T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s latest UnCarrier offering “Binge On” claims to allow unlimited video streaming from supported sites, including Netflix, but YouTube says that T-Mobile isn’t playing entirely fair. YouTube has not signed up to be included in T-Mobile’s Binge On service and says that the carrier is throttling its traffic.

Google, Microsoft & Comcast fight Verizon/Qualcomm’s LTE-U plans, saying WiFi will be disrupted

Ben Lovejoy Dec 7 2015 - 4:35 am PT

3 Comments

With ever more devices trying to squeeze growing volumes of mobile data through a limited number of LTE frequencies, Verizon is leading the push for use of unlicensed frequencies – known as LTE-Unlicensed, or LTE-U. As well as increasing capacity, LTE-U would potentially offer faster speeds.

The problem? These are the same frequencies used by WiFi, Bloomberg reporting that Google, Microsoft, Comcast and other oppose rapid adoption for this reason.

The three companies have been among a group lobbying the Federal Communications Commission to delay LTE-U’s adoption pending further tests [claiming that it] “would substantially degrade consumer Wi-Fi service across the country.”

The companies argue that while both existing LTE frequencies and WiFi play nicely when it comes to competing demand for use of the same airwaves, LTE-U doesn’t …
Expand
Expanding
Close

AT&T to increase price of grandfathered unlimited plans in February (Updated)

Mike Beasley Nov 30 2015 - 12:53 pm PT

AT&T subscribers who previously had unlimited data plans back in the iPhone 3G era and have managed to hang onto that plan are in for their first price increase in seven years, a source with knowledge of the matter has informed NewGeekGuide.

Update: AT&T has now publicly announced the change. Additional information has been added below.

MetroPCS getting its own version of Music Freedom, to stream unlimited music on $40+/mo plans

Ben Lovejoy Nov 17 2015 - 4:40 am PT

T-Mobile is extending its popular Music Freedom service, which allows unlimited use of Google Play Music and other streaming music services without eating into your data allowance, to MetroPCS prepaid customers – albeit under a slightly different name. T-Mobile said that its Music Unlimited service would be available on a range of plans, starting from just $40/month.

Music Unlimited includes more than 30 music streaming services, including Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Slacker, iHeart Radio, and Google Play Music. Music Unlimited is available to new and existing MetroPCS customers on Metro’s new $40, $50, and $60 unlimited plans.

The company is also offering a Binge On equivalent, known as Data Maximizer. This compresses streaming video streams down to DVD quality to allow customers to stream three times as much video content for the same data usage …
Expand
Expanding
Close

T-Mobile chief John Legere: BlackBerry is “on a comeback”

Cam Bunton Nov 16 2015 - 6:25 am PT

The BlackBerry PRIV has drawn both positive and negative opinions since it was officially announced earlier this fall. In fact, one could argue that there’s not a single tech enthusiast anywhere who remains completely indifferent on the first Android-powered phone from Waterloo. You’ll either love it or hate it, and it’s either the device that will save BlackBerry or a desperate last-gasp attempt at survival which confirms that it’s dead. Ask John Legere, T-Mobile‘s outspoken CEO, and he’ll tell you the company is on its way back up…

Gold Platinum Samsung Galaxy Note 5 now available at T-Mobile

Cam Bunton Nov 11 2015 - 7:39 am PT

Along with its brand new Binge On unlimited video streaming, and double data Simple Choice plans, T-Mobile has also announced that the Galaxy Note 5 is now available in a fresh new coat of paint. T-Mo is now selling the Gold Platinum version of Samsung’s flagship phablet in both 32GB and 64GB flavors. Previously, T-Mobile only offered the black and white models.

[tweet https://twitter.com/askdes/status/664221347724132352 align=’center’]

You can order the Galaxy note 5 in gold on EIP with $0 down and 24 monthly finance payments of $29.17, or grab it with T-Mo’s JUMP! on Demand leasing program for as little as $15 per month as long as you trade in a phone. What’s more, if you use code NOTE5DEAL at checkout, you’ll get $50 off the full retail price. That’s $699 for the 32GB model and $779 for 64GB. Order direct from T-Mobile here.

It’s worth noting that if you want to save a little money on the Galaxy Note 5, you can pick up the black version on Amazon for just $633. What’s more, you’ll get it without T-Mobile’s preloaded bloatware and services.

