T-Mobile Might Finally Switch to 36-Month Phone Payment Plans

If you’re a T-Mobile customer, the next time you upgrade your phone you may be asked to keep it for an extra year. New leaks suggest T-Mobile is preparing to introduce 36-month payment plans for the first time.

According to The Mobile Report, an internal T-Mobile document shows multiple references to 36-month Equipment Installment Plans (EIP). The carrier currently doesn’t have these plans, though rivals AT&T and Verizon moved to a 36-month structure in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Alongside the internal document, T-Mobile briefly changed its website for Galaxy Watch EIPs to show 36-month deals. The website read, “Starting at $10.56/month for 36 months” on a listing for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 in its 44mm version. It’s unclear if anyone managed to sign up.

These deals have since been removed, and T-Mobile has moved back to 24-month offers. It’s now showing a price of $15.84 a month over a two-year period. Both of these offers come out to $380.16, which is as close as possible to the watch’s $379.99 price.

If T-Mobile does move to 36-month EIPs, it’s likely because the carrier wants to lock customers into services for longer periods rather than increase the amount made from the product loan. Other carriers that have moved to 36 months as the norm have said it’s better for customers as the monthly repayment is lower.

For some customers, that may be true, but others will be frustrated by the fact they won’t be able to upgrade as quickly, or that they won’t be able to easily switch wireless providers.

We asked T-Mobile for comment, and we’ll update this story when we hear more.

T-Mobile has stood out compared with AT&T and Verizon by not making this move over the last few years. It could continue that goodwill with customers if it chooses to offer both 24-month and 36-month options for EIPs at the same time.

T-Mobile’s app was recently updated to record your phone’s screen when you’re navigating around its T-Life service. The feature was brought in to help the brand “troubleshoot” issues, but it can be turned off within the settings of the app.

About James Peckham

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I’ve written tech news for over a decade, and as a Reporter at PCMag, I cover the latest developments across the gadgets and services you use every day. Previously, I worked for Android Police, TechRadar, and more.

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