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2024-04-12 23:02:08

T-Mobile

Telecommunications company history and evolution
Telecommunications company history and evolution
T-Mobile, founded in 1999, has a rich history including a failed merger with AT&T. Known for value and brand evolution from VoiceStream to T-Mobile.
1994
T-Mobile Founded as VoiceStream Wireless PCS
In 1994, T-Mobile United States was established as VoiceStream Wireless PCS, a subsidiary of Western Wireless Corporation.
1998
Jamie Lee Curtis as spokesperson for VoiceStream Wireless
Jamie Lee Curtis served as the spokesperson for VoiceStream Wireless since 1998, promoting the company's advertising slogan 'Get more from life'.
1999-05-03
VoiceStream Wireless spin off from Western Wireless
VoiceStream Wireless was spun off from its parent company Western Wireless on May 3, 1999.
2000
VoiceStream Wireless Acquires Regional GSM Carriers
In 2000, VoiceStream Wireless acquired two regional GSM carriers.
2001-06-01
Deutsche Telekom Acquires VoiceStream Wireless and Powertel
Deutsche Telekom completed its acquisition of VoiceStream Wireless, Inc., for $35 billion and Southern U.S. regional GSM network operator Powertel, Inc., for $24 billion in June 2001.
2002-09-04
Launch of T-Mobile Brand
Deutsche Telekom purchased VoiceStream Wireless in 2001 and rebranded it as T-Mobile on September 4, 2002. This marked a significant milestone in the company's history, transitioning from VoiceStream to T-Mobile.
2004
T-Mobile wins J.D. Power awards
Since 2004, T-Mobile has been winning multiple J.D. Power annual awards for retail sales satisfaction, wireless customer care, and overall customer satisfaction, showcasing its commitment to customer service excellence.
2006-10-06
T-Mobile USA wins 120 license auctions
T-Mobile USA emerged as the successful bidder in 120 license auctions, securing nationwide coverage of 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz frequencies. The company also acquired additional licenses in key areas like New York City, Chicago, and Boston.
2007-09-17
Acquisition of SunCom Wireless Holdings, Inc.
T-Mobile announced the acquisition of regional GSM carrier SunCom Wireless Holdings, Inc. for $2.4 billion on September 17, 2007. The acquisition was completed on February 22, 2008, adding 1.1 million customers to T-Mobile's base and expanding its network coverage.
2008-05-01
T-Mobile activates its 3G network in New York City
T-Mobile officially activated its 3G network in the New York City market, providing customers with enhanced mobile data services.
2009-05
Catherine Zeta-Jones returns as T-Mobile spokesperson
In late May 2009, Catherine Zeta-Jones returned as a T-Mobile spokesperson for a 'Mobile Makeovers' advertising campaign.
2010-06-28
T-Mobile announces network upgrade to HSPA+ 42
T-Mobile revealed plans to enhance its network by upgrading from HSPA+ 21 to HSPA+ 42, aiming to provide faster and more efficient mobile data services to its customers.
2010-06-29
T-Mobile launches voice service in the Gulf of Mexico
On June 29, 2010, T-Mobile introduced voice service in the Gulf of Mexico through a roaming agreement with Broadpoint. This initiative marked a step towards expanding T-Mobile's network coverage and services.
2011-03-20
AT&T announces purchase of T-Mobile USA
On March 20, 2011, AT&T announced its intention to buy T-Mobile USA for $39 billion from Deutsche Telekom. The deal would make AT&T the largest mobile phone company in the United States with a 43% market share.
2011-08-26
FCC's 180-day Timer Restarted for AT&T's Purchase of T-Mobile
On August 26, 2011, the FCC restarted the 180-day timer for making a decision on AT&T's purchase of T-Mobile. The decision was expected around December 4, 2011.
2011-08-31
US Department of Justice seeks to block AT&T's takeover of T-Mobile
On August 31, 2011, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice formally announced that it would seek to block AT&T's takeover of T-Mobile USA and filed a lawsuit in federal court to prevent the acquisition.
