T-Mobile taps iPhone, accessories in targeting AT&T; Verizon pre-empts with data bonus
T-Mobile US is set to shift its latest marketing focus away from smaller rival Sprint and onto larger competitor AT&T Mobility, announcing Apple iPhone and accessory deals targeting customers willing to switch carriers.
In the second of its promised three marketing moves against its fellow nationwide mobile operators, T-Mobile US today said beginning Dec. 4, it will offer all AT&T Mobility, GoPhone or Cricket Wireless customers willing to port their number to a T-Mobile US postpaid plan a 128 gigabyte version of the iPhone 6s for the price of a 16 GB model. The deal results in a $200 savings for those taking T-Mobile US up on the offer.
The offer is similar to T-Mobile US’ Cyber Monday promotion, which provided all customers a “free” one-model upgrade on iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus devices.
In addition, T-Mobile US said it will provide switching customers a 50% discount on accessories, including Apple’s Watch and various Bluetooth-enabled speakers. The carrier said the discount is good towards any accessory priced at more than $70 available via its equipment installment plan, with a total discount value of up to $125 per switching customer.
T-Mobile US’ AT&T Mobility focused offer is set to run through Dec. 13, and will eventually replace the previously launched $200 bonus discount targeting Sprint customers, which is set to expire Dec. 6.
T-Mobile US CEO John Legere also noted the carrier would finish off its planned marketing moves against rivals next week with an offer targeting Verizon Wireless.
Verizon mounts pre-emptive strike
Perhaps looking to get ahead of that promised move, Verizon Wireless today said it will provide 2 GB of free data per month to every device added or upgraded on a current XL or XXL data plan. The offer is good for up to 10 lines of service, with the bonus data included for as long as the line remains active on either the XL (12 GB) or XXL (18 GB) data buckets.
The bonus data is shareable across all devices connected to the data package, including tablets and mobile hot spots, though customers adding or upgrading a tablet or mobile hot spot are not eligible to receive the 2 GB data boost.
AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless for the most part have stayed out of the aggressive rate plan promotions offered up in recent weeks by their smaller rivals, and in fact have rolled out price increases on some rate plans. The most aggressive move was made last month by Sprint, which offered a 50% discount on monthly pricing for AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile US customers switching to the carrier before Jan. 7.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter
