T-Mobile Offers Free Month and $100 Rebate on Fiber 2 Gig Plans

Q: Is T-Mobile's fiber deal a true bargain or a complex trap with hidden cancellation penalties?

T-Mobile’s fiber promotion looks more like a real bargain than a trap, but only if you understand the rebate conditions and keep the service long enough. The value is straightforward on paper. New customers on 1 Gig or 2 Gig get the first month free, and 2 Gig customers also receive a $100 virtual prepaid Mastercard. With AutoPay, that puts the 1 Gig plan at $60 a month and the 2 Gig plan at $70 a month during the promo period, with regular rates rising by $10 after the first 30 days. ZDNET rated the offer 4 out of 5 and estimated roughly $180 in first-year value for 2 Gig customers, noting that rival 2 Gig fiber plans often cost more. The catch is not a traditional cancellation penalty or contract lock-in. T-Mobile Fiber is marketed without annual contracts, and installation and equipment are included. But the $100 rebate has strings attached: cancel within 180 days and T-Mobile charges back the full $100; cancel within the first year and it can claw back half. The virtual card also takes about 14 weeks to arrive and expires after six months, which reduces its practical value for some customers. There are also standard conditions that affect the real price. The advertised rate depends on AutoPay with a bank account or debit card; otherwise, add $10 a month. Equipment must be returned undamaged at cancellation or fees may apply. So this is a good deal, not a hidden-fee scheme, but it rewards customers who stay put and follow the rebate rules carefully.

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 20

New T-Mobile Fiber customers get their first month free on 1 Gig and 2 Gig plans, while 2 Gig sign-ups also receive a $100 virtual prepaid Mastercard for a limited time.
Pricing starts at $60 a month with AutoPay for 1 Gig and $70 for 2 Gig during the promo, then renews at regular rates with a $10 monthly AutoPay discount applied.
The rebate takes up to 14 weeks after submission, expires 6 months after issuance, and is clawed back in full if service is canceled within 180 days.
T-Mobile includes professional installation, equipment and unlimited data, but the offer requires a new fiber line and is available only in eligible service areas.