T-Mobile customers who have enjoyed the flexibility of 24-month device payment plans may soon find themselves locked into three-year commitments, according to internal company documents and website evidence uncovered by The Mobile Report.
The wireless carrier appears to be preparing 36-month Equipment Installment Plans that would bring T-Mobile in line with Verizon and AT&T, both of which abandoned shorter payment terms years ago. For T-Mobile subscribers, this represents a potential end to one of the carrier's last remaining competitive advantages over its larger rivals.
The change would fundamentally alter how T-Mobile customers purchase new devices. Instead of paying off a smartphone or smartwatch over two years, buyers would spread those costs across three years, reducing monthly payments but extending their financial commitment to the carrier.
Early indicators suggest T-Mobile may test the waters with accessories first. Galaxy Watch devices briefly displayed 36-month payment terms on the company's website before the pages reverted to standard 24-month options—a clear sign that plans are already in motion behind the scenes.
For budget-conscious consumers, the extended payment structure offers immediate relief through lower monthly bills. However, the trade-off comes in reduced flexibility and longer ties to T-Mobile's network and services.
T-Mobile built its "Uncarrier" brand by rejecting industry practices that locked customers into lengthy commitments. The company's 24-month device payment plans have been a key differentiator, allowing subscribers to upgrade or switch carriers more frequently than competitors' customers.
The potential shift to 36-month terms signals another step away from T-Mobile's disruptor roots. Recent changes have already frustrated longtime customers, including the integration of taxes and fees into plan pricing and incremental price increases across services.
While T-Mobile hasn't officially announced the program, the evidence suggests implementation may be imminent. The brief appearance of 36-month terms on actual product pages indicates the company has moved beyond internal planning phases.
The carrier's popular "New in Two" upgrade program would likely require significant modifications to accommodate the longer payment structure, potentially limiting upgrade options or extending wait times for eligible customers.
Current T-Mobile customers considering new device purchases may want to act before any official policy change takes effect. Those who prefer shorter commitment periods or frequently upgrade devices could find the current 24-month structure more favorable than extended payment plans.
The wireless industry's gradual shift toward longer commitment periods reflects carriers' efforts to reduce customer churn and stabilize revenue streams. For consumers, however, the trend represents diminishing choice and reduced flexibility in an increasingly consolidated market.
T-Mobile has not responded to inquiries about the timeline or scope of potential changes to its installment plan structure.
Source: The Mobile Report
