T-Mobile US

T-Mobile US, Inc.

Company type	Public
Industry	Wireless telecommunications
Founded	1994
Founder	John W. Stanton
Headquarters	Bellevue, Washington , United States
Area served	United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Key people	John Legere (former CEO), current CEO not specified
Products	Wireless services (T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile), Assurance Wireless
Owner	Deutsche Telekom (51.4% as of 2023)
Number of employees	19,000 (approximate as of 2001) (2001)
Parent	Deutsche Telekom AG

T-Mobile US, Inc. is a leading American wireless service provider based in Bellevue, Washington. The German telecom giant Deutsche Telekom holds a majority interest of 51.4% as of 2023. Ranking as the second largest wireless carrier in the United States, T-Mobile had amassed 132.8 million subscribers by June 30, 2025.

The company was originally established in 1994 by John W. Stanton under the name VoiceStream Wireless. Following Deutsche Telekom's acquisition of a controlling stake in 2001, it was rebranded to align with the international T-Mobile identity.

T-Mobile US manages two primary brands: T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. The latter was integrated through a reverse merger with MetroPCS in 2013, which also facilitated its NASDAQ listing. The firm's growth accelerated with the 2020 Sprint acquisition, incorporating Assurance Wireless, a federally supported program. Further expansion occurred in 2024 with the addition of budget-focused mobile virtual network operators Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, both maintained as distinct brands. Looking ahead to 2025, T-Mobile intends to acquire the wireless division of UScellular.

History

The origins of T-Mobile U.S. trace back to 1994 when it launched as VoiceStream Wireless PCS, a branch of Western Wireless Corporation. It delivered GSM digital wireless services across 19 metropolitan regions mainly in the western and southwestern United States. After Western Wireless spun off VoiceStream in May 1999, Deutsche Telekom AG purchased the company in 2001 for $35 billion and rebranded it as T-Mobile USA by July 2002. The consolidation continued in 2013 when T-Mobile merged with MetroPCS, unifying their operations under the T-Mobile U.S. brand.

VoiceStream Wireless

VoiceStream Wireless began as a Western Wireless subsidiary targeting urban digital PCS markets, complementing Western Wireless’s analog Cellular One coverage in rural areas. The 1999 spin-off transformed VoiceStream into an independent publicly traded firm headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, setting the foundation for Deutsche Telekom’s acquisition and its subsequent competitive growth within the wireless sector.

Omnipoint and Aerial acquisition

In the year 2000, VoiceStream Wireless expanded by acquiring two regional GSM operators: Omnipoint Corporation, which covered the Northeastern United States on February 25, and Aerial Communications Inc., serving markets including Columbus, Houston, Kansas City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Pittsburgh, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Orlando on May 4. These acquisitions unified regional networks under VoiceStream’s umbrella, aligning billing systems and standardizing operational procedures to strengthen a cohesive marketing approach.

Deutsche Telekom acquires VoiceStream and Powertel

On June 1, 2001, Deutsche Telekom finalized its $35 billion purchase of VoiceStream Wireless alongside its $24 billion acquisition of Southern U.S.-based GSM provider Powertel, Inc. By the end of that year, VoiceStream employed approximately 19,000 personnel catering to 7 million customers. On September 2, 2001, VoiceStream transitioned to T-Mobile USA, Inc., introducing the global T-Mobile brand within California and Nevada markets. Initially operating as a subsidiary of T-Mobile International AG, T-Mobile USA subsequently became directly owned by Deutsche Telekom AG. The merger was completed in July 2002, marking a significant strategic expansion for Deutsche Telekom within the U.S. telecommunications landscape.

SunCom acquisition

On September 17, 2007, the company revealed its intention to acquire regional GSM provider SunCom Wireless Holdings, Inc. for $2.4 billion, a transaction finalized on February 22, 2008. By September 8, 2008, the integration of SunCom’s operations was complete, incorporating 1.1 million subscribers and broadening network reach into southern Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, northeastern Georgia, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This deal established a native network footprint in every major metropolitan area across the United States.

Abandoned AT&T acquisition

On March 20, 2011, AT&T announced its plan to purchase T-Mobile US from Deutsche Telekom. Nevertheless, on August 31, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated an antitrust lawsuit aiming to prevent the merger. Confronted with regulatory obstacles, AT&T officially withdrew its offer on December 19, 2011.

Merger with MetroPCS Communications

T-Mobile USA reached an agreement on October 3, 2012, to merge with MetroPCS Communications, granting MetroPCS shareholders a 26% ownership stake in the new entity which retained the T-Mobile brand name. This consolidation bolstered T-Mobile’s spectrum assets and financial strength to accelerate LTE network deployment while maintaining its position as the fourth-largest carrier in the U.S. The merger received shareholder approval from MetroPCS on April 24, 2013. Executed as a reverse takeover, the combined company debuted on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TMUS and was rebranded as T-Mobile U.S. Inc. on May 1, 2013. The structure permitted Deutsche Telekom to divest its 72% share in the $14.2 billion enterprise prior to the conclusion of an 18-month lock-up period.

The "Un-carrier" initiative and spectrum expansions

In March 2013, led by CEO John Legere, T-Mobile introduced its "Un-carrier" strategy featuring contract-free plans with straightforward pricing alongside two-year device financing options. This strategy evolved to include value-added offerings such as phone trade-ins enabling upgrades twice annually, data rollover for unused data allowances, and zero-rating certain music and video streaming services at DVD-quality resolution. These measures sought to increase customer benefits and set T-Mobile apart in the highly competitive wireless market while simultaneously enhancing network performance.

