T-Mobile To Start Charging Its Customers An Outrageous New Fee
T-mobile is expected to begin charging a $35 activation fee for both new customers as well as for upgrades made by existing customers.
This article is more than 2 years old
T-Mobile customers may be getting some bad news soon. Internet rumors are circulating that the carrier will be implementing a new fee. And it’s not a small one.
The service provided has worked hard to set itself apart from competitors like Verizon and AT&T in recent years. And it has done a relatively good job at it. Its customer numbers have steadily increased due to its efforts.
Now, T-Mobile may “reward” those new customers (as well as existing ones) with a hefty fee. Reports online indicate that the company will begin charging a $35 activation fee. It would apply to upgrades and new postpaid activations.
Verizon and AT&T both charge universal activation fees. So T-Mobile stood apart in its refusal to do so. Until now, the activation fees were applicable only when in-store support assisted with the set-up.
Any order placed online had been exempt from the hefty charge. This, of course, was great news for independent and tech-savvy customers. They could save time and money by doing it themselves.
However, according to The T-Mo Report, that may not be the case now. But the publication is not the only source tying the new fee to T-Mobile. Many Redditors are reporting the same thing.
And while only a handful of internet rumors are circulating about the impending news, those rumors may prove true. Engadget got ahold of some internal T-Mobile documents. The site discovered some interesting tidbits in them.
The documents show that the company does plan to introduce a “‘Device Connection Charge’ for all activations and upgrades for mobile, Beyond the Smartphone and broadband devices.” And it appears that the new device connection charge is universally applicable. It will likely now apply to all new connections.
But that does not just mean new phone connections. It also includes starting a home internet service, Bring-Your-Own-Device lines, and updating existing lines. So whether or not you received assistance activating your line, you may have to pay.
The news will frustrate consumers who transferred services to T-Mobile to avoid unnecessary and unwarranted fees. Unfortunately, there is no carrier left to turn to since Sprint recently merged with T-Mobile. According to Engadget, the company had assured customers that the merger would make things “better for customers.”
But tacking on excess charges doesn’t quite fit that bill. To make matters worse, T-Mobile is trying to gloss over the fee. Its internal documents claim to be “‘simplifying’ the system to bring a ‘more consistent and straightforward experience for customers.'”
In other words, hefty fees for everyone. Engadget reached out to T-Mobile to verify the online rumors. But they did not hear back before publishing their article.
If the reports prove true, customers are stuck with a hefty and unnecessary fee no matter who they sign a contract with. There aren’t many options for customers wishing to avoid the new connection fee.
The only current alternative is to switch to an alternative carrier. And thankfully, there are some viable options. Of course, where you live will determine your choice. However, with options through Google and smaller companies like Mint Mobile, you most likely find something that fits your needs.
