T-Mobile previously said it would launch its 5G service on December 6, but today, the U.S. carrier announced that the network is now live around the country. However, for now, no phones will be able to use it, since compatible phones aren"t coming until this Friday.
As usual, the "Un-carrier" took the opportunity to bash its competitors, saying that its 5G network is the first one available nationwide and also the first one that works indoors. T-Mobile is also touting the widespread availability of its network, which will be available for both postpaid and prepaid customers, with the Metro by T-Mobile sub-brand also offering 5G capabilities starting later this week. Additionally, T-Mobile says access to its 5G network doesn"t come with a premium, and prices are the same as you"d pay for LTE.
T-Mobile is also providing an interactive 5G coverage map ahead of the full launch of the network, once again attacking Verizon for taking months to let customers know where they could get 5G. The map below should give you a general idea of what to expect, but you can look more closely here.
As previously announced, T-Mobile"s 5G network is debuting with two compatible devices, the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G and the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren edition, the latter of which is a T-Mobile exclusive in the U.S. Both of these devices will be compatible with Sprint"s mid-band network if the merger of the two carriers is completed. Additionally, T-Mobile says it plans to launch 15 5G devices in 2020, catering to different price points.
To lure new customers, T-Mobile is offering a free OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren with 24 monthly bill credits when they switch to T-Mobile"s 5G and trade in an eligible phone, or a free Galaxy Note10+ 5G by trading in a phone, buying another Note10+ 5G, and adding two lines, albeit this will be doen with 36 bill credits instead of 24. Existing customers can also enjoy a similar deal on the Note10+ 5G, but they"ll only need to add one line to their existing plan. Otherwise, they can trade in an eligible phone for $300 off the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren or up to half off the Galaxy Note10+ 5G.
Update: The article has been updated to clarify that the Galaxy Note10+ 5G deal is done with 36 monthly bill credits, and not 24.