Nonetheless, this zero-rating policy sparked debates regarding net neutrality because it permitted T-Mobile to impose higher charges on third-party content providers for prioritized network access, potentially disadvantaging smaller companies unable to afford premium fees.

To support network growth, T-Mobile made key spectrum purchases. In June 2013, it acquired wireless spectrum from U.S. Cellular for about $308 million, expanding its 4G footprint across 29 new markets. Then in January 2014, T-Mobile bought 700 MHz A-Block licenses from Verizon Wireless for $2.365 billion and arranged a $950 million transfer involving AWS and PCS spectrum licenses. These acquisitions extended coverage to roughly 158 million people within major U.S. markets, reinforcing T-Mobile’s competitive stance and enabling business expansion through increased network capacity.

Merger with Sprint Corporation

On April 29, 2018, T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation revealed their intention to combine operations. Although the U.S. Department of Justice gave its approval for the merger on July 26, 2019, several states challenged the deal in court, arguing that it would result in an annual increase of $4.5 billion in consumer costs. Ultimately, District Judge Victor Marrero authorized the merger on February 11, 2020, highlighting Sprint’s inability to sustain a competitive position over the long term.

The transaction was finalized on April 1, 2020, with the Sprint brand being phased out by August 2, 2020. Following the consolidation, T-Mobile integrated leadership structures, stock issuance, and branding efforts while temporarily maintaining separate customer management systems. New pricing plans were launched for both existing and new customers, with legacy plans preserved for a minimum of three years.

As part of this acquisition, T-Mobile incorporated Assurance Wireless, a subsidized Lifeline Assistance service supported by the federal Universal Service Fund. This strategic union considerably increased T-Mobile’s share of the U.S. wireless market and strengthened its competitive positioning, fueling business expansion and international growth.

Acquisition of Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile

In March 2023, T-Mobile US announced its agreement to purchase Ka’ena Corporation along with its subsidiaries Mint Mobile—a prominent budget-friendly prepaid wireless provider operating direct-to-consumer in the U.S.—and Ultra Mobile, known for its international calling offerings. The transaction was valued at up to $1.35 billion, with final pricing contingent on Ka’ena’s operational results. Ryan Reynolds, who holds majority ownership of Mint Mobile, continued as the brand’s official spokesperson. This acquisition aimed to broaden T-Mobile’s presence in the prepaid wireless market segment.

Planned acquisition of UScellular assets

T-Mobile declared intentions on May 28, 2024, to acquire U.S. Cellular’s wireless business in a $4.4 billion agreement. This deal includes approximately 4 million subscribers, nearly 30% of U.S. Cellular’s spectrum assets, and rights to more than 2,000 communication towers—significantly boosting T-Mobile’s network capacity and geographic coverage.

Wireless networks

T-Mobile operates a network spanning the continental United States as well as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2G GSM

VoiceStream Wireless—the predecessor to T-Mobile—launched its initial 2G GSM infrastructure in 1994, offering service in Honolulu and Salt Lake City by 1996. The network expanded through spectrum acquisitions and company purchases to enhance coverage and capabilities.

Data connectivity began with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and was later upgraded via EDGE technology to improve data transmission speeds across at least 40% of its GSM footprint.

Starting January 2025, T-Mobile initiated customer notifications regarding the planned discontinuation of its GSM network effective February 9, 2025. This move is part of a broader strategy to transition toward more advanced technologies.

3G UMTS

In September 2006, T-Mobile strategically invested $4.18 billion to acquire licenses in the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum bands at 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz. This acquisition laid the groundwork for a nationwide 3G UMTS network rollout aimed at major metropolitan areas with peak speeds reaching up to 7.2 Mbit/s—outperforming competitors—and required an additional $2.6 billion beyond spectrum costs for deployment.

Although the first compatible 3G handset was released in November 2007, network activation faced delays until May 2008 in New York City due to regulatory hurdles. By 2009, T-Mobile expanded its UMTS coverage to over 200 markets and introduced HSPA+ technology in 2010 to enhance network speed and reliability.

In 2015, T-Mobile transitioned its 3G services onto the PCS band to free up bandwidth for expanding its 4G LTE network; this shift rendered some older devices incompatible with the updated service. The company officially retired its UMTS network in July 2022 as part of focusing resources on next-generation network technologies.

4G LTE

During the Q4 Earnings Call on February 23, 2012, T-Mobile revealed its strategy for upgrading to 4G, intending to launch an LTE network utilizing AWS spectrum while migrating HSPA+ services to the PCS band. This initiative commenced in March 2013, with LTE deployment expanding into various markets. Following the unsuccessful AT&T acquisition attempt, T-Mobile acquired additional UMTS band 4 (AWS) spectrum. On March 26, 2013, LTE service was introduced in seven cities: Baltimore, San Jose, Washington D.C., Phoenix, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Houston.

On August 21, 2012, the FCC authorized a spectrum transaction with Verizon that provided T-Mobile with extra AWS licenses covering 125 Cellular Market Areas.

By February 2014, T-Mobile’s LTE network reached 209 million individuals across 273 metropolitan regions. The company aimed to implement its 700 MHz A-Block spectrum by the end of that year to enhance indoor LTE reception for 158 million people. In March 2014, T-Mobile announced plans to upgrade its entire 2G/EDGE infrastructure to LTE technology, targeting near completion by mid-2015.

CEO John Legere announced in December 2014 that LTE coverage had expanded to serve 260 million people, with Wideband LTE available in 121 metro areas. Coverage was expected to grow to 280 million by mid-2015 and reach 300 million by year-end. By October 2015, T-Mobile exceeded these targets ahead of schedule, providing LTE service to over 300 million users across 245 Wideband and 204 Extended Range markets utilizing the 700 MHz Band 12.

