Why it matters: T-Mobile has broken its heavily marketed promise of lifetime price locks on legacy plans, forcing unexpected rate hikes on thousands of customers. The company is now blocking class-action lawsuits through forced arbitration, leaving customers with limited options for recourse.
The Deception: T-Mobile’s 2015 “Un-contract” initiative guaranteed unchanging plan prices, yet the company implemented increases of $2-$5 per line in May 2024. Customers with multiple lines now face up to $15 in monthly increases, despite explicit promises to the contrary.
- Over 2,000 FCC complaints were filed (PhoneArena)
- Customers locked into device payments can’t easily switch carriers (Arstechnica)
Legal Barriers: T-Mobile is using arbitration clauses to prevent customers from joining class-action lawsuits, forcing individual proceedings instead. The company’s history includes multiple settlements for deceptive practices and data privacy violations.
- Customers must pursue individual arbitration
- FCC and FTC complaints mounting
Consumer Options: While some customers have succeeded in getting monthly credits through persistent complaints, most face an uphill battle against the telecommunications giant.
- File complaints with FCC and FTC
- Request monthly credits through customer service
