmission|url-status=live}}

On November 20, 2018, T-Mobile and Nokia completed their first downlink 5G NR transmission in the 600 MHz frequency compliant with 3GPP 5G standards in Spokane, Washington. 28 GHz only reaches roughly {{convert|1|sqmi|km2}}, whereas 600 MHz can reach hundreds of square miles. This marks one step closer to a rural 5G network, one highly sought improvement with 5G technology (high-speed data in rural areas).{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/first-600mhz-5g-test|title=One Step Closer to Nationwide 5G: T-Mobile Marks a World's First on the Road to 5G|date=November 20, 2018|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|access-date=January 2, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103055721/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/first-600mhz-5g-test|url-status=live}}

On January 7, 2019, T-Mobile and Ericsson completed the first audio and video call using a live 5G NR network using 3 separate frequency bands; 600 MHz, 28 GHz, and 39 GHz. This was also the first live network test with successful uplink and downlink.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/600-mhz-5g-call|title=T-Mobile, Ericsson and Intel Complete World's First 5G Call on 600 MHz|date=January 7, 2019|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|access-date=January 7, 2019|archive-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107233247/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/600-mhz-5g-call|url-status=live}}

On July 11, 2019, T-Mobile and Ericsson completed their first n71 (600 MHz) data session in their lab in Bellevue, Washington on a commercial 5G modem, the Snapdragon X55, which is the first commercial 5G modem to feature the n71 band. However, the modem was pre-market and not in any commercially available device.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2019/07/t-mobile-600mhz-5g-data-snapdragon-x55-modem/|title=T-Mobile completes first low-band 5G data session using Snapdragon X55 modem|language=en-US|access-date=July 12, 2019|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712041517/https://www.tmonews.com/2019/07/t-mobile-600mhz-5g-data-snapdragon-x55-modem/|url-status=live}}

== Vendors ==

On July 30, 2018, T-Mobile and Nokia announced a $3.5 billion contract for equipment and software to build out a nationwide 5G network that will be compliant with 3GPP 5G standards. The network will use the 600 MHz and 28 GHz frequency bands.{{Cite news|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/nokia-5g-agreement|title=T-Mobile and Nokia Ink $3.5 billion, Multi-year 5G Network Agreement|access-date=August 6, 2018|language=en|archive-date=August 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806090416/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/nokia-5g-agreement|url-status=live}}

On September 11, 2018, T-Mobile and Ericsson announced a $3.5 Billion contract for equipment to build out a nationwide 5G network that will be compliant with 3GPP 5G standards. The network will use the 600 MHz and 28 GHz frequency bands.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/ericsson-5g-agreement|title=T-Mobile and Ericsson Sign Major $3.5 Billion 5G Agreement|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|access-date=January 4, 2019|date=September 11, 2018|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104124008/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/ericsson-5g-agreement|url-status=live}} This marked $7 billion invested in T-Mobile's 5G network, which will use both companies equipment.

== Launches ==

On February 26, 2018, T-Mobile announced it would roll out 5G to 30 cities by the end of 2018, with compatible handsets delivering early 2019. They also stated their 5G network will be able to work simultaneously with their 4G LTE network, delivering faster speeds and broader range.

On June 28, 2019, T-Mobile officially launched their 5G mmWave network with the launch of their first commercially available 5G NR device, the Galaxy S10 5G. The network has launched in 6 cities; Los Angeles, NYC, Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Cleveland.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2019/06/t-mobile-galaxy-s10-5g-launch-network-six-cities/|title=T-Mobile launching Samsung Galaxy S10 5G on June 28th, 5G network going live in six cities|language=en-US|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707055317/https://www.tmonews.com/2019/06/t-mobile-galaxy-s10-5g-launch-network-six-cities/|url-status=live}}

On August 4, 2020, T-Mobile launched standalone (SA) mode across their national 5G network, becoming the first operator in the world to do so.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/standalone-5g-launch|title=T‑Mobile Launches World's First Nationwide Standalone 5G Network|language=en-US|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130235142/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/standalone-5g-launch|url-status=live}} They also stated SA mode improved 5G coverage because a connection to a mid-band LTE cell was no longer required as it was in non-standalone mode (NSA).

== Extended-Range 5G ==

On November 7, 2019, T-Mobile announced that its 600 MHz 5G network will launch on December 6, 2019. The network will launch alongside the first two 600 MHz 5G-capable devices, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G and the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren Edition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2019/11/t-mobile-5g-network-launch-december-6/|title=T-Mobile 5G network will launch on December 6th|language=en-US|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107202427/https://www.tmonews.com/2019/11/t-mobile-5g-network-launch-december-6/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/4g-lte-5g-networks?icid=WMM_TMO_U_195G4GOOD_4CGP942I0FQO535T18781|title=4G LTE & 5G Networks Built for Coverage and Speed {{!}} T-Mobile|website=www.t-mobile.com|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103005129/https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/4g-lte-5g-networks?icid=WMM_TMO_U_195G4GOOD_4CGP942I0FQO535T18781|url-status=live}}

On December 2, 2019, T-Mobile officially launched its 600 MHz 5G network. It launched with an initial coverage of 200 million people and over 5,000 cities or towns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2019/12/t-mobile-5g-network-launch-nationwide/|title=T-Mobile launches its nationwide 5G network|language=en-US|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=December 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202202155/https://www.tmonews.com/2019/12/t-mobile-5g-network-launch-nationwide/|url-status=live}}

As of February 15, 2023, T-Mobile's 600 MHz network covers an estimated 323 million pops.{{cite web |title=16 Reasons There's a New Wireless Network Leader |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/16-reasons-theres-a-new-wireless-network-leader |website=T-Mobile |access-date=February 15, 2023 |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215080005/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/16-reasons-theres-a-new-wireless-network-leader |url-status=live }}

== Ultra Capacity 5G ==

On April 21, 2020, T-Mobile launched the T-Mobile branded 2.5 GHz as Ultra-Capacity 5G with the spectrum it acquired in the Sprint merger in Philadelphia. In October 2023, the company announced that their Ultra-Capacity 5G (including PCS, 2.5 GHz and 24/28/39 GHz) currently covers over 300 million pops, by providing an average speed of 400 MB/s, two months ahead of schedule by the year-end.

T-Mobile also stated that the same network will go live in New York, NY, the first city with all 3 parts of T-Mobile's "layer cake" strategy to 5G NR of having 3 separate bands on low, mid and high band frequencies.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2020/04/t-mobile-sprint-combining-network-2-5ghz-5g-philadelphia/|title=T-Mobile network begins combining with Sprint, 2.5GHz 5G goes live in Philadelphia|language=en-US|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604115657/https://www.tmonews.com/2020/04/t-mobile-sprint-combining-network-2-5ghz-5g-philadelphia/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/tmobile-network-already-getting-bigger-better-with-sprint|title=That Was Fast! T-Mobile's Network Already Getting Bigger & Better with Sprint|date=April 21, 2020|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=June 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629174020/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/tmobile-network-already-getting-bigger-better-with-sprint|url-status=live}}

T-Mobile has also acquired C-Band 3.7 GHz licenses in early 2021 for an average of 40 MHz of spectrum covering 225 million people nationwide, bidding over $9.3 billion in licenses. This spectrum is currently pending and is going be in use by the end of 2023, adding an additional layer of "Ultra-Capacity 5G" with deployment starting in early 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-further-solidifies-5g-leadership-position-with-successful-c-band-auction|title=T‑Mobile Further Solidifies 5G Leadership Position with Successful C‑Band Auction|language=en-US|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201034324/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-further-solidifies-5g-leadership-position-with-successful-c-band-auction|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=T-Mobile eyes 3.45 GHz, C-band 'one and done' rollout |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/t-mobile-eyes-345-ghz-c-band-one-and-done-rollout |website=Fierce Wireless |date=February 2, 2022 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303202810/https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/t-mobile-eyes-345-ghz-c-band-one-and-done-rollout |url-status=live }}

On January 31, 2022, T-Mobile announced that they have bid on C-Band 3.45 GHz licenses for approximately $3 billion from Auction 110 auctioned off by Federal Communications Commission for an average of 21 MHz of spectrum to bring up to 184 million people covered across the United States, placing second behind AT&T. T-Mobile intends to deploy this spectrum alongside its C-Band holdings in 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-extends-5g-leadership-in-auction-110|title=T-Mobile Extends 5G leadership in Auction 110|language=en-US|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201031747/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-extends-5g-leadership-in-auction-110|url-status=live}}

On September 30, 2024, T-Mobile divested its 3.45 GHz upper mid-band spectrum holdings. Seven percent of the portfolio valued at $159 million was swapped for 2.5 GHz licenses with SoniqWave in May with the remaining 93 percent sold to Columbia Capital for over $2.7 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://insidetowers.com/t-mobile-sells-3-45-ghz-spectrum/|title=T-Mobile Sells 3.45 GHz Spectrum|language=en-US|access-date=November 19, 2024}}

= Roaming =

T-Mobile has roaming arrangements with a number of national and regional mobile network operators, including AT&T Mobility.

As of 2008, prepaid customers have almost all of the postpaid domestic roaming privileges and restricted international roaming to Canada and Mexico.{{cite web|url=http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverageprepaidfaq.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702200032/http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverageprepaidfaq.aspx |title=Expanded Coverage for Prepaid and FlexPay FAQs |archive-date=July 2, 2008 |date=July 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 9, 2021}}

In 2009, T-Mobile USA began removing AT&T Mobility roaming coverage in many locations across the country, and updated its on-line coverage maps{{cite web |url=http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx |title=Cell Phone Coverage Maps For Your Calling Coverage areas |publisher=T-Mobile |date=May 8, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807115245/http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx |archive-date=August 7, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-coverage |title=Pay As You Go Coverage Map | Prepaid Coverage Zones | T-Mobile |publisher=Prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com |date=May 8, 2012 |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630101231/http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-coverage |url-status=live }} to reflect the smaller coverage area. AT&T Mobility roaming remains available in select locations, primarily on smaller carriers that were acquired by AT&T Mobility after long-term roaming contracts were in place between T-Mobile and the smaller carriers, including Centennial Wireless and Edge Wireless.

On June 29, 2010, the company launched voice service in the Gulf of Mexico on GSM via roaming agreement through [http://www.broadpointinc.com/ Broadpoint]. T-Mobile USA was scheduled to launch data service in Fall 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.tmonews.com/2010/06/broadpoint-t-mobile-usa-launch-service-in-gulf-of-mexico/ |title=Broadpoint & T-Mobile USA Launch Service In Gulf of Mexico |publisher=TmoNews |date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=July 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702145126/http://www.tmonews.com/2010/06/broadpoint-t-mobile-usa-launch-service-in-gulf-of-mexico/ |url-status=live }} Also in 2010, T-Mobile US became a member of the FreeMove alliance.

On October 9, 2013, T-Mobile announced Simple Global, a service included with eligible Simple Choice plans. This service allows one to roam in over 100 countries with unlimited text and speed-limited data, and make calls at $0.20/minute. High-speed data passes will be available for purchase.{{cite web|url=http://www.tmonews.com/2013/10/t-mobile-is-bringing-the-world-a-little-closer-together-with-simple-global/|title=T-Mobile Is Bringing The World A little Closer With "Simple Global" International Unlimited Data Plans|publisher=TMoNews.com|date=October 9, 2013|access-date=October 9, 2013|archive-date=September 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922055253/https://www.tmonews.com/2013/10/t-mobile-is-bringing-the-world-a-little-closer-together-with-simple-global/|url-status=live}} On March 7, 2014, T-Mobile announced this number will be increasing to 122 countries.{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-doubles-down-on-flagship-simple-choice-plan-with-more-4g-lte-data-tethering--and-unlimited-international-texting.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620160755/http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-doubles-down-on-flagship-simple-choice-plan-with-more-4g-lte-data-tethering--and-unlimited-international-texting.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2014|title=T-Mobile Doubles Down on Flagship Simple Choice Plan with More 4G LTE Data, Tethering – and Unlimited International Texting|publisher=T-Mobile US, Inc.|date=March 7, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2015}} If one is connected to WiFi in one of these countries, and their phone supports WiFi calling, all calls and texts to and from the US are free, and work the same as if they were on the cellular network.{{cite web|title=Wi-Fi Calling FAQs|url=https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9997|date=June 3, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=April 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417220408/https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9997|url-status=live}}

On July 15, 2015, T-Mobile launched Mobile Without Borders, a service included with all new T-Mobile plans and available as an add-on to grandfathered or promotional plans for $10. This service allows the user to use their normal voice, text message, and data allotments while roaming in Mexico and Canada. Most T-Mobile services are available while roaming, with the notable exception of using the data in one's Data Stash.