In May 2016, T-Mobile secured the Chicago-area license for the 700 MHz A-block to enhance Extended Range LTE coverage. This acquisition increased low-band spectrum reach to roughly 272 million people—about 84% of the U.S. population—including all major metropolitan areas. September of that year saw the introduction of advanced technologies such as 4x4 MIMO and carrier aggregation, enabling speeds up to 400 Mbit/s and extending LTE availability to over 312 million potential customers.

Early in 2017, T-Mobile acquired approximately 45% of the available U.S. 600 MHz spectrum, achieving nationwide geographic coverage and initiating LTE deployment on this band in August.

Although T-Mobile began advancing its 5G network in 2018, it maintained a commitment to expanding and enhancing its LTE infrastructure to operate concurrently with emerging 5G services. By January 2019, LTE-Advanced technology was active in more than 6,000 cities and towns.

As of October 2019, LTE coverage had grown to encompass service for 326 million individuals. By February 2020, the low-band (600 MHz) network extended into nearly 9,000 cities and towns, reaching approximately 248 million people.

This ongoing dedication to acquiring spectrum and modernizing networks exemplifies T-Mobile’s strategic focus on increasing market share through comprehensive nationwide coverage and cutting-edge wireless technology deployment.

Preparations

On June 25, 2018, T-Mobile partnered with Nokia to complete their inaugural bi-directional 5G NR transmission at the 28 GHz frequency band compliant with 3GPP 5G standards, marking a pivotal advancement toward establishing a nationwide 5G infrastructure.

On November 20, 2018, T-Mobile and Nokia successfully conducted the first downlink transmission of 5G NR at the lower-frequency band of 600 MHz in Spokane, Washington. Unlike the limited coverage area of about one square mile at 28 GHz, the broader range of the 600 MHz band covers hundreds of square miles—facilitating rural deployment and addressing a critical market segment.

On January 7, 2019, collaboration between T-Mobile and Ericsson resulted in the first audio and video call over a live multi-band (600 MHz, 28 GHz, and 39 GHz) 5G NR network with successful uplink and downlink transmissions on an operational system.

On July 11, 2019, T-Mobile along with Ericsson completed their first data session using n71 (600 MHz) frequency in Bellevue, Washington employing the commercial Snapdragon X55 modem—the initial chipset supporting n71—although this modem was not yet integrated into consumer devices.

Equipment Suppliers

On July 30, 2018, T-Mobile and Nokia revealed a $3.5 billion agreement to supply hardware and software for constructing a nationwide 5G network adhering to 3GPP standards, utilizing the 600 MHz and 28 GHz frequency bands.

Following this, on September 11, 2018, T-Mobile entered into a comparable $3.5 billion contract with Ericsson for 5G equipment operating on the same spectrum bands. Together, these contracts represent a combined investment of $7 billion in T-Mobile’s 5G infrastructure, integrating technologies from both vendors.

Network Rollouts

T-Mobile announced on February 26, 2018, its intention to launch 5G service in 30 cities by the end of that year, with compatible smartphones expected to be available in early 2019. This network was engineered to function concurrently with the existing 4G LTE system, enhancing both speed and coverage.

The company officially launched its 5G mmWave network on June 28, 2019, alongside the Galaxy S10 5G smartphone in six metropolitan areas: Los Angeles, NYC, Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Cleveland.

On August 4, 2020, T-Mobile became the first wireless provider worldwide to introduce standalone (SA) mode nationwide. This advancement enhanced 5G coverage by removing dependence on mid-band LTE cells required in the non-standalone (NSA) mode.

Extended-Range 5G Deployment

On November 7, 2019, T-Mobile announced plans to launch its 600 MHz 5G network on December 6, 2019, alongside the release of the first compatible devices: the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G and the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren Edition.

The network officially went live on December 2, 2019, reaching over 200 million people across more than 5,000 cities and towns. As of February 15, 2023, this low-band network covers an estimated population of approximately 323 million.

Ultra Capacity Network

T-Mobile unveiled its Ultra Capacity 5G on April 21, 2020, utilizing the newly acquired 2.5 GHz spectrum from the Sprint merger, beginning service in Philadelphia. By October 2023, this network—including PCS, mid-band (2.5 GHz), and mmWave frequencies—served over 300 million individuals with average speeds around 400 MB/s, surpassing initial timelines.

New York City was the first market to feature all three layers of T-Mobile’s "layer cake" strategy—low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum.

In early 2021, T-Mobile secured C-Band licenses (3.7 GHz) covering approximately 225 million people nationwide through an expenditure exceeding $9.3 billion. Deployment started in early 2023 to further enhance Ultra Capacity capabilities.

On January 31, 2022, T-Mobile expanded its C-Band holdings by purchasing additional licenses at around $3 billion for coverage up to roughly 184 million people—ranking second only to AT&T. These new assets were slated for deployment alongside existing C-Band infrastructure during 2023.

On September 30, 2024, T-Mobile divested its upper mid-band spectrum at 3.45 GHz: trading a portion representing about seven percent valued at $159 million for additional licenses in the 2.5 GHz band with SoniqWave and selling the remaining ninety-three percent stake to Columbia Capital for over $2.7 billion.

Roaming Agreements

T-Mobile sustains roaming partnerships with multiple national and regional mobile network operators, including AT&T Mobility. By the year 2008, prepaid customers had access to nearly all postpaid domestic roaming privileges; however, international roaming was limited primarily to Canada and Mexico.