T-Mobile’s UnCarrier X: Unlimited video streaming, double data w/ Simple Choice

Stephen Hall Nov 10 2015 - 12:50 pm PT

1 Comment

As was widely rumored, T-Mobile has today announced at their UnCarrier X event that customers can now stream unlimited video from certain services without impacting their data caps. The new program is called Binge On (not all too different than the company’s previously-launched Music Freedom in principle), and the list of compatible services includes many favorites like ESPN, Netflix, HBO Now, and more. The company also announced new Simple Choice plans…
Expand
Expanding
Close

T-Mobile announces new 4G LTE CellSpot, offering LTE signal from Wi-Fi wherever you want it

Cam Bunton Nov 2 2015 - 6:59 am PT

3 Comments

John Legere took to Twitter in a surprisingly short and subdued Tweetstorm just a short while ago to announce a new move the ‘Uncarrier’ is making this week. Ahead of its Uncarrier X event, T-Mo’s extraverted chief announced that the wireless carrier is now offering a personal 4G LTE CellSpot to any Simple Choice customer who wants one…

LG V10 going up for sale at AT&T and T-Mobile this week

Cam Bunton Oct 26 2015 - 7:06 am PT

Just a couple of weeks ago, LG announced the phone which will surely make any LG G4 owner ever-so-slightly envious. The V10 is, in many ways, what the G4 could, and should have been. Just in case you were holding on to find out where and when you can purchase LG’s latest flagship phablet, you’ll be glad to know that both AT&T and T-Mobile have announced plans to launch the phone this week.

AT&T confirmed on Twitter that it will begin selling the V10 from tomorrow, October 27:

[tweet https://twitter.com/ATT/status/658636376536125440 align=’center’]

According to the press release, you’ll be able to snag an ATT-flavored V10 for $249 on a 2-year contract from ATT.com. If a 24-month commitment isn’t what you’re after, you can also purchase the device on one of AT&T’s Next financing plans, starting at $23.34 per month.

T-Mobile, on the other hand, has announced that right from the off, it will be offering the V10 with a $100 discount. Starting on October 28 (Wednesday), T-Mobile will be opening online sales for the device at a full retail price of $599. On interest-free financing, that works out at $0 down and 24 monthly payments of $25. It’s the same deal on the company’s phone leasing program, JUMP! on Demand. Those interested can pre-register to be told when it’s available to buy, or just remember to hit the LG V10 page on T-Mobile’s site this Wednesday.

T-Mobile brings back its 4 for $120, 10GB-per-line deal

Cam Bunton Oct 14 2015 - 7:31 am PT

T-Mobile is bringing back one of its most popular promotions by — once again — offering four 10GB data lines for $120 total. The offer is available for a limited time from today, and is ideal for data-hungry families needing multiple lines. With no overages, you know exactly what your bill’s going to be every month too.

If you don’t need four lines, you can get two 10GB lines at $50 each:

With #10Gigs4All, two people can get up to 10 GB of 4G LTE each – no sharing required – for just $100 a month. Then, each additional line is just $20 more per person – also with 10 GB of T-Mobile’s blazing-fast 4G LTE. Now, with this promotion, that 4th line is free, bringing the total cost to just $120 per month for a family of four.

As with every Simple Choice plan, customers signing up get access to a host of awesome offers including rollover data for up to 12 months, Wi-Fi calling, unlimited music streaming and unlimited in-flight texting with GoGo. Customers also get unlimited calls to and from Mexico and Canada, as well as the ability to use 4G LTE data from their plan allowances in those countries, unlimited data and texts in 140 countries abroad and unlimited international texts from the US. Compared to the other three carrier options, it looks a fantastic deal:

Some Nexus 5 owners on T-Mobile reporting worsened reception on Android Marshmallow

Stephen Hall Oct 6 2015 - 9:16 am PT

1 Comment

Never does a software update — of any kind — land without some group of users believing that it caused more problems than it solved. With Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which Google starting pushing out yesterday, it looks like Nexus 5 owners who use T-Mobile are that minority group of people. Apparently, Marshmallow is causing some problems with reception for these users…
Expand
Expanding
Close

T-Mobile details its Android 6.0 Marshmallow update strategy for 17 devices

Chance Miller Oct 5 2015 - 5:24 pm PT

On the same day that Google released the factory images for Android 6.0 Marshmallow, T-Mobile has updated its Software Updates support page with details on its plans for the rollout. T-Mobile has listed the 17 devices that it plans to update to the latest version of the Android operating system.

