T-Mobile's new "Switching Made Easy" tool has hit a major roadblock. Both AT&T and Verizon are now blocking their customers from using the feature, which was designed to make it easier for people to switch to T-Mobile by scanning their current plans and suggesting similar options.
According to Android Authority, AT&T has gone beyond just blocking the tool—they've filed a lawsuit against T-Mobile, claiming the company is illegally scraping customer data from AT&T accounts. AT&T says T-Mobile's app pulls over 100 different pieces of information from customer accounts, including details about other family members on the plan and services beyond just wireless.
The drama started shortly after T-Mobile unveiled the feature at its "Un-carrier" event in November. The tool, built into the T-Life app, uses AI to scan your existing AT&T or Verizon account and recommend comparable T-Mobile plans. But it seems T-Mobile didn't ask permission from the other carriers before launching it.
AT&T claims T-Mobile tried to hide what it was doing by making its automated scanner pretend to be a regular person logging into accounts. The company says it detected the activity right after the November 20 launch and sent T-Mobile a cease and desist letter on November 24. By November 26, AT&T says it stopped seeing the automated scanning on its site, though the tool apparently continued working with Verizon accounts.
Now when customers try to use Easy Switch, they're either blocked completely or asked to manually upload a PDF of their bill instead. Verizon customers reportedly see an error message telling them access is denied.
T-Mobile isn't backing down, though. The company says AT&T's claims are "wrong on the facts and the law" and that Easy Switch simply lets customers access and share their own information to make informed choices about their wireless service. In an updated statement, T-Mobile fired back at AT&T, saying the carrier is "making its own digital experience worse for all its customers just to make it harder for customers who are considering a switch to leave."
AT&T's response? They say they're protecting customer privacy and that T-Mobile's "reckless business practices" put people at risk. The company argues that customers, not an AI bot, should control their personal data.
The battle has even reached Apple, with AT&T claiming T-Life violates App Store guidelines. T-Mobile has responded to the complaint, but Apple hasn't taken any action yet.
Source: Android Authority