Beginning in 2009, T-Mobile USA reduced AT&T Mobility roaming availability in certain regions due to a reduced footprint reflected on updated coverage maps. Roaming via AT&T continues predominantly through smaller carriers acquired by AT&T after long-term contracts with T-Mobile ended—such as Centennial Wireless and Edge Wireless.

On June 29, 2010, T-Mobile introduced voice service coverage in the Gulf of Mexico through a GSM roaming agreement with Broadpoint Communications; data services were planned later that year. Additionally in 2010, T-Mobile US joined the FreeMove alliance to strengthen global operations.

In October of 2013, T-Mobile launched Simple Global for qualifying Simple Choice plans—offering roaming across more than one hundred countries with unlimited texting and capped data speeds; calls were charged at $0.20 per minute. By March of the following year, this offering expanded to cover one hundred twenty-two countries. WiFi calling enabled free calls and texts between international locations and the US when connected via WiFi.

On July 15, 2015, Mobile Without Borders was introduced by T-Mobile as part of new plans or as a $10 add-on for legacy plans. This feature allowed users to utilize their standard voice minutes, text messages, and data allowances while roaming in Mexico and Canada—excluding Data Stash usage.

In August of that year, T-Mobile joined the Competitive Carriers Association’s Data Services Hub initiative to broaden roaming partnerships with over a dozen rural and regional carriers. This enabled smaller providers access to T-Mobile’s LTE network while expanding T-Mobile’s reach into previously incompatible networks.

By October of 2017, LTE speeds while roaming in Canada and Mexico were capped at five gigabytes before throttling occurred; however unlimited calling and texting remained complimentary. Additionally, T-Mobile partnered with US Cellular to enhance LTE coverage across select states.

In August of 2022, T-Mobile announced a strategic collaboration with SpaceX named Coverage Above and Beyond. This project utilizes Starlink satellites to deliver nationwide cellular connectivity—even in remote locations lacking traditional network service—with an initial focus on text messaging using existing devices without requiring new hardware installations.

T-Mobile Spectrum Holdings

Presented below is a table outlining the radio frequency spectrum bands accessible to T-Mobile's subscribers.

Frequency Range	Band Designation	Technology	Network Generation	Current Status	Additional Information
1.9 GHz PCS	2	GSM/GPRS/EDGE	2G	Active/transitioning to NR	In January 2025, T-Mobile informed users about the GSM network discontinuation effective February 9, 2025.
600 MHz DD	71	LTE/LTE-A/ LTE-A Pro	4G		Marketed as 'Extended-range LTE'. Spectrum acquired in early 2017; network launched August 2017 with nationwide US coverage.
700 MHz Lower SMH A/B/C Blocks, Upper SMH C Block	12			Active/in development	Known as 'Extended-range LTE'. Deployment started December 2014. Licenses cover approximately 85% of the US population.
	13			Active	Band 13 is restricted to Puerto Rico and USVI. Previously operated by Open Mobile under Sprint's management.
1.9 GHz PCS	2/25			Active/transitioning to NR	Utilized in rural zones for upgrading from 2G to LTE and for urban network capacity. Band 25 G-block obtained from Sprint.
1.7/2.1 GHz AWS	4/66			Active/in development	Primary LTE band across most regions. Band 66 expands AWS-3 block for increased capacity.
2.5 GHz BRS/EBS	41			Active/transitioning to NR	Introduced alongside n41 in select markets to enhance LTE capacity.
3.5 GHz CBRS	48			Active/in development	Supports additional capacity in specific metropolitan areas.
5.2 GHz U-NII	46				License Assisted Access (LAA)	Provides supplementary capacity in selected urban locations.
600 MHz DD	n71	NR	5G		Main low-band 5G network launched December 2, 2019. Licenses cover the entire United States; branded as 'Extended Range 5G'.
1.9 GHz PCS	n2/n25				Currently being repurposed from GSM, UMTS, and Sprint’s CDMA/LTE systems.
2.5 GHz BRS/EBS	n41				Acquired through the Sprint merger. Serves as primary mid-band 5G frequency; marketed as 'Ultra Capacity 5G'.
3.7 GHz C-Band	n77			Deployment anticipated beginning December 2023.
'24' GHz K-Band	'n258'			'Active/in development'	'Available in select urban areas, branded "Ultra Capacity 5G".'
'28' GHz Ka-Band	'n261'			'Active/in development'	'Deployed in certain locations since June 2019; marketed as "Ultra Capacity 5G".'
'39' GHz Ka-Band	'n260'			'Active/in development'	'Offered in select cities under the "Ultra Capacity 5G" branding.'
'47' GHz V-Band	'n262'			'Deployment pending'	'Spectrum procured during the 2020 auction.'

Former Network Assets

The table below enumerates networks previously managed by T-Mobile.

Frequency Range	Band Designation	Technology	Network Generation	Remarks
850 MHz CLR	5	GSM/GPRS/EDGE	2G	Operated within four counties in South Carolina; spectrum exchanged for expanded 600 MHz holdings.
1.9 GHz PCS	2	UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/ DC-HSPA+	3G	Marketed as "4G"; network decommissioned July 1, 2022.
1.7/2.1 GHz AWS	4
'850' MHz CLR	'5/26'	'LTE/LTE-A/ LTE-A Pro'	'4G'	'Operated in four South Carolina counties; spectrum swapped for additional 600 MHz holdings. Band 26 (ESMR) was acquired from Sprint and divested in 2025.'

Sprint network

Sprint's network infrastructure has been completely merged into T-Mobile's system. The CDMA service was terminated on May 31, 2022, with LTE services ending shortly after on June 30, 2022. Sprint's LTE utilized frequency bands 25, 26, and 41, while band n41 was employed for NR coverage; these spectrum holdings have since been incorporated into T-Mobile’s portfolio.