2011-11-22
FCC Opposes AT&T's Purchase of T-Mobile
On November 22, 2011, tmonews.com reported that the FCC was opposed to the merger between AT&T and T-Mobile.
2011-11-23
FCC Slaps Extra Review on AT&T's Purchase of T-Mobile
On November 23, 2011, The Wall Street Journal reported that the FCC added an extra review process for AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile, putting the deal in deeper jeopardy.
2011-11-26
FCC Staff Report on AT&T-T-Mobile Merger
The FCC released a staff report on November 26, 2011, stating that the proposed AT&T-T-Mobile merger would likely harm competition and consumer interests, recommending a hearing on the matter.
2011-12-01
Flash-mob performance at Woodfield Mall featuring Carly Foulkes
On December 1, 2011, Carly Foulkes and a group of 100 Chicago-area women performed a flash-mob style dance at Woodfield Mall, which was filmed and turned into a successful holiday commercial.
2011-12-19
AT&T abandons bid for T-Mobile
AT&T abandoned its bid to purchase T-Mobile USA on December 19, 2011, after facing regulatory challenges and opposition. The decision marked the end of the acquisition attempt.
2012-02-23
T-Mobile lays out 4G upgrade path during Q4 Earnings Call
During the Q4 Earnings Call, T-Mobile announced plans to roll out LTE network on AWS spectrum and transition HSPA+ network to PCS band.
2012-08-21
FCC approves deal between T-Mobile and Verizon for additional spectrum licenses
The FCC approved a deal between T-Mobile and Verizon in which T-Mobile gained additional AWS spectrum licenses in 125 Cellular Market Areas.
2012-12-07
GoSmart Mobile launch
GoSmart Mobile, a T-Mobile branded service, was launched in beta on December 7, 2012, offering no-contract SIM wireless services. It later became available nationwide on February 19, 2013.
2013-03-26
T-Mobile rolls out LTE in 7 markets
T-Mobile started rolling out LTE in 7 markets including Baltimore, San Jose, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Las Vegas, Kansas City, and Houston.
2013-05-01
Merger with MetroPCS Communications
MetroPCS Communications merged with T-Mobile USA on May 1, 2013. The merger allowed T-Mobile to access more spectrum and financial resources, expanding its LTE network and making it the fourth-largest carrier in the United States.
2013-06-28
Wireless spectrum acquisition from U.S. Cellular
T-Mobile agreed to buy wireless spectrum for the Mississippi Valley region from U.S. Cellular for around $308 million on June 28, 2013, expanding its 4G network across 29 more markets.
2013-10-09
T-Mobile introduces Simple Global service
On October 9, 2013, T-Mobile launched the Simple Global service, allowing customers to roam in over 100 countries with certain benefits. This service provided international connectivity and enhanced communication options for T-Mobile users.
2014-01-06
Agreements with Verizon Wireless for spectrum licenses
T-Mobile signed agreements with Verizon Wireless on January 6, 2014, to purchase 700 MHz A-Block spectrum licenses for $2.365 billion. This acquisition provided T-Mobile with additional coverage in key U.S. markets.
2014-01-22
T-Mobile expands into banking with Visa cards
In January 22, 2014, T-Mobile ventured into banking by offering Visa cards with banking features and a money management app for reduced-fee services. However, the banking cards were discontinued in early 2016.
2014-02-25
T-Mobile announces 4G LTE network coverage
T-Mobile announced that its 4G LTE network covered 209 million people in 273 metro areas and planned to roll out 700 MHz A-Block spectrum by the end of 2014.
2014-03-13
T-Mobile plans to upgrade 2G/EDGE network to 4G LTE
T-Mobile announced a plan to upgrade its entire 2G/EDGE network to 4G LTE, expecting 50% completion by the end of 2014.
