Important notice from T-Mobile: What they have in mind will anger many

T-Mobile is considering making a major change regarding device financing. This move might not please many of their users, since it would mean a longer commitment to the company when purchasing a new mobile phone or other equipment.

According to information published by The Mobile Report, the company is considering extending their current installment payment plans from 24 months (2 years) to 36 months (3 years). However, it would be for certain devices.

Currently, many customers choose to finance their new smartphones through their carrier. The initial cost of these devices can be quite high. Instead of paying everything at once, users can split the price into monthly installments, which makes the purchase more affordable.

However, this convenience has a downside: as long as the device isn't fully paid off, the customer remains tied to the company. Until now, T-Mobile offered two-year (24-month) payment terms through their well-known Equipment Installment Plans. However, this could change.

T-Mobile would follow the steps of the competition

This possible change isn't new in the market. AT&T and Verizon already adopted the 36-month (3-year) model about four years ago. Now everything indicates that T-Mobile wants to follow their steps.

In fact, this option was recently applied temporarily to some Samsung Galaxy watches, although the company later reversed the measure. Still, a leaked internal document indicates that T-Mobile is seriously considering setting the 36-month (3-year) term for certain devices. Although it might only apply to specific plans or device categories.

A change like this would directly affect customers who are used to changing their phone every two years. T-Mobile has promoted this idea of biennial renewal as part of their philosophy of freedom. So a switch to 36 months (3 years) would clash with that promise.

Although for now the change seems to have been delayed, the truth is that it could be activated at any time. Extending financing terms would allow the company to keep their customers for a longer period. This would reduce user loss, a common problem in the industry.

The positive side of this change

However, not everything is bad news. For those who don't plan to leave the carrier in the short term, a 36-month (3-year) plan means lower monthly payments. This can be more comfortable for the budget.

In addition, many users today keep their smartphones for more than two and a half years. So extending the payment term could better fit their consumption habits.