T-Mobile HotSpots

The "Hotspot" brand is used by T-Mobile to represent a range of Wi-Fi devices and connectivity services.

Wi-Fi network (public)

T-Mobile maintains a nationwide public Wi-Fi network featuring around 8,350 access points located in various commercial establishments such as hotels, airports, and retail venues throughout the United States. Notable partners include Starbucks, FedEx Office, Hyatt, Red Roof Inns, Sofitel, Novotel, along with airline lounges for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

This extensive network traces back to T-Mobile’s acquisition in 2002 of MobileStar, a defunct wireless ISP that had begun establishing its infrastructure in 1998. After the acquisition, T-Mobile expanded the network to cover approximately 400 Borders bookstore locations and key airport lounges.

Regarding strategic collaborations, on September 14, 2014, T-Mobile joined forces with GoGo to provide complimentary texting on flights operated by Delta, American Airlines, United, and Alaska Airlines. This alliance was further enhanced on June 6, 2016, allowing T-Mobile customers one hour of free in-flight Wi-Fi access. Subscribers to One Plus and One Plus International plans gained unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their flights. Messaging platforms such as iMessage, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, and Viber were supported alongside traditional SMS texting.

These efforts underscore T-Mobile’s commitment to improving customer connectivity experiences across its global service offerings.

Wi-Fi network (private)

T-Mobile offered Wi-Fi Access Points designed to boost cellular signal coverage by leveraging VOIP-style technology. This included devices from manufacturers like Linksys (models WRTU54G-TM and WRT54G-TM) and D-Link (model TM-G5240).

Finances

For the fiscal year 2023, T-Mobile US reported net earnings of US$8.317 billion on revenues totaling US$78.558 billion, marking a 1.3% decrease compared to the prior year. As of February 2024, the company's stock price exceeded $160 per share with a market value surpassing US$195 billion.

Year	Revenue in million $	Net income in million $	Total Assets in million $	Price per Share in $	Employees
2011	20,618	−4,718	9,483	17.40
2012	19,719	−7,336	33,622	12.10
2013	24,420	35	49,953	21.14	40,000
2014	29,564	247	56,653	30.59	45,000
2015	32,467	678	62,413	36.45	50,000
2016	37,490	1,405	65,891	44.29	50,000
2017	40,604	4,481	70,563	62.59	51,000
2018	43,310	2,888	72,468	63.61	52,000
2019	44,998	3,468	86,921	75.06	53,000
2020*	68,397	3,064	200,162	103.45	75,000
2021	80,118	3,024	206,563	129.67	75,000
2022	79,571	2,590	211,338	132.94	71,000
2023	78,558	8,317	207,682	142.37	67,000

• Reflects merger with Sprint in 2020

Locations

T-Mobile US is headquartered in the Factoria district of Bellevue, Washington, close to Seattle. The corporate campus consists of ten buildings and employed approximately 8,000 staff members as of 2020. To facilitate employee transportation, the company operates the Magenta Express shuttle service.

Current plans

In April 2023, T-Mobile unveiled the Go5G and Go5G Plus plans aimed at premium users, offering perks such as device financing over 24 months and exclusive deals. The Go5G Plus plan is priced at $90 monthly for a single voice line and includes benefits like Netflix and Apple TV+, along with 50 GB of premium hotspot data each month, which features 15 GB of high-speed data usable in Canada and Mexico. This aligns with T-Mobile’s strategy to boost market share by providing enhanced value-added services.

Discounted versions of Go5G cater to small businesses and particular groups including seniors and first responders.

The T-Mobile Essentials plan delivers unlimited talk, text, and data at a more affordable rate but excludes taxes and fees, with users experiencing deprioritized data during network congestion. Additionally, a limited-time Essentials Saver plan offered further price reductions to $50.

In June 2019, T-Mobile phased out its ONE plans in favor of the Magenta family, which incorporated mobile hotspot data and improved streaming capabilities to strengthen its position in the unlimited data market.

The Magenta MAX plan debuted in January 2021 as a premium unlimited option featuring no throttling on 4G/5G data, unlimited 4K UHD streaming, up to 40 GB of high-speed hotspot data monthly, and international roaming perks in Mexico and Canada with up to 5 GB of high-speed data per line each month. The price stands competitively at $57 per line for three lines with autopay included taxes and fees.

Both the Go5G plans and Essentials Saver were launched on April 20 (4/20), reflecting a marketing approach targeting younger consumers despite mixed opinions about the branding style.

This range of offerings illustrates T-Mobile’s business approach centered on tiered pricing structures and targeted customer segments to foster revenue growth while sustaining its competitive edge in the US wireless industry.

Senior, military and first responder plans

T-Mobile provides tailored plans within its Magenta lineup designed specifically for Military members, First Responders, and seniors aged 55 or older. Eligible Military and First Responder customers benefit from a 50% discount on standard Magenta and Magenta Plus pricing, contingent upon verification within 45 days following activation to retain the discount.

The Unlimited 55+ plan offers discounted pricing for customers aged 55+, limited to two lines per account; occasional promotions may permit an additional third line.

Complimentary video streaming

In September 2017, T-Mobile launched the Netflix On Us initiative, initially offering the ad-free Netflix Standard subscription bundled with T-Mobile ONE family plans—valued at $11 per month after Netflix’s 2017 price adjustment. This benefit gradually extended to other plans. By January 2021, Magenta subscribers were provided with the Netflix Basic plan, whereas Magenta Plus and ONE Plus customers continued receiving the Standard plan.

