T-Mobile, the leading wireless carrier in the US, has announced a new plan that lets customers upgrade their smartphones every year. The plan, called Go5G Next, is the latest addition to T-Mobile’s Go5G portfolio, which offers unlimited 5G access and various perks.
What is Go5G Next?
Go5G Next is a premium plan that costs $100 a month for a single line (when signed up for auto pay). It includes all the features of Go5G Plus, such as:
- Unlimited talk, text and 5G data on America’s largest 5G network
- 40GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data
- Unlimited 4K UHD streaming
- Free Netflix and Apple TV Plus subscriptions
- Free Scam Shield Premium and Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi
- Unlimited data and texting in over 210 countries and destinations
The main difference between Go5G Next and Go5G Plus is that Go5G Next allows customers to trade in and upgrade to a new device every year, instead of every two years. Customers can choose from any of the latest 5G smartphones on T-Mobile’s no-interest phone payment plan (EIP) with any eligible offer. They just need to pay off half of their phone’s value before getting a new one. In some cases, customers can upgrade as early as six months after getting their last device.
Another benefit of Go5G Next is that customers can always access the same promotions that T-Mobile offers to new customers. This means that they can get the best deals on the newest devices without having to switch carriers or plans.
Why did T-Mobile introduce Go5G Next?
T-Mobile says that it introduced Go5G Next to give customers more flexibility and freedom to upgrade their devices. According to a survey conducted by the carrier, almost 10% of people prefer to upgrade their phones every 12 months, which accounts for over 33 million people in the US. However, most carriers try to lock customers in for longer periods of time with contracts and installment plans.
T-Mobile claims that it is the only carrier that guarantees customers are upgrade-ready every year and that existing customers always get the same great phone deals as new customers. The carrier also says that it is focused on giving customers the best network, best value and best experience in wireless.
How does Go5G Next compare to other carriers’ plans?
Go5G Next is one of the most expensive plans in the market, but it also offers a lot of value and features. Compared to Verizon’s updated 5G Unlimited Plus plan, which starts at $65 for a single line (plus taxes and fees), Go5G Next includes more hotspot data, streaming services and roaming perks. However, Verizon’s plan lets customers pick streaming options like the Disney bundle or Apple One for $10 per option.
AT&T’s Unlimited Premium plan is priced at $85 a month for a single line (plus taxes and fees) and does not include any streaming service, but has more hotspot data than Go5G Next. AT&T also offers a device upgrade program called AT&T Next Up, which costs an extra $5 per month and lets customers trade in their device after paying off 50% of its retail price.
Both Verizon and AT&T have similar device payment plans as T-Mobile, but they do not guarantee that existing customers will get the same deals as new customers. They also do not have plans that allow customers to upgrade their devices every year.
How can customers get Go5G Next?
Go5G Next is available for both new and existing customers starting from August 21, 2023. Customers can switch to Go5G Next online, by phone or in store. They can also choose from a variety of 5G smartphones that are compatible with T-Mobile’s network, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22, the iPhone 15 or the OnePlus 10.
Customers who are already on Go5G Plus can easily upgrade to Go5G Next by paying an extra $10 per month. Customers who are on other plans can also switch to Go5G Next without any fees or penalties.