T-Mobile says there are three main stages to its update process. The first is “Manufacturer Development,” which means T-Mobile and the manufacturer have agreed to support a software update. The second stage is “T-Mobile Testing,” during which the carrier itself tests the latest build of the operating system. Finally, the final stage is “Completed” and is when the update starts to rollout to users.

You can view T-Mobile’s Software Updates page here and track the progress of an update to your device. Below are the 17 devices on T-Mobile that will receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow:

HTC
- One M8
- One M9
LG
- G3
- G4
- G Stylo
Nexus devices
- Nexus 5
- Nexus 6
- Nexus 7
- Nexus 9
Samsung
- Galaxy Note 4
- Galaxy Note 5
- Galaxy Note Edge
- Galaxy S5
- Galaxy S6
- Galaxy S6 edge
- Galaxy S6 edge+
- Galaxy Tab S2

15M T-Mobile customers affected by Experian data breach that included Social Security numbers, more

Chance Miller Oct 1 2015 - 2:52 pm PT

T-Mobile has confirmed this evening that as many as 15 million of its customers have been affected by a data breach. As the company is quick to point out, however, the breach did not occur on its servers, but rather its credit partner’s, Experian.

Nexus AMA roundup: Google talks 5X and 6P names, Qi charging, T-Mobile band 12, & more

Jordan Kahn Sep 30 2015 - 12:21 pm PT

3 Comments

A few Googlers that worked on the new Nexus 5X and 6P have taken to Reddit today to answer questions about the new devices that officially went up for pre-order yesterday following Google’s press event. Among some of the info shared by the team: Google is working to officially support Band 12 for T-Mobile by launch time, something that would require it to support VoLTE, and it also clarified some details about the lack of Qi charging this time around and security for the new fingerprint sensor features.

In addition, Google confirmed its thought process behind the names for the new devices, noting that X in 5X is “for the core of the Nexus brand (plus it sounds cool!),” and that the P in 6P is for “premium”.

Head below for a roundup for the most interesting info from the Reddit AMA:
Expand
Expanding
Close

T-Mobile expands Simple Global international texting and data, now includes all of Europe and South America

Cam Bunton Sep 17 2015 - 7:37 am PT

Today, T-Mobile announced that its Simple Global Uncarrier move is expanding to cover 20 more countries. That means you can now take your T-Mobile Android phone abroad to anywhere in South America and Europe as well as many other destinations, and not pay any extra for data or texting while you’re there.

T-Mobile announces native video calling on Galaxy Note 5 and Edge 6+, other Android phones soon

Cam Bunton Sep 3 2015 - 8:41 am PT

T-Mobile, in a blog post this morning, announced a brand new communication service for its customers. Without needing to install a third party app, T-Mo subscribers will be able to place video calls from a compatible device, just by using the regular phone interface. Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note 5 users should have the feature available already through a software update rolling out today, while Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge customers can expect the download to arrive next week. By the end of this year, three more phones will have video calling enabled, giving T-Mo a total of 7 compatible devices.

T-Mobile to clamp down on network abusers, booting them down to lowest Simple Choice plan

Cam Bunton Aug 31 2015 - 4:37 am PT

T-Mobile has announced that it’s going to seriously clamp down on any users using unauthorized methods to get around its tethering cap. Those caught using more data than they should be on the highest tier, unlimited Simple Choice plan will be warned to stop, before being moved down to the entry-level plan. This move is aimed specifically at smartphone users who deliberately break T-Mo’s terms and conditions using workarounds to conceal their tethering usage.

The magenta carrier published an updated FAQ page on its support site stating that some customers have been blowing way past the 7GB tethering limit on the highest Simple Choice plan. Some using as much as 2TB (2000GB) of data on their mobile plan. Its biggest concern is the experience created for others. With people using the network so heavily, it can ruin the network performance for everyone else. The carrier has developed a software to detect those using workarounds and will initially warn users. If they carry on abusing the network, then they get moved on to a plan with just 1GB data (including tethering).

We’re first warning these customers that they’re illegally using more data than they bought. We hope folks will stop on their own so they can keep their current plan. These customers are on an unlimited 4G LTE smartphone plan that includes a set amount of Smartphone Mobile HotSpot data, but they’re using workarounds to make their tethering look like smartphone usage which helps them use significantly more 4G LTE tethering than their plan includes.

