Examples:

• • Chris signed up for T-Mobile ONE in 2017 specifically because it promised rates were guaranteed for life and would never increase.
  • Harry, a senior, chose the Magenta Unlimited 55+ plan based on advertising that he’d keep that low $50/line price forever.
  • Despite paying on time for years, Stephanie’s legacy plan price jumped from $120 to $135/month in May 2024 without her consent.
  • Gerald, 72, feels T-Mobile sold him “in big bold print” on a locked rate, then “hid in the small print” their right to raise prices anytime.
  • Many believe T-Mobile timed increases for right after the Sprint merger terms expired so they could keep that promise but not the Un-contract one.

How to Proceed:

• • Dig up your original T-Mobile contract/agreement and any promotional materials you saved from when you signed up for your plan.
  • Highlight any specific language about “lifetime price guarantees,” “prices never increasing,” or similar promises of locked-in rates.
  • Save copies of any notifications you received about the 2024 price increases on your previously “guaranteed” legacy plan.
  • Write down your detailed recollections of what sales reps told you and what key factors influenced your decision to choose that T-Mobile plan.
  • Contact the law firms handling the class action to share your story, get your questions answered, and learn how you can participate.

FAQs:

• • Which specific plans are part of the class action? T-Mobile ONE, Magenta, Magenta MAX, Magenta 55+, Magenta Military, Magenta Amplified, Simple Choice, and others.
  • I’m not sure if I’m affected – how can I tell? If you were on a T-Mobile postpaid consumer plan as of May 2024 that had its monthly price increase, you’re likely included.
  • The price increase was small – is it really a big deal? Even small monthly increases add up and the core issue is T-Mobile failing to honor its heavily advertised promises.
  • Can I still be part of the case if I since switched plans/carriers? Yes – if you were impacted by T-Mobile’s actions at the time, you have a potential claim.
  • Shouldn’t we expect prices to go up over time? Yes, but T-Mobile explicitly promoted these plans as immune from any increases ever – that’s what makes it deceptive.

Examples:

• • T-Mobile promoted plans as “price-locked” and that “only you have the power to change the price you pay” but didn’t honor those terms.
  • Executives knew price hikes were coming when advertising “Un-contract” but concealed that info so people would feel safe switching.
  • Careless disregard for the truth of “lifetime” price promises – they didn’t have substantiation the guarantees would be honored indefinitely.
  • T-Mobile yielded unlawful profits by getting people to sign up under locked-in prices, then jacking up rates once they had a captive customer base.
  • The PA Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law makes it illegal to advertise goods with intent not to sell them as advertised.

How to Proceed:

• • Review the full Class Action Complaint to see which causes of action your experiences line up with and that you identify with most.
  • Make notes of specific T-Mobile statements, ads, or sales pitches that you feel misled you or that the company did not deliver on.
  • If you feel T-Mobile acted negligently or recklessly, jot down how you justifiably relied on their price promises in choosing your plan.
  • Gather any bills showing how your rate increased and calculate the extra amount you’ve unfairly had to pay T-Mobile as a result.
  • Check if your state’s consumer protection laws have similar prohibitions against false advertising that could apply in addition to the NJ law.

FAQs:

• • What’s the difference between fraud and negligent misrepresentation? Fraud requires intent to deceive, while negligent misrepresentation can be unintentional but careless.
  • Doesn’t T-Mobile have the right to change its Terms of Service anytime? Not when they’ve made explicit, heavily promoted promises to the contrary that customers relied upon.
  • Isn’t it just “buyer beware” – we should know prices always go up? Companies can’t make false claims to get your business even if you think you should “know better.” That’s illegal.
  • What if I wasn’t really misled but still got a price hike? You may still have an unjust enrichment claim if T-Mobile unfairly profited off the increase.
  • How do I know if my state’s laws offer me extra protections? Check with an attorney or your state’s Attorney General/Consumer Protection office.

Examples:

• • The Jan 2017 Las Vegas press event with execs enthusiastically promoting the “Un-contract” and “price-lock guarantee for life” on video.
  • In an interview hyping the Un-contract, CEO Legere says “T-Mobile is locking in their price…for as long as they’re a customer.”
  • Plaintiff Ingram’s Feb bill was $140, but his May bill jumped to $160 – a 14.3% increase on a plan allegedly “locked in for life.”
  • T-Mobile agreed to keep prices stable for 3 years to convince regulators to okay the Sprint deal, then increased them right after that expired.
  • Language on T-Mobile’s site about the “Un-contract” was quietly revised after the lawsuit was filed, potentially to downplay earlier promises.

How to Proceed:

• • Scour your records for any paperwork or screenshots you saved from when you signed up touting the lifetime price guarantee.
  • Look for news articles, press releases, or videos from 2017-18 that heavily hyped the “Un-contract” and price promises – save copies.
  • Compare your T-Mobile bills from before May 2024 and after to pinpoint exactly how much your monthly price increased on the same plan.
  • Research details of the T-Mobile/Sprint merger and the 3-year price freeze condition, noting how closely it aligns with when hikes started.
  • Note any changes you spot to “Un-contract” terms on T-Mobile’s site or in your contract before and after the class action began.