2014-12-16
T-Mobile expands LTE network coverage
T-Mobile announced that their 4G LTE network covered 260 million people and rolled out 700 MHz Band 12 LTE in several cities.
2015-07-15
T-Mobile launches Mobile Without Borders service
On July 15, 2015, T-Mobile introduced the Mobile Without Borders service, enabling users to utilize their voice, text, and data plans while roaming in Mexico and Canada. This service aimed to provide seamless connectivity for T-Mobile customers traveling across borders.
2015-08-31
T-Mobile's announcement on capping unlimited data users
On August 31, 2015, T-Mobile announced measures to cap unlimited data users who abuse tethering, leading to throttling speeds for those users.
2015-10-27
T-Mobile achieves LTE coverage goal ahead of schedule
T-Mobile announced in its Q3 2015 earnings call that they covered over 300 million people with LTE, reaching their 2015 end of year goal months ahead of schedule.
2016-05-25
T-Mobile purchases 700Mhz A-block license for Chicago metro area
T-Mobile announced the purchase of the 700Mhz A-block license for the Chicago metro area, expanding their LTE network coverage.
2016-10-07
Transition to T-Mobile One
As of October 7, 2016, about a quarter of T-Mobile's overall account numbers have moved over to T-Mobile One, the new family plan offering unlimited talk, text, and data with limited video streaming.
2017-08-15
T-Mobile starts rollout of LTE on 600 MHz band
T-Mobile began the rollout of LTE on the 600 MHz band, expanding their network coverage.
2017-09-12
Introduction of Netflix On Us program by T-Mobile
T-Mobile introduced the Netflix On Us program on September 12, 2017, initially limited to T-Mobile ONE family plans. It included the Standard ad-free Netflix plan, valued at $11/month after an October 2017 price increase.
2017-10-12
T-Mobile announces LTE-speed limitations and partnership with US Cellular
In October 2017, T-Mobile revealed plans to cap LTE-speeds at 5 GB starting November 12, 2017, while maintaining unlimited data roaming in Canada and Mexico. Additionally, T-Mobile announced a partnership with US Cellular to expand 4G LTE coverage in California, Iowa, Washington, and Wisconsin.
2017-12-13
T-Mobile announces acquisition of Layer3 TV for TVision
On December 13, 2017, T-Mobile announced the acquisition of Layer3 TV to launch its own subscription television service, later re-branded as TVision Home. The service included various packages like TVision Vibe, TVision Live, and TVision Channels.
2018-04-29
T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation Merger Announcement
On April 29, 2018, T-Mobile US and Sprint Corporation announced their intention to merge. The merger faced legal challenges but was eventually approved, leading to the discontinuation of the Sprint brand and the integration of both companies.
2019-01-01
Safeco Field renamed to T-Mobile Park
On January 1, 2019, Safeco Field was renamed to T-Mobile Park after T-Mobile US signed a naming rights contract with Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners.
2019-01-22
LTE-Advanced upgrade deployed in 6,000 cities and towns
As of January 22, 2019, T-Mobile deployed the LTE-Advanced upgrade in 6,000 cities and towns, improving network capabilities.
2019-06-02
Introduction of Magenta plan by T-Mobile
On June 2, 2019, T-Mobile launched the Magenta plan, replacing the T-Mobile ONE plans. The Magenta plan included features like 3 GB of mobile hotspot data for standard plans and enhanced HD streaming.
2019-10-28
LTE coverage expands to 326 million people
As of October 28, 2019, T-Mobile's LTE network covered 326 million people, increasing their network reach.
2020-02-06
600 MHz network reaches 8,900 cities and towns
By February 6, 2020, T-Mobile's 600 MHz network covered 8,900 cities and towns, providing LTE coverage to 248 million people.
2020-02-11
District Judge Victor Marrero's Decision on T-Mobile and Sprint Merger
On February 11, 2020, District Judge Victor Marrero ruled in favor of the T-Mobile and Sprint merger, stating that it would not substantially lessen competition as claimed by some states. The decision paved the way for the merger to proceed.