Once they’re on a plan with a set amount of 4G LTE data, it won’t matter what method they use for Smartphone Mobile HotSpot. Once they use their 4G LTE data bucket, they’ll continue to be able to use data at reduced speeds and still never worry about overages.

T-Mobile will start communicating these changes with its customers from today and notes that only a very small percentage of its customers have been discovered to be concealing their tethering. Despite it being a very small fraction of the customer base, it has a “disproportionately negative impact” on the experience for everyone else.

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Canon WiFi printer/scanner $68, Chromecast (refurb) $24, more

Stephen Hall Aug 26 2015 - 12:46 pm PT

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals

Amazon Gold Box – Canon PIXMA Wireless Color Photo Printer w/ Scanner & AirPrint $68 shipped (Reg. $95)

Chromecast (Manufacturer Refurbished): $24 shipped (Reg. $35) | Groupon

Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone 32GB: $500 shipped w/ code DEAL80OFF (Reg. $800) | T-Mobile

Brand new LG G4 32GB 4G LTE smartphone (unlocked): $420 shipped (Reg. $550+)

HTC is offering a free $100 Google Play gift card with the purchase of an HTC One M9

Daily Deals: TDK Life on Record TREK 360 Wireless Speaker $50, M-Audio Studiophile Active Studio Monitors $99, more

Back to school gift guide: essential tech gear every student should be using

Giveaway: Jaybird’s new X2 Bluetooth earbuds are the ultimate workout counterpart ($180 value)

More new gear from today:

Bluetooth Headphones: SoundPEATS In-Ear $17 Prime shipped (Reg. $30), MEElectronics Over-Ear $38 shipped (Reg. $62), more

Games/Apps: Nintendo refurb Wind Waker Wii U bundle $240, 66% off Capcom eShop games, more
Rise of the Tomb Raider Collector’s Edition features a 1-foot Lara statue and more
Amazon’s new Underground app for Android delivers over $10,000 worth of free apps and games

More deals still alive:

Free Xbox Live Gold Games for September: Tomb Raider Definitive Edition, Battlestations Pacific, more

Free PS Plus Games for September: Grow Home, Super Time Force Ultra, Twisted Metal, more

Aukey Power Banks: Dual USB 10000mAh $10 (Reg. $20), 3000mAh $6 (Reg. $10), more
Cambond 10-ft braided MFi Lightning cable in black $11 Prime shipped (Reg. $17), more
Anker 31″ adjustable Bluetooth Selfie Stick w/ 20 hour battery: $10 prime shipped (Reg. $14)
Klipsch Speakers/Headphones up to 50% off: HD Theater 300 Home Theater $200 (Orig. $400)
Logitech Powershell controller 1500mAh battery case for iPhone 5/5S: $9 Prime shipped
iPhone 6 Battery Case & Wireless Charging Stations: $60 Shipped (Orig. $115, CA Tax Only)
$100 iTunes Gift Card for $85 with free shipping (15% savings)
Brother HL-L2380DW wireless laser printer/scanner/copier w/ AirPrint $100 (Orig. $200)
Belkin Ultimate Pro Bluetooth iPad Air 2 Keyboard Case w/ backlit keys: $75 shipped (Reg. $150)
Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50X + FiiO E12 Amplifier $185 (~$298 value), more
iOttie Easy One Touch 2 car mount for iPhone 6: $16 shipped (Reg. $25)
App Store Free App of the Week: Quell Memento+ puzzle game goes free ($3 value)
Anker 9-ft MFi Lightning to USB cable (black or white): $11 shipped (Orig. $16), more
iPhone 6/Plus Accessories: Screen Protectors $1 (Reg. $4), Magnetic Air Vent Mount $6 (Reg. $9)
Beats Studio Wireless headphones: Titanium $230 (Reg. $380), Blue $264 (Reg. $380)
Garmin GPS w/ Lifetime Maps, HD Traffic & 1-yr warranty (refurb) $150 shipped (Orig. $270)
Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity & Sleep Monitor: $70 shipped (Reg. $80+)
This DHD D1 mini quadcopter drone fits in the palm of your hand for $15 shipped (Orig. $30)
Home: DEWALT cordless drill/driver kit (refurb) $70 (Orig. $130), more
225 Kindle Books for $1.99 or less: The Colonel’s Mistake, Make Art Make Money, more
Toys & Games extra 30% off (Prime only): Brio Classic Train Figure 8 Set $31 (Reg. $45), more
Vera Bradley up to 70% off w/ free shipping: backpack $50 (Reg. $109), sunglasses $30 (Reg. $70), more