In August 2015, T-Mobile joined the Competitive Carriers Association's Data Services Hub, enabling the company to expand roaming partnerships with over a dozen rural and regional carriers. Smaller carriers will now be able to access T-Mobile's LTE network for roaming and T-Mobile will be able to expand roaming partnerships and extend its footprint with members whose network technologies had previously been incompatible.{{cite web|title=T-Mobile joins CCA's data roaming hub to expand reciprocal roaming deals with smaller carriers|date=August 27, 2015|url=http://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/t-mobile-joins-cca-s-data-roaming-hub-to-expand-reciprocal-roaming-deals-smaller-carriers|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010215510/http://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/t-mobile-joins-cca-s-data-roaming-hub-to-expand-reciprocal-roaming-deals-smaller-carriers|url-status=live}}

In October 2017, T-Mobile announced that starting November 12, 2017, LTE-speeds will be limited at 5 GB (with speeds going at speeds at 128 kbit/s or 256 kbit/s on some plans) while data roaming in Canada and Mexico still remains unlimited. However, calling and texting in these countries still remain free from roaming charges.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/canada-mexico-included|title=Canada & Mexico included|website=T-Mobile Support|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-date=August 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810225130/https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/canada-mexico-included|url-status=live}} T-Mobile also announced a partnership with US Cellular in California, Iowa, Washington, and Wisconsin to expand 4G LTE coverage. Compatible device required.{{Cite web|url=https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-36721|title=Expanding LTE coverage in CA, IA, WA, WI|website=T-Mobile|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308104232/https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-36721|url-status=dead}}

In August 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a partnership called Coverage Above and Beyond where the latter's satellites would provide connections for cellphones throughout the US, even in remote areas with no existing service. The goal was to allow customers to have service everywhere, with no dead zones. Starlink satellites would function like cell towers. At the time of announcement, the plan was to start with text messages and messaging apps and using existing hardware as opposed to new phones.{{Cite news |first1=Thomas |last1=Gryta |first2=Micah |last2=Maidenberg |date=August 26, 2022 |title=SpaceX, T-Mobile to Connect Satellites to Cellphones in Remote Areas |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/spacex-and-t-mobile-to-connect-starlink-satellites-to-cellphones-in-remote-parts-of-u-s-11661473520 |access-date=August 26, 2022 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826021709/https://www.wsj.com/articles/spacex-and-t-mobile-to-connect-starlink-satellites-to-cellphones-in-remote-parts-of-u-s-11661473520 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Alleven |first=Monica |date=August 25, 2022 |title=T-Mobile, SpaceX promise 'end of dead zones' with cell phones connected to satellites |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/t-mobile-spacex-promise-end-dead-zones-cell-phones-connected-satellites |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=Fierce Wireless |language=en |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826174308/https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/t-mobile-spacex-promise-end-dead-zones-cell-phones-connected-satellites |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Musk's SpaceX and T-Mobile plan to connect mobile phones to satellites, boost cell coverage |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/elon-musks-spacex-t-mobile-us-plan-boost-cellular-coverage-space-2022-08-26/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826174308/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/elon-musks-spacex-t-mobile-us-plan-boost-cellular-coverage-space-2022-08-26/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Forget 5G wireless, SpaceX and T-Mobile want to offer Zero-G coverage |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/08/forget-5g-wireless-spacex-and-t-mobile-want-to-offer-zero-g-coverage/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826034319/https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/08/forget-5g-wireless-spacex-and-t-mobile-want-to-offer-zero-g-coverage/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author1=Mike Wall |date=August 26, 2022 |title=SpaceX Starlink satellites to beam service straight to smartphones |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-direct-service-smartphones-t-mobile |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=Space.com |language=en |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826111306/https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-direct-service-smartphones-t-mobile |url-status=live }}

= Radio frequency spectrum chart =

{{anchor|frequency|spectrum|Hz|MHz|freq|bands|LTE bands}}

{{further|GSM frequency bands|LTE frequency bands|5G NR frequency bands}}

== T-Mobile network ==

The following chart describes radio frequency spectrum bands accessible by the company's customers.

class="wikitable sortable"

!Frequency Band

!Band number

!Protocol

!Generation

!Status

!Notes

1.9 GHz PCS

|2

|GSM/GPRS/EDGE

|2G

|rowspan="2" |Active/refarming to NR

|T-Mobile began notifying customers in January 2025 of the impending shutdown of the GSM network beginning on February 9, 2025.

600 MHz DD

|71

| rowspan="8" |LTE/LTE-A/
LTE-A Pro

| rowspan="8" |4G

|Branded as 'Extended-range LTE'. Spectrum purchased in early 2017, network launched in August 2017. Licenses cover 100% of the United States.{{Cite web|title=T-Mobile Lights Up World's First 600 MHz LTE Network at Breakneck Pace|url=https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/cheyenne-600-mhz.htm|access-date=August 23, 2017|website=T-Mobile|archive-date=August 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816195209/https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/cheyenne-600-mhz.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=T-Mobile's Spectrum Haul is a Game Changer for Wireless Consumers|url=https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/tmobile-spectrum-auction-win.htm|access-date=August 23, 2017|website=T-Mobile|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824054428/https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/tmobile-spectrum-auction-win.htm|url-status=live}}

rowspan="2" |700 MHz Lower SMH A/B/C Blocks,
Upper SMH C Block

|12

|Active/building out

|Branded as 'Extended-range LTE'. Rollout began in December 2014. The company owns 700 MHz licenses covering about 85% of the US population.

13

|Active

|Band 13 limited to Puerto Rico and USVI. Network previously operated by Open Mobile, under the Sprint name.{{cite news|last=Kantrow|first=Michelle|date=December 5, 2017|title=Sprint, Open Mobile complete joint venture to serve PR/USVI|work=News is my Business|url=http://newsismybusiness.com/sprint-complete-venture/|access-date=May 31, 2018|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026063940/https://newsismybusiness.com/sprint-complete-venture/|url-status=live}}

1.9 GHz PCS

|2/25

|Active/refarming to NR

|Used in rural areas for 2G to LTE conversions, and in cities for additional capacity.{{cite web|date=February 25, 2014|title=T-Mobile US Management Discusses Q4 2013 Results – Earnings Call Transcript|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/2048673-t-mobile-us-management-discusses-q4-2013-results-earnings-call-transcript?page=3|access-date=February 27, 2014|publisher=Seeking Alpha|archive-date=February 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227173747/http://seekingalpha.com/article/2048673-t-mobile-us-management-discusses-q4-2013-results-earnings-call-transcript?page=3|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=September 24, 2014|title=T-Mobile to focus on 1900 MHz LTE deployment to expand network footprint|url=http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-focus-1900-mhz-lte-deployment-expand-network-footprint/2014-09-24|access-date=October 11, 2014|archive-date=October 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011225726/http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-focus-1900-mhz-lte-deployment-expand-network-footprint/2014-09-24|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Ray|first1=Neville|title=T-Mobile LTE Now Reaches 250 Million Americans – Months Ahead of Schedule|url=http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/issues-insights-blog/t-mobile-lte-now-reaches-250-million-americans-months-ahead-of-schedule.htm|access-date=November 28, 2014|website=T-Mobile Newsroom|archive-date=December 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204212957/http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/issues-insights-blog/t-mobile-lte-now-reaches-250-million-americans-months-ahead-of-schedule.htm|url-status=live}} Band 25 G-block acquired from Sprint.{{cite web|title=T-Mobile's Spectrum and Coverage in a Post-Sprint World|url=https://www.speedtest.net/insights/blog/new-t-mobile-spectrum-coverage/|access-date=April 10, 2020|website=Speedtest.net|date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=June 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602005810/https://www.speedtest.net/insights/blog/new-t-mobile-spectrum-coverage/|url-status=live}}

1.7/2.1 GHz AWS

|4/66

|Active/building out

|Main LTE band in most markets. Band 66 extended AWS-3 block for additional capacity in some areas.{{cite web|title=Map of T-Mobile's AWS-3 spectrum|url=http://maps.spectrumgateway.com/t-mobile-aws-3-spectrum.html|access-date=May 5, 2017|website=maps.spectrumgateway.com|archive-date=January 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130011922/http://maps.spectrumgateway.com/t-mobile-aws-3-spectrum.html|url-status=live}}

2.5 GHz BRS/EBS

|41

|Active/refarming to NR

|Launched alongside n41 in some markets for additional LTE capacity.

3.5 GHz CBRS

|48

| rowspan="5" |Active/building out

|Additional capacity in select cities.{{cite web |title=T-Mobile continues tests in 3.5 GHz CBRS band, seeks extension on STA in Vegas |url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/t-mobile-continues-tests-3-5-ghz-cbrs-band-seeks-extension-sta-vegas |website=Fierce Wireless |access-date=March 6, 2021 |date=March 19, 2018 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226073132/https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/t-mobile-continues-tests-3-5-ghz-cbrs-band-seeks-extension-sta-vegas |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Two years after CBRS auction, US service providers start to reap benefits |url=https://www.verdict.co.uk/cbrs-spectrum-auction-us-service-providers/ |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=Verdict |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312185020/https://www.verdict.co.uk/cbrs-spectrum-auction-us-service-providers/ |url-status=live }}

5.2 GHz U-NII

|46

|License assisted access (LAA). Additional capacity in select cities.{{cite web|title=T-Mobile's LAA Creates Screaming Fast Speeds in NYC|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/t-mobiles-laa-creates-screaming-fast-speeds-in-nyc|access-date=March 19, 2020|website=PCMag|language=en|archive-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319163324/https://www.pcmag.com/news/t-mobiles-laa-creates-screaming-fast-speeds-in-nyc|url-status=live}}

600 MHz DD

|n71

| rowspan="9" |NR

| rowspan="9" |5G

|Primary low-band 5G network. Launched on December 2, 2019. Licenses cover 100% of the United States. Branded as 'Extended Range 5G'.

1.9 GHz PCS

|n25

|Currently being refarmed from T-Mobile's GSM and UMTS networks and from Sprint's former CDMA and LTE networks.

2.5 GHz BRS/EBS

|n41

|Acquired spectrum from Sprint merger. Primary 5G mid-band frequency. Branded as 'Ultra Capacity 5G'.

3.7 GHz C-Band

|n77

|Pending deployment

|Spectrum will be available for use starting December 2023.{{Cite web|last1=Dano|first1=Mike|title=C-band auction maps and charts: Who won what, where and how much|url=https://www.lightreading.com/5g/c-band-auction-maps-and-charts-who-won-what-where-and-how-much/d/d-id/767682|access-date=July 12, 2021|website=Light Reading|language=en|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712190937/https://www.lightreading.com/5g/c-band-auction-maps-and-charts-who-won-what-where-and-how-much/d/d-id/767682|url-status=live}}

24 GHz K-Band

|n258

| rowspan="3" |Active/building out

|Available in pockets of select cities. Branded as 'Ultra Capacity 5G'.

28 GHz Ka-Band

|n261

|Only available in select areas. Went live in June 2019.{{cite web|date=June 25, 2019|title=T-Mobile to Carry the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s10-5g|access-date=July 7, 2019|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712045337/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s10-5g|url-status=live}} Branded as 'Ultra Capacity 5G'.

39 GHz Ka-Band

|n260

|Available in pockets of select cities.{{cite web|title=T-Mobile network|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network|access-date=March 19, 2020|website=T-Mobile Support|language=en|archive-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319015559/https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network|url-status=live}} Branded as 'Ultra Capacity 5G'.

