T-Mobile announces $1 per day service, evades 3G launch rumors

There is quite a lot of T-Mobile talk swirling around the Web today. First off, the carrier announced a new prepaid plan that costs just $1 per day for each day you use the phone. Though it might sound too good to be true, that $1 actually gets you quite a bit. Not only does it entitle you to unlimited calls to other T-Mobiles phones, but also you get free nationwide calling between 7:00 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. During other times calls, will cost 10 cents per minute. Sure, that can add up quickly if you're not careful, but I think $1 is a good deal for the right person. In any case, calling restrictions during peak hours are very common. My only complaint is that text messages are 10 cents to send and five cents to receive. It would be nice if T-Mobile could throw in a few free messages. As with other T-Mobile prepaid options, the Pay By The Day plan neither requires a contract nor does it require you to use a specific handset.

We've also heard some major dish from the T-Mobile rumor mill. The Boy Genius first reported yesterday that T-Mobile would launch its promised 3G service tomorrow in New York, followed by up to 20 cities nationwide. Though a May Day event would fit the launch window that T-Mobile dropped at the GSMA World Congress, we're not so confident that a May 1 date is accurate. Naturally, T-Mobile won't confirm if the news is legit, but if tomorrow really is the magic date we just think we would have heard more gossip by this time. Color us skeptical, but we're also doubting that the rumor T-Mobile will launch 3G for voice service only. Really, what would be the point?

We're more inclined to believe Fierce Wireless, which suggested that the announcement will come by next Thursday, May 8 when T-Mobile reports its second quarter earnings. T-Mobile is the only major U.S. carrier to lack a 3G network.

[jkaufman101]

I don't think this is a big deal at all. Their lowest-cost service in my area is only $4 more per month, and it includes nationwide calling service. Who is T-Mobile trying to kid?

[b_baggins]

I much prefer the gophone plan. $.25 a minute flat. You get 3 months for $25, which is about what I use. That's $8 a month.

[scionguy05]

its a good deal, for people who dont want a cell phone plan, or house phone. Unlimited calling after 7pm is a great deal for those people, and it would only cost them a dollar for the day they use the phone, if your on a budget i could see that being a very attractive offer. also if your not a big talker like me, it would be better than paying 29.99 for the lowest plan and after taxes its like 40 bucks. I only use about 80 min a month outside of mobile to mobile, everyone i know has tmobile. i think this a good deal.

[highlander2000]

I believe this plan is still available from Sprint:
I have a $29.99 monthly plan with 200 anytime minutes, free long distance, and free nights (7 pm to 7 am) and weekends. But then again it's Sprint (turnoff for many, though it's been decent to me!) Does require a phone and contract, too, I guess....

Also, if you need a cell phone prepaid and plan to use it EXTREMELY sparingly, Alltel offers by the minute pricing (15cents / min iirc; loaded minutes expire in 60 days unless you put more money in, again iirc, sorry if not quite right).