T-Mobile to Charge New $35 Activation Fee From Nov. 15

Internal documents have revealed that T-Mobile is set to introduce a wide-ranging new $35 activation fee later this month.

As The T-Mo Report reveals, T-Mobile will charge what it's calling a "Device Connection Charge" (DCS) of $35 on most transactions. That includes new line activations, line upgrades, postpaid mobile, Beyond the Smartphone, and "broadband device types including BYOD, phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, hotspots, high-speed internet gateways, and other connected devices."

Until now, T-Mobile has been applying a one-time "Assisted Support Charge," which used to cost $20, but rose to $35 a year ago. However, it could be avoided by purchasing online rather than in a store. DCS replaces that fee on Nov. 15, as confirmed in a post on Reddit, and is being applied much more widely (including to online purchases). It should earn the company more money from its 110 million subscribers, but it eliminates one of the advantages it had over rival carriers.

By applying the fee to most transactions, T-Mobile removes a perk of ordering online. Instead, more customers may opt to visit a store, get some advice, and walk out with their new device rather than waiting for it to be delivered.

Recommended by Our Editors

Best Mobile Networks 2022

T-Mobile to Expand Coverage With the Help of SpaceX's Starlink Satellites

Man Hacked T-Mobile Employees to Unlock Cell Phones, Rake in $25 Million

The internal documents advise T-Mobile employees to tell customers the charge is for connecting a new device or carrying out an upgrade. They are also meant to point out that this allows T-Mobile to keep customers "seamlessly connected to what you love."

Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro Reviewed