47 GHz V-Band

|n262

|Pending deployment

|Spectrum acquired in 2020 auction.{{Cite web|title=T-Mobile, Sprint, Dish control 99% of 47 GHz spectrum|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/t-mobile-sprint-dish-control-99-47-ghz-spectrum|access-date=July 12, 2021|website=FierceWireless|date=March 18, 2020|language=en|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712184350/https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/t-mobile-sprint-dish-control-99-47-ghz-spectrum|url-status=live}}

== Past networks ==

{{anchor|frequency|spectrum|Hz|MHz|freq|bands|UMTS bands}}

{{further|UMTS frequency bands}}

The following chart lists the networks that T-Mobile previously operated.

class="wikitable sortable"

!Frequency Band

!Band number

!Protocol

!Generation

!Notes

1.9 GHz PCS

|2

| rowspan="2" |UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/
DC-HSPA+

| rowspan="2" |3G

| rowspan="2" |T-Mobile marketed its HSPA/HSPA+ services as "4G".{{cite web |date=November 3, 2010 |title=T-Mobile Calls HSPA+ 4G, Introduces 'Largest 4G Network' |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/TMobile-Calls-HSPA-4G-Introduces-Largest-4G-Network-199099 |access-date=August 23, 2016 |publisher=eWeek}} Network was retired on July 1, 2022.

1.7/2.1 GHz AWS

|4

== Sprint network ==

{{Further|Sprint Corporation#Wireless networks}}

Sprint's network was decommissioned and integrated into T-Mobile's network. The CDMA network was completely shut down on May 31, 2022{{Cite web|title=Sprint's CDMA network shutdown|url=https://www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/service/global/overseas/settings-iphone/td-lte/|access-date=April 13, 2022|website=softbank.jp|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408001603/https://www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/service/global/overseas/settings-iphone/td-lte/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=[Updated: Phased Shutdown] T-Mobile Delays Final Sprint 3G CDMA Shutdown Once Again|url=https://tmo.report/2022/03/t-mobile-delays-final-sprint-3g-cdma-shutdown-once-again/|access-date=April 13, 2022|website=tmo.report|date=March 30, 2022|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421052727/https://tmo.report/2022/03/t-mobile-delays-final-sprint-3g-cdma-shutdown-once-again/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=T-Mobile begins shutdown of Sprint 3G network, to be completed 'no later than May 31'|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/30/23002956/tmobile-shutdown-date-push-back-sprint-3g-dcma-network-dish|access-date=April 13, 2022|website=The Verge|date=March 30, 2022|archive-date=April 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412190109/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/30/23002956/tmobile-shutdown-date-push-back-sprint-3g-dcma-network-dish|url-status=live}} and the LTE network was discontinued on June 30, 2022. Sprint used bands 25, 26 and 41 to provide LTE coverage and used band n41 for NR coverage.

= {{anchor|T-Mobile HotSpots}}T-Mobile HotSpots =

T-Mobile has used the term "Hotspot" to represent various products and technologies.

== Wi-Fi network (public) ==

The company operates a nationwide Wi-Fi Internet access network under the T-Mobile HotSpots brand. The T-Mobile HotSpots network consists of thousands of Wi-Fi access points installed in businesses, hotels, and airports throughout the U.S.

The T-Mobile HotSpot service offers access to a nationwide network of approximately 8,350 access points, installed in venues such as Starbucks coffeehouses, FedEx Office Office and Print Centers, Hyatt hotels and resorts, Red Roof Inns, Sofitel hotels, Novotel hotels, the airline clubs of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as airports.[https://selfcare.hotspot.t-mobile.com/locations/viewLocationMap.do "T-Mobile HotSpot Location"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312063201/https://selfcare.hotspot.t-mobile.com/locations/viewLocationMap.do |date=March 12, 2013}}. t-mobile.com.

The T-Mobile HotSpots network can be traced to the company's 2002 purchase of bankrupt wireless ISP MobileStar, which began building its network in 1998. After completing the purchase, the company expanded the network into 400 Borders bookstores, as well as 100 of the most-frequented airport clubs and lounges operated by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.[http://www.news.com/2100-1033-275664.html "MobileStar Network Back On"]. News.com.[http://www.t-mobile.com/Company/CompanyInfo.aspx?tp=Abt_Tab_CompanyOverview&tsp=Abt_Sub_History "Company History"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524035345/http://www.t-mobile.com/Company/CompanyInfo.aspx?tp=Abt_Tab_CompanyOverview&tsp= |date=May 24, 2011 }}. t-mobile.com.

On September 14, 2014, T-Mobile partnered up with GoGo to provide free texting on airplanes for its customers. GoGo services are provided on Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.{{Cite news|url=http://topmobiletrends.com/gogowifi-free-texting-t-mobile-users|title=GoGoWiFi: Free Texting For T-Mobile Users|author=Top Mobile Trends|publisher=Top Mobile Trends|date=September 6, 2014|access-date=July 28, 2016|archive-date=July 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730052432/http://topmobiletrends.com/gogowifi-free-texting-t-mobile-users/|url-status=live}}

On June 6, 2016, T-Mobile expanded its partnership with GoGo to offer T-Mobile users one hour of free WiFi on customers phones while T-Mobile One Plus and One Plus International users also get free WiFi throughout the entire flight. T-Mobile also included other messaging apps (iMessage, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp and Viber) in addition to SMS texting being provided since September 2014.{{Cite news|url=https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/un-carrier-11.htm|title=UnCarrier 11|author=T-Mobile|date=June 6, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812144146/https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/un-carrier-11.htm|url-status=live}}

== Wi-Fi network (private) ==

T-Mobile has also used the term to describe Wi-Fi Access Points that it sold to end users to expand their cell phone network to phones equipped to also receive Wi-Fi using a VOIP-like technology. (The models included at least two by Linksys: the WRTU54G-TM and the WRT54G-TM and one by D-Link: the TM-G5240.)

Finances

For the fiscal year 2023, T-Mobile US reported earnings of US$8.317 billion, with an annual revenue of US$78.558 billion, an decrease of 1.3% over the previous fiscal cycle. T-Mobile's shares traded at over $160 per share and its market capitalization was valued at over US$195 billion in February 2024.{{Cite web|title=T-Mobile – AnnualReports.com|url=https://www.annualreports.com/Company/t-mobile|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=www.annualreports.com|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116052409/https://www.annualreports.com/Company/t-mobile|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: right;"

!Year

!Revenue
in million $

!Net income
in million $

!Total Assets
in million $

!Price per Share
in $

!Employees

2011

|20,618

|−4,718

|9,483

|17.40

|

2012

|19,719

|−7,336

|33,622

|12.10

|

2013

|24,420

|35

|49,953

|21.14

|40,000

2014

|29,564

|247

|56,653

|30.59

|45,000

2015

|32,467

| 678

|62,413

|36.45

|50,000

2016

|37,490

|1,405

|65,891

|44.29

|50,000

2017

|40,604

|4,481

|70,563

|62.59

|51,000

2018

|43,310

|2,888

|72,468

|63.61

|52,000

2019

|44,998

|3,468

|86,921

|75.06

|53,000

2020*

|68,397

|3,064

|200,162

|103.45

|75,000

2021

|80,118

|3,024

|206,563

|129.67

|75,000

2022

|79,571

|2,590

|211,338

|132.9445

|71,000

2023

|78,558

|8,317

|207,682

|142.37

|67,000

2024

|81,400

|11,339

|208,035

|191.65

|70,000

* Merger with Sprint in 2020

Locations

T-Mobile US's headquarters are located in the Factoria neighborhood of Bellevue, Washington, a suburb east of Seattle on Interstate 90. The headquarters includes ten buildings in Factoria and other areas of the Eastside region that employed 8,000 workers in 2020. The company launched a shuttle bus service, named the Magenta Express, in 2017 to serve the buildings and other commute trips.{{cite news |last=Merten |first=Paxtyn |date=February 6, 2020 |title=In transit desert, Magenta Express shuttles are T-Mobile's most popular transit benefit |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2020/02/06/in-transit-desertmagenta-express-shuttles-are-t.html |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |url-access=subscription |accessdate=May 15, 2024}}

Products and services

= Mobile phone and data =

== Current plans ==

In April 2023, the company announced its new Go5G and Go5G Plus plans. The Go5G Plus plan brought new features to T-Mobile's premier voice plan offering. Namely, it guaranteed subscribers 24 month device financing terms, and access to the best available device promotions on new purchases. These perks were available to new and existing customers alike, as long as they stayed on the plan. A single voice line on Go5G Plus cost $90 per month and included the same features Magenta MAX offered, like Netflix and Apple TV+, as well as an extra 10 GB of premium mobile hotspot data for a total of 50 GB per month, and 15 GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico.{{Cite web |title=T-Mobile Revamps Plans With New 'Go5G' Options and Takes Aim at AT&T |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/t-mobile-revamps-plans-with-new-go5g-options-and-takes-aim-at-at-t/ |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=CNET |language=en |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182532/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/t-mobile-revamps-plans-with-new-go5g-options-and-takes-aim-at-at-t/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=T-Mobile Launches 'Go5G Plus' Two-Year Upgrade Plan, Will Help Would-Be Customers Get Out of Device Contracts |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2023/04/20/t-mobile-go5g-plus-upgrade-plan/ |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=MacRumors |date=April 20, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182533/https://www.macrumors.com/2023/04/20/t-mobile-go5g-plus-upgrade-plan/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Pintado |first=Amanda Pérez |title=T-Mobile debuts Go5G Plus plan that allows users to upgrade their phone every 2 years |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2023/04/20/tmobile-go-5-g-plus-plan/11705668002/ |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182532/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2023/04/20/tmobile-go-5-g-plus-plan/11705668002/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author1=Philip Michaels |date=April 20, 2023 |title=T-Mobile launches new Go5G unlimited plans — what you need to know |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/t-mobile-launches-new-go5g-unlimited-plans-what-you-need-to-know |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=Tom's Guide |language=en |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182537/https://www.tomsguide.com/news/t-mobile-launches-new-go5g-unlimited-plans-what-you-need-to-know |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Wituschek |first=Joe |date=April 20, 2023 |title=T-Mobile's new Go5G Plus plan gets you a new phone sooner than AT&T and Verizon |url=https://bgr.com/tech/t-mobiles-new-go5g-plus-plan-gets-you-a-new-phone-sooner-than-att-and-verizon/ |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=BGR |language=en-US |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182533/https://bgr.com/tech/t-mobiles-new-go5g-plus-plan-gets-you-a-new-phone-sooner-than-att-and-verizon/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=April 20, 2023 |title=T-Mobile's newest plans are exciting for new (and old) customers |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/t-mobile-promises-phone-freedom-with-go5g-plans-news/ |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=Digital Trends |language=en |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182533/https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/t-mobile-promises-phone-freedom-with-go5g-plans-news/ |url-status=live }}

Discounted versions of the new plans were announced for small businesses, customers 55-years-old and up, first responders, and military families.{{Cite web |title=Introducing T‑Mobile's Latest Un‑carrier Move "Phone Freedom" ‑ T‑Mobile Newsroom |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/un-carrier-move-phone-freedom/ |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=T-Mobile Newsroom |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420233254/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/un-carrier-move-phone-freedom |url-status=live }}

The T-Mobile Essentials plan provides customers unlimited talk, text, and data service at a lower price than a standard Magenta or Magenta Plus plan. However, unlike most other plans, the Essentials plan does not include taxes and fees. It also allows T-Mobile to prioritize other customers over Essentials customers' data usage on the network at any time during network congestion or peak times.{{Cite web|title=Our Best Basic Unlimited Data, Talk & Text Plan {{!}} T-Mobile Essentials|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/essentials|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=www.t-mobile.com|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204524/https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/essentials|url-status=live}} Additionally, the company unveiled a "limited time" plan called Essentials Saver that lowered the price to $50 from $60.

