In the first two rounds of T-Mobile's uncarrier initiative, we saw the death of traditional contracts and the introduction of JUMP, a plan that allowed folks to upgrade their devices early. Less than an hour ago, T-Mobile took the wraps off its "third phase" in the company's ongoing uncarrier initiative, and it looks to be yet another game changer.
This time around, T-Mobile is "tearing down [global] borders" by introducing unlimited global data and texting to all Simple Choice customers starting October 31st. The new roaming service applies to both individual and business subscribers, and covers over 100 so-called Simple Global countries. Those looking to make calls while abroad will also be able to do so for an extra charge of 20 cents a minute.
The cost of staying connected across borders is completely crazy. Today's phones are designed to work around the world, but we're forced to pay insanely inflated international connectivity fees to actually use them. You can't leave the country without coming home to bill shock. So we're making the world your network - at no extra cost.
John Legere
T-Mobile CEO
What makes this new roaming service even better is that you don't need to activate anything or call T-Mobile customer service to make it work. Simply leave the United States and when you arrive in a covered Simple Global country you'll receive a text message with information about networking speeds and any possible additional fees that may apply.
Before you get too excited, it's important to note that T-Mobile hasn’t clarified exactly how fast the speed will be when traveling internationally. Still, you should never look a gift horse in the mouth.
In addition to global roaming, T-Mobile is also introducing a new "Stateside International Talk & Text" plan for $10 a month. With this optional plan in place, you'll be able to call any of the Simple Global countries for no more than 20 cents a minute, mobile to mobile. You'll also be able to make unlimited calls to the landlines in roughly 70 of these countries. Texting will also be unlimited to ALL Simple Global countries.
That wraps up T-Mobile’s uncarrier phase 3 announcements, and we have to say we are impressed. We’ve long thought that international text/talk/data pricing was outrageous, and are glad to see at least one carrier stand up against such practices. Now we’ll have to see how the other big 3 U.S. carriers react to T-Mobile’s latest shakeup effort.
What do you think of T-Mobile’s new international plans and pricing? Impressed or not?
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