As of early 2024, all Netflix On Us participants receive the ad-supported Netflix Standard tier regardless of their T-Mobile subscription. This version excludes certain titles and lacks compatibility with some older devices; customers may opt to pay extra for an ad-free experience.

Terminated offerings

In March 2013, T-Mobile unveiled the Simple Choice plan as part of its Un-carrier strategy, removing contracts, phone subsidies, data overage charges, and early termination fees. By August 2016, Simple Choice was succeeded by T-Mobile ONE, which drew criticism from the Electronic Frontier Foundation and others due to concerns about potential net neutrality violations and converting certain included features into paid add-ons.

August 2018 saw the introduction of the ONE Plus family plan by T-Mobile, featuring HD video streaming, 20 GB of 4G LTE hotspot data, and Name ID services. Both T-Mobile ONE and ONE Plus plans were discontinued on June 2, 2019, replaced by the new Magenta lineup.

Simultaneously, T-Mobile launched Magenta Plus, which was eventually phased out, while upgrading the standard Magenta plan to include 100 GB of premium data and an increase in high-speed hotspot data to 5 GB.

Managing unlimited data users

On August 31, 2015, T-Mobile announced measures to curb abuse of its unlimited smartphone data plans in violation of its tethering policy. Although unlimited smartphone data remained unrestricted, tethering was limited to a 14 GB high-speed cap before speed reductions applied. Customers found circumventing this limit—often by using tools to disguise tethering as on-device data and consuming up to 2 TB monthly—risked removal from unlimited plans and reassignment to tiered data plans with throttled speeds after a defined high-speed threshold. This policy aims to safeguard network quality and ensure equitable service for all users.

InReach initiative

The InReach program offers complimentary cell phones and a limited number of monthly voice minutes to low-income households not currently participating in other Lifeline programs. Supported by the Universal Service Fund, it operates in select states and Puerto Rico, focusing on underserved areas to grow T-Mobile’s customer base through community-oriented efforts.

Ultra Mobile

Ultra Mobile is a prepaid MVNO providing both limited and unlimited plans with international calling and texting options to specific countries. Acquired by T-Mobile US together with Mint Mobile on May 1, 2024, Ultra Mobile enhances T-Mobile’s prepaid offerings while broadening its international reach.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile operates as an MVNO delivering prepaid plans billed in three, six, or twelve-month terms, offering discounts for extended commitments. It became part of T-Mobile US following its acquisition on May 1, 2024.

Tello Mobile

Established in 2016, Tello Mobile functions on the T-Mobile network as an MVNO providing talk, text, and data services. After the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint, it transitioned from Sprint’s infrastructure to operate under T-Mobile’s network.

Metro by T-Mobile

Originally known as MetroPCS before being acquired in 2013, this prepaid wireless brand was integrated into T-Mobile US and continues serving prepaid customers under the Metro by T-Mobile name.

Assurance Wireless

Following the 2020 merger with Sprint, Assurance Wireless now utilizes the T-Mobile network. It provides discounted phone and data plans to eligible low-income individuals through the federal Lifeline Assistance initiative.

GoSmart Mobile

Introduced nationwide in 2013 as a no-contract SIM card service, GoSmart Mobile was distributed via independent retailers. In September 2016, T-Mobile divested the brand and its customer base of 326,000 to TracFone Wireless, transitioning these users to wholesale subscribers.

TVision

In December 2017, T-Mobile acquired IPTV provider Layer3 TV to establish its own subscription television offering. This service was rebranded as TVision Home in April 2019, adopting conventional cable pricing structures and packaging formats.

On October 27, 2020, T-Mobile introduced the TVision streaming lineup, featuring packages such as TVision Vibe (focused on entertainment), TVision Live (including network TV, cable channels, sports, and cloud DVR), and TVision Channels (offering standalone pay-TV subscriptions). Operations for TVision Home ended on December 30, 2020.

By March 29, 2021, T-Mobile announced it would discontinue TVision by April 29, choosing instead to concentrate on bundled promotions with third-party streaming services like Philo and YouTube TV to broaden its streaming offerings.

Banking cards

In January 2014, T-Mobile ventured into financial services by launching Visa-branded cards featuring smartphone-based money management and low or no fees for wireless subscribers. These cards also provided access to more than 42,000 surcharge-free ATMs. The banking card program was discontinued by early 2016.

Online banking

T-Mobile expanded its financial portfolio in early 2019 with the introduction of "T-Mobile Money," an online banking platform.

Team of Experts

The Team of Experts customer support model was introduced by T-Mobile in 2018. This system assigns multi-skilled representatives to specific geographic markets, eliminating the need for customers to be transferred between departments. These teams handle billing inquiries, payments, cancellations, and technical support within localized call centers.

Awards

Since 2004, T-Mobile has received numerous J.D. Power accolades for excellence in retail sales satisfaction, wireless customer service, and overall customer experience. From 2008 through 2011, its retail outlets ranked highest among major carriers for customer satisfaction, particularly excelling in pricing and promotional offers. Additionally, in 2011, T-Mobile led wireless customer care rankings for a second consecutive year.

On December 3, 2015, Consumer Reports recognized T-Mobile as the leading wireless provider in the United States based on customer service quality, voice clarity, texting reliability, and data speed performance. In February 2016, the company earned the J.D. Power Award for wireless customer satisfaction with an industry-leading score.

In 2019, Fortune placed T-Mobile at number 49 on its list of Top 100 Companies To Work For. Most recently in 2024, Time magazine included T-Mobile among the world’s most influential companies.