New products & more:

Sensel’s Morph is an ultra sensitive Force Touch Trackpad look-alike

The new limited edition BIT.TRIP vinyl LP comes with free game download codes

The iBackPack Indiegogo project is loaded with back-to-school technology
Nintendo’s fall release plans: Super Mario Maker bundle, Star Fox Zero, Mega Yarn Yoshi
Exploding Kittens is now available through Amazon Exclusives for $20 Prime shipped
Samsung SmartThings hub comes next month with Amazon Echo-powered voice control support
Tile announces a new generation of its Bluetooth tracker
Quick Review: The Conway Electric Extō Dual-USB is the envy of all power strips
Move over Super Smash Bros., the Pokémon tournament fighter is coming to Wii U in the Spring
Beyerdynamic takes its pro-audio pedigree to the streets with these new custom headphones
SLICK’s motorized mount takes the bumps out of your GoPro videos
Madden 16: The Movie is the weirdest and funniest commercial we’ve seen in a while
Back to the Future: The Game hits PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, pre-order now
Nintendo announces official price drop coming for its 2DS handheld console
The new AfterShokz headphones bring bone conduction audio to Apple Watch
Train to be a Jedi with this oversized Yoda toy you will, pre-order today
Fotokite Phi makes flying a drone as easy as walking your dog
The Alcho-Lock smart bike lock features a built-in breathalyzer and Bluetooth connectivity

T-Mobile brings Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ release forward, orders open tomorrow

Cam Bunton Aug 17 2015 - 1:27 pm PT

T-Mobile CEO John Legere just announced via Twitter that customers looking to get hold of the new Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 Edge+ on T-Mobile will be able to start placing orders from tomorrow, Tuesday August 18 from 6am Pacific/9am Eastern. Magenta customers will be able to place orders online at T-Mobile.com, through their myt-mobile app or by calling 1-800-T-MOBILE. There won’t be any pre-orders.

Customers on JUMP! on Demand or those wanting “instant gratification” will need to wait until Friday to get one in a physical brick-and-mortar retail store.

AT&T enhances GoPhone plans to support 4GB data in Canada & Mexico

Zac Hall Aug 17 2015 - 7:56 am PT

National carriers across the US have been adding features that make it easier to use their service in Mexico and Canada as a growing trend, and today AT&T has announced enhancements to its pre-paid GoPhone plans to include 4GB of high speed data use in Canada and Mexico as well as the United States. The new AT&T GoPhone feature goes into effect on August 21st and is supported on the carrier’s $60 pre-paid plan without making any changes.

In addition to 4GB of data for use across North America, the GoPhone plans include unlimited talk and text in the US, Canada, and Mexico as well. AT&T’s $60 GoPhone plan is reduced to $55/month for customers using the carrier’s Auto Refill automatic payment feature. Important to note, though, is that AT&T’s GoPhone plans specifically mean data speeds up to 3G, not faster 4G LTE speeds, when mentioning high speed data.

For post-paid subscribers, AT&T supports international calling and texting to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on its 15GB and 20GB Mobile Share Value plans that it simplified over the weekend. More similarly, T-Mobile enhanced its own plans last month to support 4G LTE data use in addition to text and calls in Canada and Mexico without international roaming fees.

Carrier Availability: Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ in the US

Cam Bunton Aug 13 2015 - 10:13 am PT

1 Comment

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ have just been announced and carriers aren’t holding back in letting us know when and where we can get hold of these new devices. The US is going to be one of the first countries to get the latest flagship phablets. Here’s where you can get them and when…

Verizon to kill subsidies, launch simpler data plans from August 13

Cam Bunton Aug 7 2015 - 9:53 am PT

Verizon will launch brand new, simpler data plans and kill subsidies as expected from August 13. Today, the company introduced a set of plans which will require customers to pay for their smartphones in monthly installments, or buy them outright, instead of having the cost subsidized.

T-Mobile officially becomes #3 US carrier, Sprint CEO says company ‘now focused on customers, not rankings’

Stephen Hall Aug 4 2015 - 10:26 am PT