T-Mobile Expands Rural 4G LTE Home Internet Coverage After AT&T Leaves DSL Customers Hanging
“Current DSL customers will be able to continue their existing service or where possible upgrade to our 100% fiber network.”
Given that fiber access in rural parts of the country as rare as hen's teeth, we know how this is going to turn out for customers: badly. Never one to miss an opportunity to punch a competitor when the opportunity presents, T-Mobile has announced that it will offer its 4G LTE Home Internet service in more than 450 cities and towns across the United States, many of which are considered to be in rural areas.
“We can’t stand idly by while AT&T leaves potentially millions with fewer home Internet options at a time when our connection to the Internet is so vital — for work, remote school, connection with family and friends. That’s why we’re undertaking this massive expansion,” said T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. “The Carriers and the Cableopoly have consistently over-promised and under-delivered when it comes to broadband access."
Naturally, T-Mobile is touting its recent merger with Sprint as giving it the footprint to be able to expands its Home Internet service to more customers. In addition, T-Mobile called out AT&T's decision to not allow new DSL signup as especially egregious considering that 61 percent of rural Americans don't have any other choice with regards to home broadband connectivity.
Despite its pokey speeds, AT&T's home DSL service hit customers with a 150GB monthly data cap. Even though it’s 4G LTE-based, T-Mobile isn't putting in place data caps with its Home Internet service. The company also says that customers won't be charged installation/hardware fees/leases, there are no contracts involved, and you'll pay just $50 per month with AutoPay enabled (including all applicable taxes). Even better, you don't have to be an existing T-Mobile customer to sign up for the service.
With that being said, T-Mobile Home Internet is offered right now on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you'd like see if your area is covered and sign-up, you can do so by clicking this link.