Marketing

From 1998, Jamie Lee Curtis acted as the spokesperson for VoiceStream Wireless, the forerunner of T-Mobile USA. The company initially used the tagline "Get more from life," which was later updated to "T-Mobile. Get More." during its rebranding phase—this slogan was adopted worldwide, including markets in Germany and the United Kingdom. Starting in 2002, Catherine Zeta-Jones became the face of the brand until 2006, when a corporate rebranding led to her phased withdrawal. In 2004, rapper Snoop Dogg promoted the T-Mobile Sidekick, while basketball star Dwyane Wade had a special D-Wade Edition Sidekick phone.

T-Mobile is a prominent sponsor of several major sports organizations such as Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the NBA Rookie Challenge, the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Overwatch League. Additionally, it supports the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee in Puerto Rico.

In 2009, Zeta-Jones returned to front the "Mobile Makeovers" campaign aimed at highlighting cost-effective plans through BillShrink.com. That year also saw advertisements for the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G featuring music by Cat Stevens and appearances from celebrities including Chevy Chase, Molly Shannon, and Dana Carvey. Another marketing effort showcased artists like Wyclef Jean, Avril Lavigne, and Brad Paisley.

Carly Foulkes took on the role of spokeswoman for the myTouch 4G, appearing in commercials that spoofed the popular Get a Mac campaign. Foulkes, recognized for her work with Rugby Ralph Lauren, embodies T-Mobile’s corporate identity through its distinctive magenta color. These ads were notably parodied by competitor Virgin Mobile.

In September 2010, T-Mobile introduced the "Kids are free till 2012" promotion targeting family plans. On December 1, 2011, a flash mob featuring Carly Foulkes alongside 100 women from the Chicago area performed a holiday-themed song at Woodfield Mall, resulting in a widely viewed commercial.

T-Mobile US holds naming rights to multiple sports venues: - In 2016, it acquired naming rights for the Las Vegas arena home to the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights. - In 2018, it secured rights for Seattle Mariners’ stadium, which was renamed T-Mobile Park in 2019. - Following its 2020 merger with Sprint, Kansas City’s Sprint Center was rebranded as T-Mobile Center. - It also controls naming rights for Distrito T-Mobile, an entertainment complex next to San Juan’s Puerto Rico Convention Center.

These sponsorship agreements enhance T-Mobile’s brand presence and influence across key domestic and international markets.

Un-carrier movement

Launched in 2013, T-Mobile's Un-carrier campaign introduced innovative approaches focused on delivering more affordable rate plans, expanded global coverage, and enhanced customer benefits. CEO John Legere articulated an "Un-Carrier manifesto" to steer the company’s strategic direction. Among these initiatives is T-Mobile Tuesdays, which offers customers complimentary products and chances to win prizes. The most recent campaign, "T-Mobile One," replaced earlier offerings with a comprehensive unlimited family plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and data—with video streaming limited to 480p resolution. Legere highlighted the transition away from traditional data allotments toward an unlimited subscription model for internet access. By October 2016, roughly one-quarter of accounts had switched to T-Mobile One, with about 75% of new postpaid customers enrolling in this plan.

Labor relations

Since 2001, T-Mobile US employees alongside two labor unions have initiated several attempts to establish union representation.

Establishment of TU

A coalition of hundreds of T-Mobile workers, backed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the German union ver.di, created the TU to advocate for employee representation at T-Mobile. In July 2011, technicians in Connecticut voted in favor of CWA-TU representation. Subsequently, on September 25, 2013, MetroPCS employees based in Harlem, New York, also chose to affiliate with CWA-TU.

Coordinated organizing campaign in 2009

In 2008, the CWA and ver.di initiated a joint effort aimed at unionizing T-Mobile's workforce. The CWA encouraged the company to allow union representation similar to that practiced by its German parent company, Deutsche Telekom (DT). In response, T-Mobile presented an employee satisfaction survey indicating that over seventy percent of its approximately 40,000 employees reported being "very satisfied." A company representative highlighted that despite ongoing unionization attempts, no group of T-Mobile workers had formally selected union representation, underscoring T-Mobile's reputation as an attractive employer.

Political advocacy

Following lobbying efforts by CWA members in 2009, various U.S. lawmakers addressed letters to DT CEO René Obermann urging enhanced labor standards within the United States. In March 2009, Senator John Kerry raised concerns regarding the contrasting labor rights frameworks between Germany and the U.S. By April 2010, twenty-six Democratic members of the House appealed to Deutsche Telekom to honor American workers' rights; a similar appeal was made by seven Republican legislators in July. Senator Bob Casey publicly supported the workers’ efforts to unionize in August 2010.

Investigative reports

On December 9, 2009, the nonprofit organization American Rights at Work issued a report authored by Professor John Logan, Director of Labor Studies at San Francisco State University, entitled "Lowering the Bar or Setting the Standard? Deutsche Telekom's U.S. Labor Practices." The document accuses Deutsche Telekom of engaging in anti-union tactics including distribution of anti-union literature, intimidation of pro-union employees, conducting "captive audience meetings", and employing specialists opposed to unions. Drawing on National Labor Relations Board filings, internal communications, and interviews with employees, Logan contends that the company systematically obstructed union formation and applied inconsistent standards.

On September 2, 2010, Human Rights Watch published Lance Compa’s report "A Strange Case: Violations of Workers' Freedom of Association in the United States by European Multinational Corporations." The findings indicate that corporate policies fostered an environment where employees feared pursuing union membership. Although Deutsche Telekom references compliance with German labor regulations, HRW concluded that T-Mobile USA’s vigorous resistance to unionization contradicts its proclaimed commitment to social responsibility and breaches ILO and OECD labor and human rights guidelines.

