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T-Mobile is cutting corners wherever it can, and that means rescinding the special treatment it used to give to Apple and Samsung users. After deciding to lock Apple users to its network, T-Mobile has stopped having Samsung users' backs, too.
Rough times
Whether driven by rising smartphone prices or fierce competition in the telecom industry, T-Mobile seems to be looking out only for itself.
T-Mobile levies a one-time Device Connection Charge (DCC) for connecting a new device to its network.
In March, T-Mobile began enforcing the fee on Apple activations, leaving Samsung, Sam’s Club, and Costco as the last remaining exemptions.
Now, T-Mobile is coming after Samsung buyers, too.
No exemptions
First spotted by Droid Life, T-Mobile updated.) its terms to notify customers that all upgrades completed through Samsung are now subject to the DCC.
Whether you buy a Samsung device online, through the app, or in a physical store, you'll have to shell out that $35 fee if you plan to use it on T-Mobile.
Worst possible time
T-Mobile made this change just as Samsung prepares to announce its new foldable lineup. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 are expected to cost more than their predecessors and might not even come with the same pre-order benefits as before.
While $35 isn't a huge amount on its own, customers struggle to understand its purpose, calling it a money grab. Buying directly from Samsung was one of the last reliable loopholes for sidestepping the fee.
Getting less generous
This is part of a broader trend.
T-Mobile also recently restricted Keep and Switch and Family Freedom promos to new accounts, stripping away an incentive for solo switchers.
Slapping a $35 DCC on previously exempt channels, especially after Verizon waived it for everyone, is another example of T-Mobile's nickel-and-diming.
While customers can buy an unlocked device and switch to a carrier with less punishing fees, they are unlikely to find better Fold 8 and Flip 8 deals elsewhere.
T-Mobile knows this, which is why it boldly imposed the fee on Samsung buyers. With smartphones getting more expensive, most customers still need a carrier to finance their purchases.