On June 2, 2019, T-Mobile announced the launch of the Magenta plan, replacing the T-Mobile ONE plans. The Magenta family of plans build on the existing features of the T-Mobile ONE and ONE Plus plans, but now include additional features like 3 GB of mobile hotspot data for standard Magenta plans, and retaining the same enhanced HD streaming, 20 GB of mobile hotspot data, and other features of the T-Mobile ONE Plus plans.{{Cite web|title=Magenta® Cell Phone Plan {{!}} Starting at $40/Mo. {{!}} T-Mobile|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/magenta|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=www.t-mobile.com|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204520/https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/magenta|url-status=live}} On January 22, 2021, it was announced that T-Mobile unveiled its newest 5G smartphone plan with no throttling, called Magenta MAX. Customers get unlimited Premium Data (4G and 5G), unlimited 4K UHD video streaming, complimentary video streaming services, mobile high-speed hotspot data at 40 GB, unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada with up to 5 GB of high-speed data, T-Mobile Tuesdays free thank you gifts and discounts, unlimited Gogo in-flight texting and Wi-Fi all flight long, free texting and data in 210 countries and destinations, and free Scam Shield Premium protection, including free Scam Block and Caller ID. Magenta MAX cost the same as the Magenta Plus plan at $57 per line per month for three lines with autopay with taxes and fees included.{{cite web |title=See Ya Speed Bumps. T‑Mobile Unleashes 5G with New Magenta MAX Plan |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/magenta-max |publisher=T-Mobile US |access-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302114332/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/magenta-max |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blumenthal |first1=Eli |title=T-Mobile adds new Magenta Max plan with no smartphone throttling even when on 5G |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobile-adds-new-magenta-max-plan-with-no-smartphone-throttling-even-when-on-5g/ |access-date=March 3, 2021 |ref=CNet |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302132430/https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobile-adds-new-magenta-max-plan-with-no-smartphone-throttling-even-when-on-5g/ |url-status=live }}

Both Go5G plans and the Essential Saver plan were announced on April 20, or 4/20, a reference to pot consumption. The Verge noted T-Mobile's aim to "smoke the competition" had "some real 'How do you do, fellow kids?' energy", in reference to actor Steve Buscemi appearing out of touch on the sitcom 30 Rock.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Allison |date=April 20, 2023 |title=T-Mobile's pricey new plan gets you a new phone every two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/20/23690128/t-mobile-go-5g-plus-plan-price-features |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421184208/https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/20/23690128/t-mobile-go-5g-plus-plan-price-features |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Tiffany |first=Kaitlyn |date=July 13, 2017 |title='How do you do, fellow kids' has become the 'how do you do, fellow kids' of memes |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/13/15966094/30-rock-buscemi-how-do-you-do-fellow-kids-meme-kill-it-please |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182532/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/13/15966094/30-rock-buscemi-how-do-you-do-fellow-kids-meme-kill-it-please |url-status=live }}

== Senior, military and first responder plans ==

Alongside the T-Mobile Magenta family of plans are the specialized plans offered to Military personnel, First Responders, and seniors age 55 and up.

Military and First Responder plans allow for qualified service members to receive 50% off of standard pricing Magenta and Magenta Plus plans. Customers must verify their affiliation within 45 days of activation or switching to the plan in order to retain the discounted offer.{{Cite web|title=Unlimited Phone Plans w/ Military & Veteran Family Discounts {{!}} T-Mobile|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/military-discount-plans|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=www.t-mobile.com|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204547/https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/military-discount-plans|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=First Responder Discounts on Unlimited Phone Plans {{!}} T-Mobile|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/first-responder-discounts|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=www.t-mobile.com|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113121849/https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/first-responder-discounts|url-status=live}}

The Unlimited 55+ allows customers at or over the age of 55 to receive a set discounted price on standard rate plans, however these accounts are limited to only 2 lines per account. Certain customers were permitted to add a third line to their account during a specific promotional period.{{Cite web|title=Unlimited 55+ Discount Cell Phone Plans for Seniors {{!}} T-Mobile|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/unlimited-55-senior-discount-plans|access-date=August 2, 2020|website=www.t-mobile.com|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204524/https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/unlimited-55-senior-discount-plans|url-status=live}}

== Complimentary video streaming ==

On September 12, 2017, T-Mobile introduced the Netflix On Us program.{{cite web |title=America's Best Unlimited Just Got Even Better — T-Mobile Now Includes Netflix On Us |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/press/tmobile-uncarrier-netflix |website=T-Mobile Newsroom |access-date=February 22, 2024 |location=Bellevue, WA |date=September 6, 2017}} Initially, this was limited to T-Mobile ONE family plans, and the Standard ad-free Netflix plan was included, valued at $11/month after an October 2017 price increase.{{cite web |last1=Haselton |first1=Todd |title=Netflix is raising its prices on some plans; shares rise |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/05/netflix-is-raising-its-prices-on-some-plans.html |website=CNBC |access-date=February 22, 2024 |date=October 5, 2017}} Over time, the benefit was expanded to several other individual and family plans. On January 15, 2021, the benefit was changed to the Netflix Basic plan for Magenta subscribers, and the Netflix Standard plan for Magenta Plus and ONE Plus subscribers.{{cite web |last1=Spellberg |first1=Claire |title=T-Mobile Netflix Update: T-Mobile Customers Hit with Netflix's Latest Price Increase |url=https://decider.com/2020/12/16/t-mobile-netflix-update-price-increase/ |website=Decider |access-date=February 22, 2024 |date=December 16, 2020}} {{As of|2024|01|24|df=US}}, all T-Mobile subscribers with the Netflix On Us benefit receive the ad-supported Standard plan from Netflix, regardless of their T-Mobile plan.{{cite web |title=Using Netflix with a T-Mobile Netflix on Us Package |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/66915/us |website=Help Center |access-date=February 22, 2024 |date=January 24, 2024}} This plan is missing several titles compared to ad-free plans, and a few devices with older Netflix software are unsupported. Customers can pay an additional fee for a plan without advertisements.

Some plans also include the Apple TV+ On Us and Hulu On Us benefits.

== Discontinued plans ==

In March 2013, T-Mobile introduced a new streamlined plan, Simple Choice, for new customers. This is part of an initiative called Un-carrier which drops contracts, subsidized phones, overage fees for data, and early termination fees.{{cite news|title=T-Mobile Shakes Up Its Service|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/technology/t-mobile-unveils-aggressive-phone-pricing-with-no-contracts.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 20, 2013|first=Brian X.|last=Chen|date=March 26, 2013|archive-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620220400/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/technology/t-mobile-unveils-aggressive-phone-pricing-with-no-contracts.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|url-status=live}} In August 2016, T-Mobile introduced T-Mobile ONE as a replacement for Simple Choice.{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions about T‑Mobile ONE|url=http://explore.t-mobile.com/t-mobile-one-faq|access-date=August 22, 2016|archive-date=August 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830000914/http://explore.t-mobile.com/t-mobile-one-faq|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author1=T-Mobile USA, Inc.|title=T-Mobile ONE|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans|access-date=April 23, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424090506/https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans|url-status=live}} The plan has been criticized by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and others for potentially violating net neutrality rules and making previously included features paid extras.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2016/08/eff-t-mobile-one-violate-net-neutrality/|title=EFF says T-Mobile One seems to violate net neutrality|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-date=August 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230406/https://www.tmonews.com/2016/08/eff-t-mobile-one-violate-net-neutrality/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=T-Mobile's new 'unlimited' One plan is complete nonsense|url=https://thenextweb.com/opinion/2016/08/18/t-mobile-one-plan-complete-nonsense/|date=August 18, 2016|access-date=June 18, 2018|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014235/https://thenextweb.com/opinion/2016/08/18/t-mobile-one-plan-complete-nonsense/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=T-Mobile's New 'Unlimited' Plan Doesn't Sound Very Unlimited|date=August 18, 2016|url=https://gizmodo.com/t-mobiles-new-unlimited-plan-doesnt-sound-very-unlimite-1785452553|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924094245/https://gizmodo.com/t-mobiles-new-unlimited-plan-doesnt-sound-very-unlimite-1785452553|url-status=live}} In August 2018, T-Mobile introduced the ONE Plus family plan, which allows HD streaming and adds 20 GB of mobile hotspot at 4G LTE speeds, and Name ID.{{Cite web | url=https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans | title=Cell Phone Plans | Family Plans | Compare Cell Phone Plans | T-Mobile | access-date=April 23, 2017 | archive-date=April 24, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424090506/https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans | url-status=live }} As of June 2, 2019, the T-Mobile ONE and ONE Plus plans have been retired, and replaced by the new Magenta plans.{{Cite web|title=T-Mo renames T-Mobile One plan to Magenta, makes a couple of changes|url=https://www.tmonews.com/2019/05/t-mobile-one-magenta-plan-changes/|access-date=August 2, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=May 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504095606/https://www.tmonews.com/2019/05/t-mobile-one-magenta-plan-changes/|url-status=live}}

On June 2, 2019, T-Mobile announced the launch of Magenta Plus. T-Mobile has since discontinued this plan, but it has upgraded the Magenta plan with 100 GB of premium data, while the high-speed hotspot data was increased to 5 GB.

== Capping unlimited data users ==

On August 31, 2015, T-Mobile announced it will ask users who abuse its unlimited on-smartphone data plan by violating T-Mobile's Terms & Conditions regarding tethering (which like unlimited on-smartphone data, remains unlimited, but offers a 14 GB high-speed allotment before throttling takes effect), by permanently removing user access to unlimited plans and migrating users to a tiered data plan. By doing so, all plans after a select amount of inclusive high-speed data, result in automatic throttled speeds, preventing unlimited high-speed tethering use and abuse of the network. T-Mobile stated that there are a small handful of users who abuse the tethering plan by altering device software and/or the use of an Android app that masks T-Mobile's ability monitoring whether data is on-smartphone, or through smartphone mobile hotspot (tethering) by mimicking all data as on-smartphone use, with some customers abusing the service by using as much as 2 TB per month, causing speed issues for all other customers.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/31/9230595/t-mobile-unlimited-data-tethering-warning|title=T-Mobile will now punish customers who abuse unlimited data|date=August 31, 2015|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110234104/https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/31/9230595/t-mobile-unlimited-data-tethering-warning|url-status=live}}

== InReach program ==

The InReach program{{cite web|url=https://lifeline.t-mobile.com/|title=InReach Program at T-Mobile US|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123043942/https://lifeline.t-mobile.com/|archive-date=January 23, 2014}} provides a free cell phone and a limited number of voice minutes each month for low-income-eligible families (one per family) who do not use Lifeline services offered by any other phone or wireless company. It is funded through the Universal Service Fund,[http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ Universal Service Administrative Company] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617180621/http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ |date=June 17, 2012 }}, About Lifeline but is only operational in a limited number of states and Puerto Rico.{{Cite web|url=http://www.t-mobilepr.com/servicios_lifeline.php|title=Fondo de Servicio Universal|date=September 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903041653/http://www.t-mobilepr.com/servicios_lifeline.php |archive-date=September 3, 2011 }}

= Prepaid mobile phone and data =

== Ultra Mobile ==

{{Main|Ultra Mobile}}

Ultra Mobile is a prepaid MVNO that offers limited and unlimited plans that include international calling and texting to select countries. Ultra Mobile was acquired alongside Mint Mobile by T-Mobile US on May 1, 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/business/t-mobile-closes-acquisition-mint-and-ultra-mobile | title=Mint and Ultra: Welcome to the T-Mobile Family! }}

== Mint Mobile ==

{{Main|Mint Mobile}}

Mint Mobile is an MVNO that offers plans charged in increments of 3, 6, or 12 months, offering discounts for longer subscriptions. Mint Mobile was officially acquired by T-Mobile US on May 1, 2024.

== Tello Mobile ==

{{Main|Tello Mobile}}

Founded in 2016, Tello Mobile now uses the T-Mobile network to provide MVNO talk, text, and data to its customers. Tello originally used the Sprint network, but transitioned to the T-Mobile network after the T-Mobile and Sprint merger.

== Metro by T-Mobile ==

{{Main|Metro by T-Mobile}}

The former MetroPCS was taken over by T-Mobile in 2013, the new company formed T-Mobile US and currently continues to offer prepaid wireless services under the Metro by T-Mobile brand.

== Assurance Wireless ==

{{Main|Assurance Wireless}}

The T-Mobile network has carried Assurance Wireless since the 2020 Sprint merger. The service is subsidized by the federal Lifeline Assistance program, a government benefit program supported by the federal Universal Service Fund. Low-income people who qualify for the services are provided a free phone, free monthly data and minutes, and unlimited texting.

== Former prepaid services ==

=== GoSmart Mobile ===

GoSmart Mobile was a T-Mobile branded service that launched in beta on December 7, 2012, and became officially available nationwide on February 19, 2013. GoSmart offered no-contract SIM wireless services. GoSmart Mobile was sold to consumers through dealers who worked as independent contractors under their own company name. Such sellers are known as "Authorized Dealers" with either physical or online stores. In September 2016, T-Mobile sold the brand and 326,000 GoSmart Mobile customers to TracFone Wireless.[http://www.tmonews.com/2016/10/t-mobile-sells-walmart-family-mobile-tracfone/ "T-Mobile sells Walmart Family Mobile to TracFone"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104075520/http://www.tmonews.com/2016/10/t-mobile-sells-walmart-family-mobile-tracfone/ |date=November 4, 2016 }}, TmoNews, October 5, 2016 The customers were reclassified as wholesale subscribers.[http://investor.t-mobile.com/Cache/1001215618.PDF?O=PDF&T=&Y=&D=&FID=1001215618&iid=4091145 "Investor Factbook"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024215319/http://investor.t-mobile.com/Cache/1001215618.PDF?O=PDF&T=&Y=&D=&FID=1001215618&iid=4091145 |date=October 24, 2016 }}, T-Mobile USA, Inc, 2016-10

= Television and streaming =

== TVision ==

{{anchor|TVision Home}}

On December 13, 2017, T-Mobile US announced its intent to acquire the IPTV provider Layer3 TV, which operates in Chicago and Washington, as the basis of its own subscription television service initially planned to launch in 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/13/t-mobile-plans-pay-tv-service-in-2018-field-by-layer3-acquisition/|title=T-Mobile plans pay-TV service in 2018 fueled by Layer3 TV acquisition|last=Etherington|first=Darrell|work=TechCrunch|access-date=December 13, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213185118/https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/13/t-mobile-plans-pay-tv-service-in-2018-field-by-layer3-acquisition/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-13/t-mobile-agrees-to-buy-layer3-in-preparation-for-new-tv-service|title=T-Mobile to Buy Layer3 TV in Preparation for Video Service|date=December 13, 2017|work=Bloomberg|access-date=December 13, 2017|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213172912/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-13/t-mobile-agrees-to-buy-layer3-in-preparation-for-new-tv-service|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=T-Mobile completes purchase of Denver's Layer3 TV, plans to offer TV service to all — including AT&T and Verizon customers|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/01/23/t-mobile-layer-3-att-verizon-tv-service/|publisher=The Denver Post|access-date=January 24, 2018|date=January 23, 2018|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015731/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/01/23/t-mobile-layer-3-att-verizon-tv-service/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=T-Mobile completes Layer3 acquisition, on track to launch new TV service this year|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2018/t-mobile-completes-layer3-acquisition-track-launch-new-tv-service-year/|publisher=Geek Wire|access-date=January 24, 2018|date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125023954/https://www.geekwire.com/2018/t-mobile-completes-layer3-acquisition-track-launch-new-tv-service-year/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=T-Mobile TV service nears as Uncarrier closes Layer3 acquisition|url=https://www.slashgear.com/t-mobile-tv-service-nears-as-uncarrier-closes-layer3-acquisition-23516841/|publisher=Slash Gear|access-date=January 24, 2018|date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015833/https://www.slashgear.com/t-mobile-tv-service-nears-as-uncarrier-closes-layer3-acquisition-23516841/|url-status=live}} On April 10, 2019, T-Mobile officially announced the re-branding and re-launch of Layer3 TV as TVision Home{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/10/18304455/tmobile-layer3-tvision-home-tv-cable-service-announced|title=T-Mobile relaunches Layer3 TV service as TVision Home|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=April 10, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=April 12, 2019|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412201856/https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/10/18304455/tmobile-layer3-tvision-home-tv-cable-service-announced|url-status=live}} The service mirrors the hardware, packaging, and pricing models of other linear television providers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/04/10/t-mobiles-tvision-home-here-but-looks-lot-like-regular-cable/3415988002/|title=T-Mobile's new TVision Home service goes after cable TV, but doesn't look much different|website=USA Today|language=en|access-date=April 15, 2019|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411020726/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/04/10/t-mobiles-tvision-home-here-but-looks-lot-like-regular-cable/3415988002/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20190410/07465741969/t-mobiles-revolutionary-new-tv-service-looks-like-same-old-crap.shtml|title=T-Mobile's 'Revolutionary' New TV Service Looks Like The Same Old Crap|first=Karl|last=Bode|website=Techdirt|date=April 15, 2019|access-date=April 15, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415215917/https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20190410/07465741969/t-mobiles-revolutionary-new-tv-service-looks-like-same-old-crap.shtml|url-status=live}}

On October 27, 2020, T-Mobile US introduced over-the-top streaming services under the TVision branding. It consisted of several packages, including TVision Vibe (a lower-cost bundle focused on entertainment channels), TVision Live (network television, basic cable and sports networks, as well as cloud DVR), and TVision Channels (with standalone subscriptions for pay television services).{{Cite web|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=October 27, 2020|title=T-Mobile expands into live internet TV with new TVision streaming service|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/27/21535264/tmobile-tvision-live-internet-tv-streaming-service-price|access-date=October 27, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027194235/https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/27/21535264/tmobile-tvision-live-internet-tv-streaming-service-price|url-status=live}} TVision Home ceased operations on December 30, 2020.{{Cite web|last=Peters|first=Jay|date=November 18, 2020|title=T-Mobile's TVision Home IPTV service is shutting down at the end of December|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/18/21574328/t-mobile-tvision-home-shutting-down-layer-3|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409085116/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/18/21574328/t-mobile-tvision-home-shutting-down-layer-3|url-status=live}}

On March 29, 2021, T-Mobile announced that TVision would be discontinued on April 29, 2021. The provider will instead offer promotional bundles with the third-party providers Philo and YouTube TV.{{Cite web|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=March 29, 2021|title=T-Mobile Shutting Down TVision, Installs Philo As Base Video Offering At $10 A Month, Sets YouTube TV As Premium Option|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/t-mobile-tvision-philo-youtube-tv-google-streaming-wireless-1234723988/|access-date=March 29, 2021|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=March 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329204425/https://deadline.com/2021/03/t-mobile-tvision-philo-youtube-tv-google-streaming-wireless-1234723988/|url-status=live}}

= Financial services =

== Banking cards ==

On January 22, 2014, T-Mobile announced that it would expand its products into banking. T-Mobile would provide Visa card with banking features and a smartphone money management application with reduced-fee or zero-cost services for T-Mobile wireless customers. In addition, customers would have access to over 42,000 ATMs with no fees.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tmobile-banking-idUSBREA0L1BR20140122|access-date=January 23, 2014|newspaper=Reuters|date=January 22, 2014|first=Sinead|last=Carew|title=T-Mobile US says to expand into banking cards|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519002457/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tmobile-banking-idUSBREA0L1BR20140122|url-status=live}} In early 2016, T-Mobile decided to discontinue the banking cards. They can no longer be purchased at T-Mobile.

== Online banking ==

In early 2019, T-Mobile released an online banking option called "T-Mobile Money".

Customer service

= Team of Experts =

In 2018, T-Mobile officially announced its new customer care concept called Team of Experts. The premise being customers never being transferred to another department. All representatives are trained in billing, payment arrangements, and cancellations when in the past each had their own separate department. In addition to being cross-trained, the Team of Experts, which consists of usually between 30 and 35 account reps, 4 to 6 technical support representatives, 4 supervisors overseeing the representatives, and one manager, are assigned specific markets, usually within the region the call center is in.{{cite web |title=T-Mobile Customer Care |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/customer-care |website=t-mobile.com |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605231746/https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/customer-care |url-status=live }}

= Awards =

From as early as 2004, the company has captured multiple J. D. Power annual awards in the areas of retail sales satisfaction, wireless customer care, and overall customer satisfaction. In 2011, J. D. Power and Associates stated that T-Mobile retail stores achieved the highest ratings among major wireless carriers for customer satisfaction for the fourth consecutive year, performing particularly well in price and promotions.{{cite press release |title=J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Spending Sufficient Time Explaining Mobile Device Operation Is Critical to Higher Satisfaction with the Wireless Retail Sales Process |publisher=J.D. Power and Associates, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc |date=February 17, 2011 |url=http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2011016 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |archive-date=April 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423055414/http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2011016 |quote=T-Mobile ranks highest in customer satisfaction among major wireless carrier-owned retail stores for a fourth consecutive time with a score of 739, performing particularly well in price and promotions, such as the competitiveness of service plans and devices offered. |url-status=dead}} Also in 2011, J. D. Power and Associates ranked T-Mobile USA highest among major providers in wireless customer care for the second consecutive year.{{cite press release |title=J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Interaction with Agents May Significantly Elevate Satisfaction with the Wireless Customer Care Experience |publisher=J.D. Power and Associates, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc |date=February 3, 2011 |url=http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2011010 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |archive-date=April 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410082122/http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2011010 |quote=T-Mobile ranks highest in wireless customer care performance for a second consecutive time with an overall score of 758. T-Mobile USA performs particularly well in phone contacts that originate in the ARS channel and are then transferred to a live service representative, and through phone calls made directly to a CSR. |url-status=dead}}

On December 3, 2015, Consumer Reports named T-Mobile the number one American wireless service provider. The results combine data from customer service, voice quality, text messaging services, and data speeds.{{cite web |date=December 3, 2015 |title=Consumer Reports ranks T-Mobile as No. 1 carrier |url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/12/03/technology/t-mobile-verizon-consumer-reports/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205232730/http://money.cnn.com/2015/12/03/technology/t-mobile-verizon-consumer-reports |archive-date=December 5, 2015 |access-date=August 3, 2020 |publisher=CNNMoney.com}}

On February 6, 2016, T-Mobile was awarded the JD Power Award for customer satisfaction in the full-service wireless category for the second year in a row. T-Mobile received the highest score ever in the wireless industry.{{cite web|title=2016 Wireless Awards Press Release|url=http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2016-us-wireless-customer-care-fs-nc-performance-studies-vol-1|website=JDPower.com|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=April 10, 2016|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409235029/http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2016-us-wireless-customer-care-fs-nc-performance-studies-vol-1|url-status=live |author1=Robin }}

In 2019, T-Mobile was recognized as one of Fortune's Top 100 Companies To Work For, ranking #49.{{Cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/fortune-best-companies-list|title=Keeping It 100: What Made T-Mobile One of Fortune's Best Companies to Work For|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403163953/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/fortune-best-companies-list|url-status=live}}

In 2024, it was named in Time's list of influential companies for the year.{{Cite magazine |last=Bansal |first=Varsha |date=2024-05-30 |title=TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2024: T-Mobile US |url=https://time.com/6979542/t-mobile-us-inc/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}

Marketing

File:Harmon Corner 2.jpg on the Las Vegas Strip]]

Jamie Lee Curtis was the spokesperson for T-Mobile USA's predecessor, VoiceStream Wireless, since 1998. VoiceStream's advertising slogan was: "Get more from life". During the transition to the T-Mobile brand, Jamie Lee Curtis continued as a spokesperson for a short time and the slogan was changed to "T-Mobile. Get More.", which was also adopted by the other T-Mobile companies around the world, including Germany and the UK.

Starting in 2002, the company's spokesperson was Catherine Zeta-Jones who was the main figure in its branding strategy. As of September 2006, Zeta-Jones had officially been dropped as the "face" of the company for its advertising campaigns due to a corporate rebranding strategy.[http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB115923297434173806-MhwUTXKGBvVjSs_kJoPkTnTXM3Q_20061026.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top "T-Mobile Readies New Web Phones – And Hangs Up on a Star Pitchwoman"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217145907/http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB115923297434173806-MhwUTXKGBvVjSs_kJoPkTnTXM3Q_20061026.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top |date=December 17, 2007 }}. The Wall Street Journal The company also relied on rapper Snoop Dogg as the spokesperson for its T-Mobile Sidekick in a series of commercials late in 2004, the company also released a series of Sidekick phones known as the D-Wade Edition for basketball player Dwyane Wade.

