The “un-carrier” or T-Mobile as it is often called, is a company that makes a stand for what they are not. They don’t like to be compared to Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T. That’s because they are totally different than the others in the top four. Their logo has a bold color scheme with large fonts to attract attention. Perhaps, nothing is as outspoken as their CEO, John Legere.
Legere doesn't waste his time with Wall Street analysts as he is too busy focusing on getting down to the customers' level. He can easily be found on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media outlets. Whatever he is doing seems to be working. Since he took over, the company is rebounding beautifully. Their stock price is hovering at all time highs. They want to stand out from the pack. Initially, T-Mobile really does appear to be different.
It’s safe to say that the success that they have had with their unlimited cell phone plans is responsible for the company closing in on their competitor's business. Yes, Verizon and AT&T should be shaking in their shoes, especially since Legere is making this game personal. Why are so many switching to T-Mobile? Well, this company offers something that they haven't been able to offer until recently: low prices with no contracts, and unlimited data.
You can compare T-Mobile plans below, or check out the T-Mobile plan comparison page. Read on for the rest of the review.
| Phone | Plan | Minutes | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 Phones Available |  T-Mobile No Credit Check No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | 10 GB 4G LTE Data (then unlimited data at 3G speeds) | $ 50 /mo Link not provided |
| 32 Phones Available | T-Mobile Magenta First Responder No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G/5G Data (may be slowed after 100GB of usage per month) | $ 55 /mo + $30 Upfront Link not provided |
| 44 Phones Available | T-Mobile Magenta Military No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G/5G Data (may be slowed after 100GB of usage per month) | $ 55 /mo + $30 Upfront Link not provided |
| 44 Phones Available | T-Mobile Essentials No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G LTE Data (may be slowed after 50GB of usage per month) | $ 60 /mo + $3.99 Upfront Link not provided |
| 33 Phones Available | T-Mobile Magenta MAX Unlimited 55+ Years No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G/5G Data | $ 65 /mo + $30 Upfront Link not provided |
| 49 Phones Available | T-Mobile Magenta No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G LTE Data (may be slowed after 100GB of usage per month) | $ 70 /mo + $30 Upfront Link not provided |
| 33 Phones Available | T-Mobile Magenta MAX No Contract
| Unlimited Minutes + Unlimited Texts | Unlimited 4G/5G LTE Data | $ 85 /mo + $30 Upfront Link not provided |
This network was once dubbed the worst in the country. In fact, they almost merged with AT&T at one point to salvage what was left of their flailing business. Though the merger failed, things have steadily improved. They purchased several telecommunications companies over the past few years. In 2016, Open Signal did a full report on the company. They found that overall, they still lack in coverage of rural America. Surprisingly enough, they found that Sprint had the worst rural coverage of the big four carriers. Thankfully, the lackluster coverage in rural areas doesn't seem to affect the customers. T-Mobile customers seem to be generally happy with their service.
In 2016, the company received the JD Power Award due to their customer satisfaction ratings. This was the second year they won in the wireless category. They received the highest score possible in the industry. The previous year, they received the award for being the number one wireless provider. While they are a smaller carrier, they do have some amazing prices, coverages, services, and features. Those who are looking to jump ship from one of the larger carriers should consider T-Mobile.
One thing that makes T-Mobile stand out from the rest is their stellar customer service. Customers who are heavy data users can benefit from their unlimited cell phone plans. Again, another perk is that their prices include all the taxes and fees. They don’t mess with annual contracts, and users never worry about overages either. If international calling is needed, then there are plans that can accommodate that at no additional cost.
They do have some weaknesses that cannot be overlooked. They have some caveats to their unlimited plans, which includes de-prioritized data after 30 GB. However, this de-prioritization limit is higher than every other carrier. Also, their coverage is better in urban areas and lacking in the rural communities.
Related: T-Mobile business cell phone plans
The “un-carrier” should have prices that are significantly better than the others. However, the prices are not that far off. Their most popular plan is called T-Mobile ONE. It has unlimited text, data, and talk time. Of course, that comes along with an extra 10GB of data that can be used for tethering. Surprisingly, the total cost of this package is only $70. Unlike the other companies in the big four, there are no taxes either. When they say $70, that is exactly what a customer will pay.
Those who use heavy data, and travel internationally, will benefit from their services. The T-Mobile ONE Plan also includes use in 140 countries too. When considering Sprint's Unlimited Freedom plan, it appears that they are $20 higher. However, the fact that there are no taxes or fees added makes it a better deal. Users can go up to 30GB per month before their speeds are throttled. Sprint only lets their customers get to 23GB before they slow them down. When looking at comparisons, Verizon’s new unlimited plan is $80 for just one line. AT&T costs a whopping $100 a month. These higher prices make T-Mobile come out smelling like a rose.
There was much to be done to fix T-Mobile's reputation for being the least reliable major network. One smart move was purchasing U.S. telecom outfits, which has done wonders to change things. In the fourth quarter of 2016, their LTE coverage increased to over 81 percent. They now match AT&T, and they are nipping at the heels of the fastest carrier, Verizon. Their LTE coverage is as strong, if not stronger than, their rivals. Specifically, their coverage is superior in urban areas. OpenSignal named T-Mobile as the fastest network.
The fact that T-Mobile shines in urban areas is great. However, they struggle in rural parts of the country. They have fallen behind Verizon in that aspect. Consequently, T-Mobile has plans to expand their retail stores and operations into the southern parts of the country. By canvassing for customers in those areas, the company can make the 4G network available. Will they spend the money and time to pursue a strong network-building campaign in these areas? Only time will tell. Customers who want better prices for their cellular service remain optimistic.
When comparing T-Mobile in the 280 major markets, they received a reliability score of 95.1 percent. Sprint was the lowest with a score of 93.9 percent. Verizon was the leader with 97.5 percent, and AT&T was right behind Verizon with 96.3 percent coverage and reliability.
T-Mobile is very responsive to its customers' needs and demands. They are looking for those embittered souls that have been slaves to the 2-year contract. Anyone who is looking for freedom from the big carriers should consider the “un-carrier.” They do have an aggressive, nationwide Wi-Fi hotspot network. They are in thousands of access points, including, hotels, airlines, and even Starbucks. Those flying on Delta, AA, United, Alaskan Airlines and Virgin, can enjoy free texting. Oh, and they also get one hour of free in-flight Wi-Fi on these planes too via GoGo Inflight Internet.
To take advantage of T-Mobile’s 4G network, the phone is just as important as the towers, antennas, and infrastructure. The fact that they have annual contracts, don’t charge termination fees or overages, makes it seem like T-Mobile is a good choice.
