T-Mobile announced its "Better Value" family plan today while rumors circulate about a potentially negative announcement scheduled for tomorrow.
The new plan launches January 14 at $140 monthly for three lines with AutoPay, according to T-Mobile's official announcement. Customers get unlimited premium 5G data, 250GB hotspot access, and international roaming across 215 countries. The carrier promises a five-year price guarantee on talk, text, and data services.
Existing T-Mobile customers upgrading from Essentials plans with three or more lines could save over $50 monthly on included benefits, company statements show. New customers switching from AT&T or Verizon reportedly save over $1,000 compared to similar premium plans from those carriers.
Meanwhile, a T-Mobile customer care representative leaked information about a "huge, segmented offer" scheduled for January 8, according to Phone Arena. The offer would target specific subscribers based on account tenure, current plan type, and remaining equipment installment plan balances.
T-Mobile employees confirmed overtime scheduling for customer care teams tomorrow, suggesting the company anticipates significant subscriber reaction. One employee told Reddit users the announcement "is likely big in a negative way," indicating potential unpopular changes.
Industry speculation centers on T-Mobile extending device financing from 24 to 36 months, matching terms already offered by Verizon and AT&T. Such a move would lower monthly payments but extend customer lock-in periods by an additional year.
The timing coincides with T-Mobile's network leadership position. Opensignal's latest Mobile Network Experience Report shows T-Mobile winning 12 awards compared to Verizon's three and AT&T's one. The carrier leads in 5G download speeds, coverage experience, and consistent quality metrics.
T-Mobile's Chief Business and Product Officer Mike Katz criticized competitors in today's announcement. "While AT&T and Verizon keep asking people to pay more for less, we're doing the opposite," Katz stated. The executive emphasized the five-year price guarantee as a differentiator in an increasingly competitive wireless market.
The "Better Value" plan requires a minimum three-line commitment for both new and existing customers. New subscribers must port at least two lines from competing carriers, while current T-Mobile customers need three active lines to qualify.
Plan features include satellite connectivity, scam protection, and streaming perks like Netflix and Hulu with ads. Apple TV access costs an additional $3 monthly, bringing the total to $143 before taxes and fees for three lines.
T-Mobile completed its UScellular acquisition in August 2025, though those network assets weren't included in recent performance reports. The carrier continues to outpace rivals in most connectivity metrics despite narrowing technological advantages across the industry.
Wireless market saturation pressures carriers to compete on value rather than network technology alone. T-Mobile's dual announcements this week reflect this strategic shift as the company balances customer acquisition with potential financing changes.