The company is also an official sponsor of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the NBA Rookie Challenge, Women's National Basketball Association, and the Overwatch League. In Puerto Rico, the company also sponsors the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweeklyjournal.com/business-gallery/t-mobile-the-main-sponsor-for-the-puerto-rico-olympic-committee/article_39a062d8-d4fb-11eb-8c67-4376f62cac70.html|title=T-Mobile the Main Sponsor for the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee|date=June 24, 2021|access-date=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807045030/https://www.theweeklyjournal.com/business-gallery/t-mobile-the-main-sponsor-for-the-puerto-rico-olympic-committee/article_39a062d8-d4fb-11eb-8c67-4376f62cac70.html|url-status=live}}

In late May 2009, Zeta-Jones was brought back as a company spokesperson to show customers how to pay less for their wireless plan in a new "Mobile Makeovers" advertising campaign that refers a customer to third-party comparison site BillShrink.com.T-Mobile Press Release [https://web.archive.org/web/20131102125153/http://www.t-mobile.com/company/PressReleases_Article.aspx?assetName=Prs_Prs_20090520&title=T-Mobile%20Aims%20to%20Help%20Wireless%20Customers%20Save%20Money%20by%20Offering%20%27Mobile%20Makeovers%27 "T-Mobile Aims To Help Wireless Customers Save Money by Offering Mobile Makeovers"].{{cite web |url=http://www.billshrink.com/ |title=BillShrink.com |publisher=BillShrink.com |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=June 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618040828/http://www.billshrink.com/ |url-status=dead }}

In late 2009, commercials for the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G featured the song "If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out" by Cat Stevens{{cite web|url=http://onmilwaukee.com/music/articles/tmobilemytouchsong.html|title=What the Heck Is the Song in That Commercial?|author=Olson, Drew|publisher=Onmilwaukee.com|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=July 30, 2009|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826204031/http://onmilwaukee.com/music/articles/tmobilemytouchsong.html|url-status=live}} and celebrities such as Chevy Chase, Molly Shannon, Dana Carvey, and Darrell Hammond.{{cite web |url=http://www.unitedmonkee.com/2009/10/snl-phone-commerical.html |title=Retrieved 2009-10-21 |publisher=Unitedmonkee.com |date=October 9, 2009 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=October 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019095417/http://www.unitedmonkee.com/2009/10/snl-phone-commerical.html |url-status=live }} Another commercial with the same song performed by a different artist showed Wyclef Jean, Avril Lavigne, and Brad Paisley.{{cite web|url=http://www.thelifefiles.com/2009/11/22/wyclef-jean-avril-lavigne-and-brad-paisley-star-in-t-mobiles-mytouch-commercial/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717011231/http://www.thelifefiles.com/2009/11/22/wyclef-jean-avril-lavigne-and-brad-paisley-star-in-t-mobiles-mytouch-commercial/|archive-date=July 17, 2011 |title=Wyclef Jean, Avril Lavigne And Brad Paisley Star In T-Mobile's "myTouch" Commercial! |publisher=Thelifefiles.com |access-date=September 20, 2012}}

Carly Foulkes is the spokeswoman for the myTouch 4G in commercials that parody the Get a Mac campaign. The model is known for Rugby Ralph Lauren ads.{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2010/11/who-made-t-mobile-mytouch-4g-girls-pink-and-white-dress.html |title=Burning Questions: Just Who is T-Mobile's Stylish New 4G Girl, and Who Made That Pink-and-White Dress? |work=Los Angeles Times |author=Tschor, Adam |date=November 16, 2010 |access-date=February 24, 2011 |archive-date=March 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310114229/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2010/11/who-made-t-mobile-mytouch-4g-girls-pink-and-white-dress.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/209667/tmobile_gets_tough_with_competitors_over_4g.html |title=T-Mobile Gets Tough With Competitors Over 4G |author1=Mello Jr. |author2=John P. |work=PC World |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=February 24, 2011 |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107233947/http://www.pcworld.com/article/209667/tmobile_gets_tough_with_competitors_over_4g.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytech.com/TMobile+Takes+ATT+and+iPhone+HeadOn+in+New+Ad/article20056.htm |title=T-Mobile Takes AT&T and iPhone Head-On in New Ad |author=Kurlyandchik, Mark |publisher=Daily Tech |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=February 24, 2011 |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708221848/http://www.dailytech.com/TMobile+Takes+ATT+and+iPhone+HeadOn+in+New+Ad/article20056.htm |url-status=dead }}

Although Foulkes is often identified with the color pink, T-Mobile actually has a color trademark for the color magenta,{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/319824/t+mobile-owns-magenta|title=T-Mobile Owns Magenta|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=November 7, 2007|work=Gizmodo|author=Wilson, Mark|archive-date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101154252/http://gizmodo.com/319824/t+mobile-owns-magenta|url-status=live}} and markets itself using its corporate colors.{{cite web|url=http://www.tmonews.com/2011/11/its-tmobiles-magenta-saturday-sale-are-you-shopping/|title=It's T-Mobile's "Magenta Saturday" Sale, Are You Shopping?|access-date=November 20, 2011|date=November 19, 2011|work=TMoNews|archive-date=November 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121121701/http://www.tmonews.com/2011/11/its-tmobiles-magenta-saturday-sale-are-you-shopping/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/t-mobile-to-hold-magenta-saturday-sale-with-smartphones-and-tablets-for-as-little-as-0-4999-net-down-2011-11-15 |title=T-Mobile to Hold "Magenta Saturday" Sale With Smartphones and Tablets for as Little as $0--$49.99 Net Down: On Nov. 19, T-Mobile will help holiday shoppers escape the dark lines of Black Friday and help them step up to data and the smartphone revolution with minimal upfront cost. |access-date=November 20, 2011 |date=November 15, 2011 |work=MarketWatch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102033550/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/t-mobile-to-hold-magenta-saturday-sale-with-smartphones-and-tablets-for-as-little-as-0-4999-net-down-2011-11-15 |archive-date=November 2, 2013}}

Virgin Mobile has, in turn, parodied the Carly Foulkes ads.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/virgin-mobile-mocks-t-mobiles-carly-spokeswoman-161155591.html|title=Virgin Mobile Mocks T-Mobile's 'Carly' Spokeswoman|last=Yin|first=Sara|work=PC Magazine|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=August 8, 2011|access-date=August 26, 2011|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305000124/http://news.yahoo.com/virgin-mobile-mocks-t-mobiles-carly-spokeswoman-161155591.html|url-status=live}}

In September 2010, the company launched "Kids are free till 2012" for family lines.

On December 1, 2011, a group of 100 Chicago-area women, along with Carly Foulkes, were featured in a flash-mob style performance at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois, where the group, dressed in magenta dresses, sang and danced through the mall's atrium to their cover of (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays. The performance was filmed and edited into a holiday commercial, which was a success.

T-Mobile US has naming rights contracts with several prominent US sports venues. In 2016, the company signed a contract to place its name on a venue then nearing completion on the Las Vegas Strip. T-Mobile Arena became home to the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL the following year.{{cite press release|title=Introducing T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas|url=https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/introducing-t-mobile-arena-in-las-vegas.htm|publisher=T-Mobile US|date=January 7, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053215/https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/introducing-t-mobile-arena-in-las-vegas.htm|url-status=live}} In 2018, with Safeco Insurance choosing not to renew its naming contract with Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners to place its name on the team's stadium, T- Mobile US signed a similar deal, resulting in the former Safeco Field becoming T-Mobile Park on January 1, 2019.{{cite news|last=Johns|first=Greg|title=Mariners' home facility renamed T-Mobile Park|url=https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/mariners-rename-home-facility-t-mobile-park/c-302016148|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|website=Mariners.com|date=December 19, 2018|access-date=December 21, 2018|archive-date=December 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230221/https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/mariners-rename-home-facility-t-mobile-park/c-302016148|url-status=live}} Most recently, the name of the main indoor arena in Kansas City, Missouri, changed from Sprint Center to T-Mobile Center following the two companies' 2020 merger.{{cite news |url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article244106012.html |title=Following T-Mobile merger, downtown Kansas City's Sprint Center will get a new name |first=Kevin |last=Hardy |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |date=July 9, 2020 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111202919/https://amp.kansascity.com/news/business/article244106012.html/ |url-status=live }} Additionally, T-Mobile US has naming rights for the Distrito T-Mobile, an entertainment and retail complex located next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico.{{cite web | url=https://www.theweeklyjournal.com/business/distrito-t-mobile-10-year-naming-rights-deal-for-new-entertainment-complex/article_86592cbe-6304-11ea-a979-2713b5d74640.html | title=Distrito T-Mobile: 10-Year Naming Rights Deal for New Entertainment Complex | date=March 11, 2020 | access-date=March 9, 2023 | archive-date=March 9, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309021157/https://www.theweeklyjournal.com/business/distrito-t-mobile-10-year-naming-rights-deal-for-new-entertainment-complex/article_86592cbe-6304-11ea-a979-2713b5d74640.html | url-status=live }}

= Un-carrier movement =

Starting in 2013, T-Mobile launched the Un-carrier marketing campaign. This movement introduced a slew of new tactics to offer consumers cheaper rate plans, cheaper global coverage, and several other benefits. T-Mobile CEO John Legere laid out an "Un-Carrier manifesto" highlighting the approach and goals he wanted the company to pursue. One popular Un-carrier move features T-Mobile Tuesdays, where customers are offered a variety of free products and also able to win prizes.{{cite web|last1=Mills|first1=Chris|title=T-Mobile is giving away tons of free stuff, here's how to get it|url=http://bgr.com/2016/06/06/t-mobile-tuesdays-rewards-how-to-download/|website=BGR|publisher=BGR Media, LLC|access-date=June 27, 2016|date=June 6, 2016|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117104002/https://bgr.com/2016/06/06/t-mobile-tuesdays-rewards-how-to-download/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=T-Mobile Tuesdays – Customer Appreciation – Get Free Products & More |url=https://explore.t-mobile.com/t-mobile-tuesdays?icid=WMM_TM_UNCRRR11_3A0N090NAEH5110 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |archive-date=August 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812134633/https://explore.t-mobile.com/t-mobile-tuesdays?icid=WMM_TM_UNCRRR11_3A0N090NAEH5110 |url-status=dead }} The most recent Un-carrier campaign is titled "T-Mobile One". This is a new family plan offering, replacing all previous plans and is an all-inclusive unlimited plan, giving unlimited talk, text, and data. The only caveat being a video streaming on any device is limited to 480p resolution.{{Cite web|url=https://explore.t-mobile.com/t-mobile-one|title=T-Mobile One {{!}} One Price Unlimited Phone & Data Plans for Everyone|website=explore.t-mobile.com|access-date=October 8, 2016|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010021136/https://explore.t-mobile.com/t-mobile-one|url-status=dead}} CEO John Legere in an interview said "The biggest pain point that a million customers told me about is that they hate data buckets. And we had such success with Binge On that we wanted to turn our company into somebody that's selling a monthly subscription to the internet, all in, unlimited."{{Cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/t-mobile-ceo-calls-competition-123000823.html|title=The T-Mobile CEO who calls his competition 'dumb and dumber' explains how he doubled customers in 4 years, and how a group of employees made him cry|access-date=October 8, 2016|archive-date=June 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627013103/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/t-mobile-ceo-calls-competition-123000823.html|url-status=live}} As of October 7, 2016, about a quarter of the overall account numbers have moved over to T-Mobile One, and about three-quarters of new postpaid accounts are activating on T-Mobile One.

Labor relations

T-Mobile US employees and two labor unions have led multiple unionization attempts beginning as early as 2001.

= Formation of TU =

Hundreds of T-Mobile employees, with the backing of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the German union ver.di, have come together as TU to gain representation at T-Mobile.{{cite web |url=http://tmobileworkersunited.org/about-us/ |title=About Us |publisher=Tmobile Workers United |date=August 13, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2013 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928011408/http://tmobileworkersunited.org/about-us/ |url-status=live }} In July 2011, technicians in Connecticut, voted for representation by the Communications Workers of America-TU.{{cite web |url=http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/t-mobile_workers_win_union_voice_in_connecticut#.UkClKdK-opN |title=T-Mobile Workers Win Union Voice in Connecticut |date=July 19, 2011 |access-date=September 23, 2013 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928112622/http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/t-mobile_workers_win_union_voice_in_connecticut#.UkClKdK-opN |url-status=live }} On September 25, 2013, MetroPCS workers in Harlem, NY, voted for a union voice and representation by CWA-TU.{{cite press release |url=http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/new_york_city_metropcs_workers_vote_to_join_cwa |title=New York City MetroPCS Workers Vote to Join CWA | Communications Workers of America |publisher=Cwa-union.org |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2013 |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930052903/http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/new_york_city_metropcs_workers_vote_to_join_cwa/ |url-status=live }}

= 2009 coordinated organizing effort =

File:Cohen and disguised worker at press conference 2010.09.22.jpg

In 2008, the CWA and ver.di launched a coordinated effort to unionize company employees. A spokesman for the CWA called on the company to stop resisting mobilization efforts and allow company employees to unionize as German employees of T-Mobile USA's parent company, DT, have done. In response, the company released an employee satisfaction study showing that more than seventy percent of the company's 40,000 workers were "very satisfied" with their jobs. Through a spokesman, the company stated, "Despite the Communication Workers of America's periodic organizing efforts for more than nine years, no group of T-Mobile employees has ever chosen to be represented by a union. While our company is always striving to find ways to improve, year after year, employees continue to view T-Mobile as a good place to work where they have no need for, or interest in, a union."

