T-Mobile US has launched a new offensive in its efforts to get its takeover of Sprint approved by state regulators. The company pledged to offer free services to all first responders in the US and 10 million low-income families, as well as introduce a new low-cost prepaid brand to allay concerns about reduced competition on the low end of the market.
The 'Connecting Heroes Initiative' is a 10-year commitment to provide free 5G access, including unlimited calls, texts and smartphone data, to all first responders in the US. T-Mobile said this includes all public and non-profit state and local police, fire and EMS agencies across the country. They can apply online for the offer.
Its 'Project 10Million' is designed to help low-income families gain internet access. It will include free internet service up to 100 GB per year, a free mobile W-Fi hotspot device and an option to buy additional Wi-Fi devices at cost. The offer is open to 10 million households around the US over five years and will include access to T-Mobile's 5G network.
Finally, T-Mobile Connect is the proposed new prepaid service that will offer service starting at USD 15 per month, half the price of T-Mobile's current cheapest plan. The USD 15 plan offers unlimited calls and SMS plus 2 GB data, and customers can increase to 5 GB for USD 25 per month. The offer comes with a 500 MB annual upgrade for five years.
T-Mobile already pledged earlier to keep its prices the same or lower for three years after the merger. It's also agreed with the FCC to expand its network coverage in order to improve broadband access in the US. The company is increasing its promises as the merger still faces opposition from several states, which have filed a joint lawsuit to block the merger.
Announcing the new initiatives, the company also confirmed its 5G network will launch on 06 December with coverage for around 200 million people in the US. The above initiatives will be implemented if the merger is completed, the company said.
