T-Mobile US’ new #getoutofthered campaign woos Verizon customers
T-Mobile US launched a new promotion today to keep Verizon on the defensive, offering Verizon customers the option to bring one of seven qualifying devices and have T-Mobile pay off the remaining balance on the device.
The qualifying devices are the iPhone SE, 6s, 6s Plus, 7 and 7 Plus, as well as Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL. The deal is available starting May 31.
In a video outlining the #getoutofthered promotion, T-Mobile US CEO John Legere also said that the carrier would start offering insurance for customers’ current phones: allowing them to keep their own devices, swap SIM cards and insure the existing device with T-Mobile US rather than deal with a trade-in.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKh_MeFDuw[/embedyt]
T-Mobile US explained in the offer that smartphones from AT&T and Sprint have to be unlocked in order to work on its network — but for customers from those two carriers, T-Mobile US is offering to pay off early termination fees or outstanding phone payments (via a prepaid card) if they get a new device with T-Mobile US on its equipment installment plan. T-Mobile US is also temporarily waiving its trade-in requirement for its Carrier Freedom offer for non-Verizon customers.
For T-Mobile US’ existing customers with at least two T-Mobile One voice lines, Legere announced that they can get two additional lines for the price of one, starting tomorrow.
T-Mobile US said that the promotion is the first of three announcements to come.
Verizon launches LTE-powered Wi-Fi “Smart Hub” for the home
Promising faster Wi-Fi and control over internet of things devices in the home, Verizon is launching a new LTE home router called Verizon SmartHub.
SmartHub will be available starting tomorrow and uses Verizon’s LTE network to provide an in-home Wi-Fi
connection. Verizon said that the device is compatible with more than 200 Wi-Fi enabled smart home products, and offers a free application that can be used to monitor and control those devices. SmartHub can also be used to make HD voice calls from a home phone number, Verizon noted, and has a back-up battery so that it can be used when home power goes out.
The router is markedly different in design from Verizon’s existing portfolio of home devices, with a sleek, rounded and light-colored exterior.
SmartHub is priced at $199.99 or $99.99 with a two-year contract.
