T-Mobile offers money-back coverage guarantee tied to 700 MHz ‘Extended Range LTE’
T-Mobile US is looking to take on perceptions about its network coverage, rolling out a coverage guarantee tied to support of its growing 700 MHz network in newer smartphones, including the latest Apple iPhone 6S devices.
The offer states T-Mobile US will refund all charges paid in the first month towards the device and service for customers unsatisfied with their “coverage experience” tied to the use of devices supporting the carrier’s Band Class 12 spectrum. For inconsolable customers looking to switch carriers, T-Mobile US said it will unlock that device allowing customers to move to a rival, though those customers keeping their unlocked device will have to continue making monthly device payments to T-Mobile US.
The offer, which is a take off on T-Mobile US’ previously launched “Un-carrier 5.0” program unveiled last year, does requires customers to sign up for T-Mobile US’ latest JUMP on Demand device payment plan and is available only on those devices supporting T-Mobile US’ 700 MHz spectrum band class.
To further boost the prominence of its 700 MHz spectrum support, T-Mobile US has slapped it with the “Extended Range LTE” name. The carrier said it has turned on 700 MHz support in 170 markets covering “more than half” of the population with plans to reach more than 350 markets.
T-Mobile US picked up most of those 700 MHz licenses in a deal with Verizon Wireless last year. The carrier has been bolstering those holdings, and has been very vocal in its plans to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s upcoming 600 MHz incentive auction.
iPhone promotional pricing
To further incentivize consumers to pick up Apple’s latest iPhone, T-Mobile US also released promotional pricing tied to paying for the device through the JUMP on Demand leasing program. The carrier is offering the iPhone 6S for $20 per month and the iPhone 6S Plus for $24 per month over an 18-month term. Once the term is up, customers can turn in their phone and pay no additional fee or pay the remaining $164 balance and keep the device.
T-Mobile US this summer launched an iPhone promotion for the current iPhone 6 that began at $15 per month over an 18-month term. That deal also allowed customers to upgrade at no additional cost to the iPhone 6S iteration at the same monthly fee.
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