2020-04-01
Closure of T-Mobile and Sprint Merger
The merger between T-Mobile and Sprint officially closed on April 1, 2020. Following the closure, the Sprint brand was discontinued, and various operational changes were implemented to integrate the two companies.
2020-04-10
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert's Blog Post
In an April 10 blog post, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert highlighted the progress made by the carrier in the three years since the merger with Sprint. The post emphasized advancements in 5G services, home internet availability, and competitive pricing.
2020-04-21
T-Mobile launches Ultra-Capacity 5G in Philadelphia
On April 21, 2020, T-Mobile introduced Ultra-Capacity 5G in Philadelphia using the spectrum obtained from the Sprint merger. This new 5G network aimed to provide faster speeds and better coverage in the area.
2020-08-02
Discontinuation of Sprint Brand
On August 2, 2020, the Sprint brand was officially discontinued following the closure of the merger with T-Mobile. This marked a significant milestone in the integration process of the two companies.
2021-01-15
Change in Netflix On Us benefit for Magenta subscribers
On January 15, 2021, T-Mobile changed the Netflix On Us benefit for Magenta subscribers to the Netflix Basic plan for Magenta subscribers and the Netflix Standard plan for Magenta Plus and ONE Plus subscribers.
2021-01-22
Release of Magenta MAX plan by T-Mobile
On January 22, 2021, T-Mobile unveiled the Magenta MAX plan, offering unlimited Premium Data, 4K UHD video streaming, and various other features. The plan cost $57 per line per month for three lines.
2021-08-16
T-Mobile Data Breach Confirmed
On August 16, 2021, T-Mobile confirmed a data breach where hackers claimed to have accessed 'full customer info' from T-Mobile servers.
2021-08-18
T-Mobile Data Breach Update
On August 18, 2021, T-Mobile provided an update on the data breach revealing that sensitive personal information of over 40 million former and prospective customers and 7.8 million existing postpaid customers was accessed by hackers.
2021-08-23
Class-Action Lawsuits Against T-Mobile
Multiple class-action lawsuits were filed against T-Mobile on August 23, 2021, due to the cyberattack impacting both current and former customers. The lawsuits accused T-Mobile of negligence and putting customers at risk.
2021-08-24
T-Mobile Business Customers Affected
On August 24, 2021, T-Mobile announced that T-Mobile Business customers were affected by the data breach, with varying types of business and personal information accessed.
2021-09-06
Class Action Lawsuits Against T-Mobile US
On September 6, 2021, T-Mobile US customers filed class action lawsuits accusing the company of negligence following the data breach incident, citing violations of cybersecurity guidelines and privacy acts.
2022-01-31
T-Mobile bids on C-Band 3.45 GHz licenses
On January 31, 2022, T-Mobile participated in Auction 110 by the FCC to bid on C-Band 3.45 GHz licenses. This strategic move aimed to expand their network coverage to reach up to 184 million people across the United States, positioning T-Mobile as a key player in the 5G market.
2022-07-01
T-Mobile shuts down UMTS network
T-Mobile officially discontinued its UMTS network on July 1, 2022, marking the end of an era and signaling a shift towards more advanced technologies.
2023-03-15
T-Mobile's pending acquisition of Ultra Mobile
T-Mobile announced its acquisition of Ultra Mobile on March 15, 2023.
2023-04-20
Announcement of Go5G plans and Essential Saver plan by T-Mobile
On April 20, T-Mobile revealed the Go5G plans and Essential Saver plan. The date 4/20 was referenced, and T-Mobile aimed to 'smoke the competition' with these new offerings.
2024-01-24
All T-Mobile subscribers receiving ad-supported Standard plan from Netflix
As of January 24, 2024, all T-Mobile subscribers with the Netflix On Us benefit receive the ad-supported Standard plan from Netflix, regardless of their T-Mobile plan. This plan is missing several titles compared to ad-free plans.
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