The topic T-Mobile closing 1,100 legacy plans, with price increases likely is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
Carriers frequently try to push customers on older plans – especially so-called unlimited ones – to switch to new plans with higher prices or usage limits. Sometimes, however, they force the issue by closing down legacy plans and moving customers onto new ones.
Some T-Mobile customers who’ve held onto old phone plans are being notified that their accounts will soon be automatically upgraded to the company’s current lineup of plans, which in some cases will mean an increase in their mobile phone bills.
A representative of T-Mobile chose to not share which plans are being retired, but said some of them stretch back 10 to 15 years. That could include Simple Choice, T-Mobile One, One Plus and Magenta family of plans, as well as grandfathered Sprint plans that carried over when T-Mobile and Sprint merged in 2020.
T-Mobile told us it uses the phrase “plan codes” because they have multiple variants of plans, for example a free extra line as part of a promotion.
The company’s chief marketing officer said that affected customers won’t be given any choice – “it is just going to happen.”
T-Mobile claims the move is not motivated by money, but rather on simplifying the number of plans it supports.
In an internal email sent to employees today and acquired by CNET, T-Mobile Chief Operating Officer Jon Freier noted that retiring the plans clears out over 1,100 legacy billing codes. “Simplifying the plan mix means even more resources and focus on delivering the outstanding experience we’re known for,” he wrote.
We’re retiring our oldest plans, some of which were built nearly 15 years ago – in the 3G and 4G eras, and well before our 5G network was fully deployed. Customers will transition to modern plans that provide access to America’s best wireless technologies, enhanced features and a 5-year price guarantee for peace of mind. Some customers will see no change to their monthly bill, while some will see a modest adjustment. Every customer moved to a new plan will keep their current benefits while gaining improvements in network and service experiences.
If you’re one of the affected customers, you’ll be hearing from T-Mobile within the next few weeks.