== Political pressure ==

In 2009, a number of politicians, in one case acting after lobbying efforts by CWA union activists, wrote letters to René Obermann, DT's chief executive officer, in an effort to influence T-Mobile USA's labor practices in the U.S.{{cite web |url=http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/House_Members_Urge_Deutsche_Telekom_to_Respect_U.S._Workers_Rights |title=House Members Urge Deutsche Telekom To Respect U.S. Workers' Rights |date=May 6, 2010 |publisher=Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507114722/http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/House_Members_Urge_Deutsche_Telekom_to_Respect_U.S._Workers_Rights |archive-date=May 7, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=April 28, 2011 |quote=Hard work by CWA activists was key to getting 26 Democratic members of the House Education and Labor Committee to sign on to a letter calling on Deutsche Telekom...}}

In a March 13, 2009, letter, U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) asked "why the company's approach to labor rights are different in Germany than in the United States". In an April 30, 2010, letter sent after lobbying by Communications Workers of America activists, 26 Democratic members of Congress called on DT to protect and respect workers' rights in the U.S. A separate July 1, 2010, letter from seven Republicans addressed the same issue.{{cite web |url=http://www.thelocal.de/national/20100504-26971.html |title=US government calls out Deutsche Telekom over union busting – The Local |publisher=Thelocal.de |date=May 4, 2010 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=October 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031083908/http://www.thelocal.de/national/20100504-26971.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=realtmobile |url=http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/7/14/884032/-Life-is-More-Fun-When-You-are-Organized! |title=Life is More Fun When You are Organized! |publisher=Daily Kos |date=July 14, 2010 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126045435/http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/7/14/884032/-Life-is-More-Fun-When-You-are-Organized! |url-status=live }} On August 10, 2010, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement in support of the worker's efforts to organize a union at the company.{{cite web |url=http://www.loweringthebarforus.org/news/entry/U.S._Senator_Bob_Caseys_Statement_Supporting_T-Mobile_workers |title=We Work Better Together |publisher=Loweringthebarforus.org |date=July 14, 2010 |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727042716/http://www.loweringthebarforus.org/news/entry/U.S._Senator_Bob_Caseys_Statement_Supporting_T-Mobile_workers |url-status=live }} In a letter, dated September 21, 2010, fifteen Californian Members of Congress urged Obermann to take action and implement fair and equitable labor relations.{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}

In a November 5, 2009, letter, Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller and Trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, stated concerns about "the potential impact on the value of T-Mobile that may result from a disenfranchised workforce and the associated negative publicity that may impact T-Mobile's profitability."{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}

= Reports =

On December 9, 2009, the non-profit organization American Rights at Work published a report written by Prof. John Logan, Director of Labor Studies at San Francisco State University, titled [https://web.archive.org/web/20100717142730/http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/dmdocuments/ARAWReports/loweringthebar_lowres.pdf "Lowering the Bar or Setting the Standard? Deutsche Telekom's U.S. Labor Practices"]. The report details behavior by the company that the author perceives as anti-union including dissemination of anti-union materials, intimidation and threats directed at pro-union workers, "captive audience meetings" and the retention of anti-union specialists.Logan, John. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100610010611/http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/publications/general/lowering-the-bar-or-setting-the-standard-20091209-853-116.html "Lowering the Bar or Setting the Standard. Deutsche Telekom's U.S. Labor Practices"]. Washington, D.C.: American Rights at Work Education Fund, 2009 In the report, which is based on documents from the National Labor Relations Board, internal company memos and handbooks, and interviews with workers, Logan asserts that the company engaged in a systematic campaign to prevent employees from forming a union and that DT was guilty of operating by a double standard. He claims that Deutsche Telekom respects workers' rights in Germany, where it cooperates closely with unions, but mistreats workers in the United States and interferes with their right to organize.{{clarify|date=July 2011|reason=where does quotation start?}}{{cite web|url=http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/press-center/2009-press-releases/new-report-exposes-labor-relations-double-standard-at-t-mobile-usa-20091209-854-374-374.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506214611/http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/press-center/2009-press-releases/new-report-exposes-labor-relations-double-standard-at-t-mobile-usa-20091209-854-374-374.html|archive-date=May 6, 2011 |title=New Report Exposes Labor Relations Double Standard at T-Mobile USA |publisher=American Rights at Work |date=December 9, 2009 |access-date=September 20, 2012}}

On September 2, 2010, Human Rights Watch released a report written by Lance Compa titled "[https://www.hrw.org/node/92719 A Strange Case: Violations of Workers' Freedom of Association in the United States by European Multinational Corporations]". The report concludes that "company policy has translated into practices that leave the workforce fearful about even seeking union representation."Compa, Lance. [https://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/09/02/strange-case-0 "A Strange Case: Violations of Workers' Freedom of Association in the United States by European Multinational Corporations"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609122829/http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/09/02/strange-case-0 |date=June 9, 2015 }}. New York: Human Rights Watch, 2010. [https://www.hrw.org/en/node/92718/section/6 page 35] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422192513/http://www.hrw.org/en/node/92718/section/6 |date=April 22, 2014 }} DT proclaims its adherence to international labor law and standards that are embodied in German domestic laws. But HRW found that "T-Mobile USA's harsh opposition to workers' freedom of association in the United States betrays Deutsche Telekom's purported commitment to social responsibility, impedes constructive dialogue with employee representatives, and in several cases, has violated ILO and OECD labor and human rights standards".Compa, Lance. [https://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/09/02/strange-case-0 "A Strange Case: Violations of Workers' Freedom of Association in the United States by European Multinational Corporations"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609122829/http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/09/02/strange-case-0 |date=June 9, 2015 }}. New York: Human Rights Watch, 2010.

= Labor Related Awards =

T-Mobile has received multiple workplace awards. T-Mobile received a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI), which measures disability inclusion. They were also named the Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for four consecutive years. T-Mobile was also awarded a Designation for the top 100 Military Friendly Employer by Military Friendly in 2017 for the tenth time. It was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the ninth year in a row. In addition to national awards, T-Mobile has also won local awards in many locations, including the best place to work in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Wichita, Kansas, where the company has some call centers located.{{cite web|title=Company Information-Awards and Recognition|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/company/company-info/awards.html|website=T-Mobile.com|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=February 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209064559/https://www.t-mobile.com/company/company-info/awards.html|url-status=live}} On February 16, 2018 Fortune announced their 100 best companies to work for, naming T-Mobile 86th.{{cite web|title=Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2018|url=https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces/100-best/2018|website=GreatPlacetoWork.com|access-date=February 17, 2018|archive-date=February 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217082720/https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces/100-best/2018|url-status=live}} On July 24, 2018, Forbes ranked T-Mobile 182nd on their top 300 Best Places to Work for Women list.{{cite web |title=America's Best Employers For Women 2018 |url=https://www.forbes.com/best-employers-for-women/list/ |website=Forbes.com |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528103049/https://www.forbes.com/best-employers-for-women/list/ |url-status=live }}

Controversies

= Sidekick data outage =

{{Main|Microsoft data loss 2009}}

On October 1, 2009, some users of Microsoft's Sidekick handset temporarily lost personal data, including contacts, notes, and calendars. On October 8, most data services were restored to users. The company and Microsoft announced on October 10 that Sidekick device data "almost certainly has been lost as a result of a server failure at Microsoft/Danger."{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/t-mobile-we-probably-lost-all-your-sidekick-data/ |title=T-Mobile: we probably lost all your Sidekick data |date=October 10, 2009 |publisher=Engadget |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032208/https://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/t-mobile-we-probably-lost-all-your-sidekick-data/ |url-status=live }} On October 15, Microsoft said it had been able to recover most or all data and would begin to restore it.{{cite news |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091015-710685.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227071928/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091015-710685.html |archive-date=December 27, 2009 |title=Update: Microsoft Says It Has Recovered Lost Sidekick Data |work =The Wall Street Journal |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8309218.stm |title=Microsoft Recovers Sidekick Data |work=BBC News |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |quote=Microsoft says it has now recovered the personal data lost when its Sidekick servers suffered an outage on 13 October. |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035601/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8309218.stm |url-status=live }}

= Network outages =

On November 9, 2009, some of the company's subscribers temporarily lost the ability to send and receive calls and text messages for several hours.{{cite web |last=Fried |first=Ina |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10390097-94.html |title=T-Mobile experiencing widespread outage | Mobile – CNET News |publisher=News.cnet.com |date=November 3, 2009 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102042932/http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10390097-94.html |url-status=live }} The company confirmed the outage via Twitter. The company stated that approximately five percent of its subscribers had been affected. It claimed that the problem was caused by a system software error.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2010204191_t-mobile_says_software_glitch.html |newspaper=The Seattle Times |title=T-Mobile Says Software Glitch Jammed Network Tuesday |author=Dudley, Brier |date=November 4, 2009 |access-date=May 26, 2011 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604113355/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2010204191_t-mobile_says_software_glitch.html |url-status=live }}

On May 8, 2018, subscribers in Houston, Texas, experienced a four-hour service interruption caused by damage to a fiber-optic cable.{{Cite web|url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2018/05/09/what-caused-t-mobiles-service-outage-in-houston/|title=What caused T-Mobile's service outage in Houston?|website=amp.click2houston.com|date=May 9, 2018 |access-date=May 9, 2018|archive-date=May 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510034005/https://amp.click2houston.com/news/what-caused-t-mobile-service-outage-in-houston|url-status=live}}

On June 15, 2020, subscribers across the United States suffered a service outage (primarily voice and text) due to routing issues.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/t-mobile-says-voice-and-data-issue-is-cause-of-data-service-problem|title='Routing issue' cause of T-Mobile data service problem|website=foxbusiness.com|access-date=June 16, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616015830/https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/t-mobile-says-voice-and-data-issue-is-cause-of-data-service-problem|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Update on T-Mobile Network Issues|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/update-for-customers-on-network-issues|access-date=June 17, 2020|website=www.t-mobile.com|language=en|archive-date=June 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616173038/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/update-for-customers-on-network-issues|url-status=live}}

On February 13, 2023, T-Mobile users across the United States experienced widespread network outages. The company quickly responded that they were looking to address the disruption that caused the cellular service outage.{{Cite news |date=February 14, 2023 |title=T-Mobile outage hits users across the U.S. |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/t-mobile-down-thousands-users-us-downdetector-2023-02-14/ |access-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922092510/https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/t-mobile-down-thousands-users-us-downdetector-2023-02-14/ |url-status=live }}

= Misrepresentation as 4G =

In 2010, T-Mobile began marketing both its HSPA and HSPA+ services as "4G". Media outlets called this branding deceptive.{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/t-mobile-stretching-the-truth-on-4g-speeds/|title=T-Mobile stretching the truth on '4G' speeds|last=Dignan|first=Larry|website=ZDNet|access-date=October 5, 2021|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408204920/https://www.zdnet.com/article/t-mobile-stretching-the-truth-on-4g-speeds/|url-status=live}}

After the ITU expanded its definition of 4G to include HSPA+,{{cite web |title=ITU says LTE, WiMax and HSPA+ are now officially 4G |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/ITU-says-LTE-WiMax-and-HSPA--are-now-officially-4G_id15435 |access-date=October 2, 2021 |website=phonearena.com |date=December 18, 2010 |archive-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002055140/https://www.phonearena.com/news/ITU-says-LTE-WiMax-and-HSPA--are-now-officially-4G_id15435 |url-status=live }} T-Mobile continued to market standard HSPA devices and service as 4G. Not only do these HSPA (non-Evolved) devices continue to not meet 4G standards, they are incapable of operating at 4G speeds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/05/04/att-t-mobile-dipping-hspa-4g-branding|title=High-speed half-truth: AT&T, T-Mobile are dipping below HSPA+ for '4G' plans and branding|last=Ziegler|first=Chris|website=The Verge|date=May 4, 2011|access-date=October 5, 2021|archive-date=April 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409085116/https://www.theverge.com/2011/05/04/att-t-mobile-dipping-hspa-4g-branding|url-status=live}} Concerns were also displayed over the possibility of confusion when actual LTE networks were deployed.{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/technology/2012/03/4g-vs-3g-beware-of-the-murkiest-most-confusing-labels-in-tech.html|title=The 4G Fakeout|last=Manjoo|first=Farhad|date=March 13, 2012|website=Slate Magazine|language=en|access-date=October 5, 2021|archive-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609000628/https://slate.com/technology/2012/03/4g-vs-3g-beware-of-the-murkiest-most-confusing-labels-in-tech.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobiles-comeback-plan-is-it-enough/|title=T-Mobile's comeback plan: Is it enough?|last=Cheng|first=Roger|website=CNET|access-date=October 5, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024934/https://www.cnet.com/news/t-mobiles-comeback-plan-is-it-enough/|url-status=live}}

