T-Mobile has been at the heart of controversies this year, and it’s made fans highly disappointed. From paying off the hackers who stole user data and recalling smartphones from the market after release to corrupt in-store practices, there’s no telling where it ends with mobile carriers.
Most people blame the CEO transition from the merger with Sprint, and there’s no lie in that. Things just haven’t been the same since Mike Sievert took over from John Legere. The company now plans to charge customers the full price for their phone plan, even when they halt it temporarily. Normally, when you suspend your plan, you get to keep the phone number but pay a reduced fee.
Why Suspending Your T-Mobile Line now costs more
There are numerous reasons why you would want to suspend your phone line. If your device gets lost, it’s the right thing to do to prevent anyone from using it. You might also pause the service occasionally if you won’t be using it during travel or you want to save money.
To assist you, T-Mobile offers seasonal suspension periods where you can pause your T-Mobile account for a maximum of 90 days at a time, and you can do it twice a year. You also have the option to suspend just one line on your account while keeping other lines active.
Usually, T-Mobile charges you $10 for voluntary suspensions. But this time around, you pay the full cost of your plan, regardless of how active your line is within that period. T-Mobile also says that if you have AutoPay set up with an eligible payment method, you will still receive the discounts. The company has reflected this change in their support page.
Related: T-Mobile Workers Plan Protest Over Lower Veteran, Senior Discount
T-Mobile users express outrage and intent to leave
A Reddit user has shared how they received the shocking notice from T-mobile’s executive office. It informed them that starting October 10, 2024, they will no longer offer reduced fees for temporarily suspending a phone plan.
Instead, even during a seasonal suspension, they will be charged the full monthly amount, which feels unfair to any user because you won’t be using the service but still have to pay the usual $10 fee as if you were.
As expected, T-Mobile users aren’t happy with the suspension price increase and have taken to different online forums with pitchforks. Many are questioning the point of seasonal suspensions if they still have to pay the full amount. Some hint at leaving T-Mobile and taking advantage of promotions offered to new customers by switching back and forth between carriers.
The timing couldn’t be more right. Many mobile carriers are offering interesting deals towards the end of the year to poach customers from each other. Among them is AT&T’s free 30-day 5G trial for new users. Verizon is also offering you an unlimited 5G plan for just $15 per line every month.
Related: T-Mobile Doesn’t Want You Unlocking Your Phone In Just 60 Days
Check coverage & compatibility before you switch
Before switching to a new service, ensure that the carrier has good coverage in your area. Compare plans to find one that matches your usage of data, calls, and texts. If you want to keep your phone, check that it’s compatible with the new carrier, and remember to back up important data, as you may need to reset your phone or change the SIM card.
