In an effort to better compete with Verizon Wireless and AT&T, T-Mobile has introduced new no-contract wireless plans that include unlimited voice services.
Consumers looking to avoid signing a 2-year contract can have unlimited talk, text and data for $79.99 per month. The $80 price is 20% lower than the regular price of service, but subscribers won't receive a subsidized handset discount. Consumers will either have to pay the full MSRP up front for their device or add an additional charge to their monthly bill to pay off the device over time.
Anyone who still wants a subsidized (lower) phone price will need to sign up for a two-year plan of which the unlimited calling runs $99.99 per month.
For example, the T-mobile MyTouch phone costs $149.99 with a 2 year contract plan. Without a contract plan, the MyTouch costs $499.99, which can be paid for over time and interest free with a T-mobile equipment installment plan.
A no-contract voice plan for $50/month also is available, but doesn't include text or data.
T-Mobile's new offerings are a sign that the company is struggling to compete with its rivals. Not long ago, rumors surfaced that T-Mobile may acquire Sprint-Nextel.
Verizon may not feel the need to offer similar plans at the moment, as T-Mobile is currently backed into a corner. AT&T is also unlikely to respond since it is essentially in the same boat as Verizon, as the two companies lead the market.
Even though T-mobile has lost subscribers to AT&T and VZW, it also loses subscribers to MetroPCS and Leap Wireless, which are smaller providers offering unlimited plans.
The mobile industry is evolving at a fast pace, with more wireless providers offering unlimited plans, no-contract offerings, and other specialized plans not available a few years ago. Furthermore, wireless providers are more willing to offer unlimited voice plans now in favor of signing subscribers up for text message and data plans.