= Information security =

Nicolas Jacobsen was charged with intruding into the company's internal network in January 2005.{{cite web |first=Kevin |last=Poulsen |url=http://www.securityfocus.com/news/10271 |title=Hacker penetrates T-Mobile systems |publisher=Securityfocus.com |date=January 11, 2005 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511174047/http://www.securityfocus.com/news/10271 |url-status=live }} Reports indicated that for about a year Jacobsen had access to customer passwords, e-mail, address books, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and Sidekick photos. Affected customers included members of the United States Secret Service. Secret Service informant identified Jacobsen as part of [https://web.archive.org/web/20080916201228/http://www.ustreas.gov/usss/press/pub2304.pdf "Operation Firewall"] which provided evidence that Jacobsen had attempted to sell customer information to others for identity theft. T-Mobile USA and the Secret Service did not elaborate on the methods Jacobsen used to gain access but sources close to the case indicated that Jacobsen exploited an unpatched flaw in the Oracle WebLogic Server application software used by the company.{{cite news|first=Kevin|last=Poulsen |url=https://www.wired.com/politics/security/news/2005/02/66735 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607062210/http://www.wired.com/politics/security/news/2005/02/66735 |archive-date=June 7, 2008 |title=Known Hole Aided T-Mobile Breach |publisher=Wired.com |access-date=September 20, 2012 |url-status=dead}} Additional SQL injection vulnerabilities with the company's web site were reported by Jack Koziol of the InfoSec Institute.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,119851-page,1/article.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403054602/http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,119851-page,1/article.html |archive-date=April 3, 2008 |title=PC World – Paris Hilton: Victim of T-Mobile's Web Flaws? |date=April 3, 2008 |access-date=September 20, 2012}}

T-Mobile offers access to voicemail without the input of a password by default. Parties acting in bad faith may be able to access such voice mailboxes via Caller ID spoofing. To avoid this possibility, T-Mobile recommends that all customers password-protect their mailboxes, but still offers the no password configuration by default due to customer demand.{{cite web|url=http://support.t-mobile.com/knowbase/root/public/tm21077.htm?WT.srch=2&Result_Inq=answer&InqSource=TMO|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509183751/http://support.t-mobile.com/knowbase/root/public/tm21077.htm?WT.srch=2&Result_Inq=answer&InqSource=TMO|archive-date=May 9, 2006 |title=Support: T-Mobile Voicemail Security Features |publisher=Support.t-mobile.com |access-date=September 20, 2012}}

On June 6, 2009, a message posted from an email account "pwnmobile_at_Safe-mail.net" to the Full Disclosure mailing list claimed that the company's network had been breached and showed sample data. The sender offered "databases, confidential documents, scripts and programs from their servers, financial documents up to 2009" to the highest bidder.{{cite web |url=http://lists.grok.org.uk/full-disclosure-charter.html |title=[Full-Disclosure] Mailing List Charter |publisher=Lists.grok.org.uk |access-date=May 15, 2012 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008065049/http://lists.grok.org.uk/full-disclosure-charter.html |url-status=live }}Full Disclosure mailing list [http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2009/Jun/0062.html "T-Mobile USA Sources and Data"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927022745/http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2009/Jun/0062.html |date=September 27, 2009 }}. On June 9, the company issued a statement confirming the breach but stating that customer data was safe. It claimed to have identified the source document for the sample data and believe it was not obtained by hacking.Prince, Brian (June 9, 2009). [http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/TMobile-Confirms-Breach-But-Says-Customers-Safe-507228/ "T-Mobile Confirms Breach, But Says Customers Safe"]. eWeek. Retrieved July 30, 2011. A later statement claimed that there was not any evidence of a breach.[https://www.pcworld.com/article/166395/tmobile_data_was_not_taken_by_hacking_company_says.html "T-Mobile Data Was Not Taken by Hacking, Company Says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090613053148/http://www.pcworld.com/article/166395/tmobile_data_was_not_taken_by_hacking_company_says.html |date=June 13, 2009 }}. PC World.

= Privacy and surveillance =

T-Mobile USA received a portion of the 1.3 million largely warrantless law enforcement requests for subscriber information (including text messages and phone location data) made in 2011, but refused to state how many requests it received.{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/07/massive-phone-surveillance/|title=Mobile-Phone Surveillance by Police Targets Millions Annually|last=Kravets|first=David|publisher=Wired|access-date=September 28, 2012|date=July 9, 2011|archive-date=January 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131082332/http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/07/massive-phone-surveillance|url-status=live}} It did say that in the last decade, the number of requests have increased by 12 to 16 percent annually.{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/07/09/markey_wireless_snooping/|title=US law enforcement phone snooping on the rise|first=Neil|last=McAllister|publisher=The Register|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112943/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/07/09/markey_wireless_snooping/|url-status=live}}

In April 2024, the FCC fined T-Mobile $80 million for illegally sharing access to customers' real-time location information. In response, T-Mobile said the FCC decision was "wrong" and that they intended to challenge it.{{Cite news |last= |date=2024-04-29 |title=Top US mobile carriers fined $200m by FCC over illegal location-data sharing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/29/fcc-fines-wireless-carriers-t-mobile-verizon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506151405/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/29/fcc-fines-wireless-carriers-t-mobile-verizon |archive-date=2024-05-06 |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}

= Data retention policies =

According to T-Mobile's privacy policy highlights, "Retention and Disposal", information is retained for as long as there is business or tax need or as applicable laws, regulations, or government orders require. T-Mobile notes that it disposes of Personal Information, uses reasonable procedures designed to erase or render it unreadable (for example, shredding documents and wiping electronic media).{{cite web|url=https://www.t-mobile.com/company/website/privacypolicy.aspx|title=Privacy Policy & Personal Information – T-Mobile|website=www.t-mobile.com|access-date=March 25, 2015|archive-date=March 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325162549/http://www.t-mobile.com/company/website/PrivacyPolicy.aspx|url-status=live}}

In 2010, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a document entitled, "Retention Periods of Major Cellular Providers," to advise law enforcement agents seeking to obtain cell phone records. This document was uncovered by the ACLU's coordinated records request on cell phone location tracking by police. Notably, the document showed that T-Mobile subscriber information was retained for 5 years and call detail records were kept for 2 years (prepaid) and 5 years (postpaid).{{Cite web|url=https://www.aclu.org/cell-phone-location-tracking-request-response-cell-phone-company-data-retention-chart|title=Cell Phone Location Tracking Request Response – Cell Phone Company Data Retention Chart|website=American Civil Liberties Union|access-date=March 25, 2015|archive-date=March 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325054156/https://www.aclu.org/cell-phone-location-tracking-request-response-cell-phone-company-data-retention-chart|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey revealed responses from the top four U.S. wireless providers as well as U.S. Cellular, C Spire, and Cricket/Leap Wireless, to his inquiry regarding user information disclosed to law enforcement officials. The following was T-Mobile's response regarding data retention: T-Mobile US retains customers' historic cell site information and cell tower dump information (180 days); call details records (7–10 years); text message content, data requests, and geo-location data not stored; voicemail content (up to 21 days); subscriber information (6 years after the account is closed).{{Cite web|url=https://uk.pcmag.com/mobile-phones/11539/wireless-carriers-reveal-user-data-requests|title=Wireless Carriers Reveal User Data Requests|date=December 9, 2013|website=PCMag UK|access-date=August 9, 2023|archive-date=August 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230127/https://uk.pcmag.com/mobile-phones/11539/wireless-carriers-reveal-user-data-requests|url-status=live}}

= 2021 data breach =

{{Main|T-Mobile data breach}}

On August 16, 2021, T-Mobile confirmed that the company had been subject to a data breach but declined to say whether any customers' personal information was accessed or how widespread the damage was. The company acknowledged the breach after hackers told Vice the day prior that they were selling "full customer info" obtained from T-Mobile servers.{{cite web |last1=Fung |first1=Brian |title=T-Mobile confirms it was hit by data breach |date=August 16, 2021 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/16/tech/t-mobile-data-breach/index.html |publisher=CNN Business |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816202856/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/16/tech/t-mobile-data-breach/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Molina |first1=Brett |title=T-Mobile confirms data breach but can't determine whether customer data was impacted |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2021/08/16/t-mobile-investigating-alleged-data-breach-100-million-users/8150677002/ |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816193048/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2021/08/16/t-mobile-investigating-alleged-data-breach-100-million-users/8150677002/ |url-status=live }}

On August 18, 2021, T-Mobile provided an update on the latest findings regarding the data breach. According to the preliminary analysis, the hackers were able to obtain the records more than 40 million former and prospective customers that had applied for credit along with 7.8 million existing postpaid customers. T-Mobile has confirmed that the data collected by the hackers included sensitive personal information, such as the first and last names, birthdates, driver's license/ID numbers, and Social Security numbers, but were unable to access phone numbers, account numbers, PINs or passwords. T-Mobile offered two years of free identity protection services and also recommended for customers to change their PIN as soon as possible. No Metro by T-Mobile, former Sprint prepaid, or Boost Mobile customers were affected by the breach.{{cite web |title=T‑Mobile Shares Updated Information Regarding Ongoing Investigation into Cyberattack |work=T-Mobile Newsroom |url=https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/additional-information-regarding-2021-cyberattack-investigation |publisher=T-Mobile |access-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823001440/https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/additional-information-regarding-2021-cyberattack-investigation |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Torralba |first1=Christine |title=T-Mobile confirms recent cybersecurity attack involves 48 million victims |url=https://www.tmonews.com/2021/08/t-mobile-confirms-recent-cybersecurity-attack-involves-48-million-victims/ |publisher=Tmo News |access-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822083434/https://www.tmonews.com/2021/08/t-mobile-confirms-recent-cybersecurity-attack-involves-48-million-victims/ |url-status=live }}

Hacker John Erin Binns, aka IRDev, has been listed as the primary hacker based on unsealed court documents.{{Cite news |last=Barrett |first=Brian |title=The T-Mobile Breach Is Much Worse Than It Had to Be |url=https://www.wired.com/story/t-mobile-breach-much-worse-than-it-had-to-be/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}} As of March 2025, Binns was also involved in other hacks involving Snowflake customers and is currently being held in a Turkish prison.{{Cite news |last=Burgess |first=Matt |title=Man Arrested for Snowflake Hacking Spree Faces US Extradition |url=https://www.wired.com/story/connor-moucka-snowflake-hack-arrest-extradition/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}

= Other cybersecurity incidents =

Including the widely reported 2021 data breach, T-Mobile has had no less than twelve cybersecurity-related incidents since 2009.{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Catherine |date=September 28, 2023 |title=T-Mobile Data Breaches: Full Timeline Through 2023 |url=https://firewalltimes.com/t-mobile-data-breaches/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Firewall Times |language=en-US |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012223312/https://firewalltimes.com/t-mobile-data-breaches |url-status=live }} At least two data breaches have occurred in 2023, marking a total of nine breaches since 2018.{{Cite web |last=Goodin |first=Dan |date=May 1, 2023 |title=T-Mobile discloses 2nd data breach of 2023, this one leaking account PINs and more |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/05/t-mobile-discloses-2nd-data-breach-of-2023-this-one-leaking-account-pins-and-more/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922092255/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/05/t-mobile-discloses-2nd-data-breach-of-2023-this-one-leaking-account-pins-and-more/ |url-status=live }} Some of these breaches occurred even after T-Mobile spent $150 million on cybersecurity in response to the 2021 data breach.{{Cite magazine |last=Newman |first=Lily Hay |title=T-Mobile's $150 Million Security Plan Isn't Cutting It |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/tmobile-data-breach-again/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=July 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731195439/https://www.wired.com/story/tmobile-data-breach-again/ |url-status=live }}

See also

References

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