T-Mobile’s latest unlimited plan cuts out the extras
This time, it's called Essentials, and it's just unlimited talk, text and data.
Today, T-Mobile announced a new plan called Essentials, which is advertised at just $30 per line for a family of four. It includes unlimited talk, text and data in the US. It's geared towards customers that just want the "basics" -- T-Mobile's other unlimited plans include mobile hotspots, Netflix and more for $40 or more per line for a family of four.
The pricing breaks down as follows: The first line on T-Mobile Essentials costs $60 per month, while the second costs $30. Each line after that, for a total of up to six lines, costs $15 per month. But if you don't have autopay set up, that will cost you $5 more per line.
The release also contains this nugget: "Without autopay, it's $5 more per line. During times and places with heavy network demand, Essentials customers may notice slower speeds than other customers." Basically, this means that customers on the Essentials plan will be the first of T-Mobile's unlimited customers to have their data throttled. The fine print goes on to say, "During congestion, Essentials customers may notice speeds lower than other customers and further reduction if using >50GB/month."
T-Mobile's unlimited plans are a bit confusing: there's now Essentials, ONE and ONE PLUS. If you don't use a lot of data, but want an unlimited family plan, Essentials sounds like a good deal. The plan will be available in T-Mobile stores starting August 10th.