Labor-Related Honors

T-Mobile has been recognized with numerous workplace distinctions, including achieving a flawless score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) for its commitment to disability inclusion. The Human Rights Campaign designated it as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality for four years running. In 2017, Military Friendly honored T-Mobile as a top 100 Military Friendly Employer for the tenth time. The Ethisphere Institute acknowledged the company as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for nine consecutive years. Furthermore, T-Mobile has received regional accolades in locations such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Wichita, Kansas, where its call centers are based. In 2018, Fortune ranked T-Mobile 86th among the 100 Best Companies to Work For, while Forbes placed it at number 182 on its list of Best Places to Work for Women.

Sidekick Data Loss Incident

On October 1, 2009, users of Microsoft's Sidekick device faced a major data loss impacting contacts, notes, and calendar entries following a server malfunction at Microsoft/Danger. By October 8, most services had been restored; however, by October 10, both Microsoft and T-Mobile acknowledged that a significant portion of the data was probably irretrievable. On October 15, Microsoft announced successful recovery of most or all lost information and began returning it to affected users.

Network Disruptions

On November 9, 2009, around five percent of T-Mobile’s subscribers experienced several hours of call and text service interruption caused by a software system error. The company publicly confirmed the outage through its Twitter account.

A fiber-optic cable break on May 8, 2018, resulted in a four-hour service disruption for customers in Houston, Texas.

On June 15, 2020, routing complications led to a nationwide outage affecting voice and text services.

More recently, on February 13, 2023, users nationwide encountered extensive network outages impacting cellular connectivity. T-Mobile responded swiftly to resolve the issue.

Advertising of Services as 4G

In 2010, T-Mobile promoted its HSPA and HSPA+ networks under the label "4G," a practice criticized by media as misleading. Following the ITU’s expansion of the official 4G definition to include HSPA+, T-Mobile continued marketing standard HSPA devices as 4G despite these devices lacking true 4G capabilities or speeds. This approach raised concerns about potential confusion among consumers once genuine LTE networks became available.

Security Concerns

In January 2005, Nicolas Jacobsen was charged with unauthorized access to T-Mobile's internal systems, compromising sensitive customer data such as passwords, emails, and Social Security numbers. Among those affected were members of the United States Secret Service. Jacobsen reportedly exploited an unpatched flaw in the Oracle WebLogic Server software. Additional security vulnerabilities were identified on company websites afterward.

T-Mobile’s voicemail default settings permitted access without requiring passwords, exposing customers to risks including Caller ID spoofing. Although T-Mobile recommends enabling password protection, it retains the default no-password setting due to customer preferences.

On June 6, 2009, an announcement on the Full Disclosure mailing list claimed a network breach with leaked data and financial records being offered for sale. While T-Mobile confirmed a security incident occurred, it assured that customer information remained secure and later reported no evidence supporting claims of hacking.

Privacy and surveillance

In 2011, T-Mobile USA was subject to a fraction of the approximately 1.3 million law enforcement requests for subscriber data, most of which were made without warrants. The company declined to reveal the precise volume of these requests but acknowledged a consistent annual rise of 12 to 16 percent over the past ten years.

In April 2024, the Federal Communications Commission imposed an $80 million penalty on T-Mobile for unlawfully distributing customers' real-time location information. T-Mobile disputed the ruling, labeling it as "incorrect" and announced plans to appeal the decision.

Data retention policies

According to T-Mobile's privacy guidelines, customer data is maintained only as long as necessary to fulfill business, tax, or legal obligations, after which it is securely destroyed through shredding or electronic deletion.

A Department of Justice document from 2010 disclosed that T-Mobile keeps subscriber records for five years. Call detail records are retained for two years in prepaid accounts and five years in postpaid accounts. In 2013, the company reported holding historic cell site location data for 180 days, call detail records between seven and ten years, voicemail content up to 21 days, and subscriber information for six years after account termination. Content from text messages, data requests, and geolocation information are not stored.

2021 data breach

On August 16, 2021, T-Mobile confirmed a security breach following hackers’ claims of selling comprehensive customer information obtained from its servers. Initially, the company withheld details regarding the breach’s scope or whether customer data had been compromised.

By August 18, T-Mobile disclosed that attackers accessed records belonging to over 40 million former and potential customers who had applied for credit, along with data from 7.8 million active postpaid customers. The exposed information included sensitive personal identifiers such as names, dates of birth, driver’s license or ID numbers, and Social Security numbers. However, phone numbers, account numbers, PINs, and passwords were reportedly not compromised. In response, T-Mobile provided two years of complimentary identity protection services and urged customers to promptly update their PINs. Notably, customers of Metro by T-Mobile, former Sprint prepaid users, and Boost Mobile subscribers were not impacted.

Legal filings identified John Erin Binns (also known as IRDev) as the principal hacker responsible for the breach. As of March 2025, Binns faced allegations related to further cyberattacks targeting Snowflake clients and remained incarcerated in Turkey.

Other cybersecurity incidents

Since 2009, T-Mobile has confronted at least a dozen cybersecurity events, including the significant breach in 2021. In 2023 alone, two additional breaches were reported, bringing the total number since 2018 to nine. Despite investing $150 million in cybersecurity measures following the 2021 incident, these occurrences underscore ongoing difficulties in safeguarding customer information.

See also

• List of companies based in Bellevue, Washington
• List of mobile network operators in the United States
• List of mobile network operators of the Americas

External links

• Deutsche Telekom AG website
• Information on T-Mobile's 2021 data breach