T-Mobile has announced that it will no longer charge its Simple Choice users for using data and text messages internationally in over 100 countries, adding that customers will not be charged over 20 cents/min for receiving and making calls on roaming.
T-Mobile is doing its best to be the biggest wireless carrier in the United States, and it may be successful to an extent. The Bellevue, Washington-based carrier earlier brought in revolutionary changes in the wireless business. In March, T-Mo's Simple Choice plan surprised users with its "Un-carrier" strategy, and later the company unleashed an early upgrade JUMP program for users to upgrade their handsets twice a year by paying an additional $10/month.
And Wednesday, T-Mobile announced its new plan for travelers going abroad. Starting October 31, Simple Choice users will no longer be charged for using data and texting services in more than 100 countries and will never pay more than 20 cents per minute for receiving and making calls on roaming, regardless of where the call originated. This plan does not levy any additional fees or monthly charge on the bill, it is on the house.
"The cost of staying connected across borders is completely crazy," John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile US, Inc, said in a press release. "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."
According to the press release, T-Mobile has learned that Americans make nearly 55 million trips abroad every year. More than 40 per cent customers turned off data completely because the phone bills could go up to $1000. But now, T-Mobile wants to makes sure that travelers stay connected everywhere without worrying about a hefty mobile bill.
T-Mobile also revealed that its 4G LTE network has now reached 200 million people in 233 metropolitan areas. The company also announced a multi-year promotional deal with "Hips don't lie" singer, Shakira. She performed at the T-Mobile announcement event in New York, Wednesday evening.