FAQs:

• • What if I don’t have my original contract? T-Mobile may have it on file, and the lawsuit repositories will gather examples. Focus on other evidence like CEO statements, ads, etc.
  • Are old news reports really relevant? Yes, they show what T-Mobile was telling customers and emphasizing about the plans at the time.
  • How much does my individual price hike matter? Every bit of evidence helps, but the class will focus on broad patterns across many customers.
  • What if I don’t follow merger news? Lawyers will explain how the 3-year term meshes with T-Mobile’s “Un-contract” timeline, you needn’t be an expert.
  • Does it matter if T-Mobile changed site info after the suit? It may suggest they knew their “Un-contract” terms were problematic or wanted to avoid more liability.

Examples:

• • The complaint estimates over 50 million consumers had postpaid plans in 2017 when the “Un-contract” first became available.
  • 14 plaintiffs from CA, TX, FL, NY, WA & other states are named, but seek to represent all T-Mobile customers misled by the Un-contract.
  • Plaintiffs must show common questions of law and fact predominate across the class, like T-Mobile’s uniform “Un-contract” marketing.
  • Separate subclasses may be needed for customers promised slightly different terms for basic, 55+, military, or other unique plans.
  • If T-Mobile is found liable, a process to reimburse class members a share of any damages paid will be set up, maybe via online claims.

How to Proceed:

• • Wait for official notice about class certification and how to opt in or out of the litigation – it may come by mail or email.
  • Research class counsel’s experience with similar consumer suits to feel confident they are fighting for class’s interests.
  • Evaluate if your claim involves unique issues that may warrant exploring an individual case vs. class participation.
  • Look for updates on if the certified class is further divided by state, plan type, or other key factors to see where you best fit.
  • Save records of your T-Mobile history and charges in case needed to calculate your share of any class-wide money damages later.

FAQs:

• • How long does a class action usually take? Complex cases like this can take 1-3 years to resolve, but some move faster or much slower.
  • What if I’m not sure I’m in the class? If you had a postpaid consumer plan from T-Mobile anytime since 2017, you’re likely included, but await official notices.
  • Can I bring my own lawsuit instead? You can opt out and sue individually, but it’s often more expensive and time-consuming than staying in the class.
  • How are legal fees paid in a class case? The lawyers front the costs and get paid a % of the class recovery if they win, but nothing if they lose.
  • What if T-Mobile wins the class suit? Class members can’t then sue individually on the same grounds, which is a key reason companies fight class cert.

Examples:

• • If a T-Mobile ONE customer’s bill went from $70 to $80/month, they might claim $120/year in actual overcharge damages.
  • Plaintiffs allege executives knew the Un-contract was false & say a punitive multiplier (e.g. 3x damages) may be warranted.
  • The complaint asks the court to force T-Mobile to honor the original prices and terms customers signed up for indefinitely.
  • Adding up all the excess payments collected from the class could total tens of millions T-Mobile may have to pay back.
  • Class action suits can be very costly to defend – if T-Mobile loses, it may owe a large sum to the class’ lawyers as well.

How to Proceed:

• • Compare your T-Mobile bills closely to see exactly how much more you paid for the same plan after the 2024 price increases.
  • Hold onto documentation that shows when you signed up, under what specific terms, and how much your rate was hiked.
  • Watch for updates from the court or class counsel about how any monetary recovery will be divided among eligible members.
  • Keep an eye out for notes on if T-Mobile may be forced to revert to your plan’s original price or other non-monetary fixes.
  • Check if the case resolves with T-Mobile agreeing to change its practices and not use similar misleading “Un-contract” promises again.

FAQs:

• • Is there a guarantee class members will get money? No – the case could lose at trial or T-Mobile could be broke and unable to pay.
  • How much might individuals receive? It varies – the more people file claims, the smaller each one’s share of any class settlement fund.
  • What if I want more than just a refund? Class actions usually stick to monetary recovery, so desires for apologies, etc. may go unmet.
  • If T-Mobile has to revert prices, how long will that last? Unclear – court orders for specific performance can vary in scope and duration.
  • Where does the money for attorneys’ fees come from? T-Mobile, not the class recovery fund – so lawyers fighting for max class payout.

Questions: T-Mobile Class Action Basics

• • 1. When did T-Mobile first unveil the “Un-contract” promising no rate increases?
    • A) 2015
    • B) 2017
    • C) 2020
    • D) 2022
  • 2. Which statement did T-Mobile’s then-CEO make in a 2017 video?
    • A) “We reserve the right to change prices anytime.”
    • B) “Rates are subject to increase after 1 year.”
    • C) “Only you have the power to change the price you pay.”
    • D) “Prices are locked in for 3 years only.”
  • 3. Which plans are part of the “Un-contract” class action?
    • A) T-Mobile ONE
    • B) Magenta 55+
    • C) Simple Choice
    • D) All of the above
  • 4. When does the class action allege T-Mobile raised prices on “Un-contract” plans?
    • A) May 2023
    • B) May 2024
    • C) May 2025
    • D) May 2026
  • 5. About how many customers did T-Mobile have as of early 2023?
    • A) 50 million
    • B) 80 million
    • C) 110 million
    • D) 140 million

Answers: T-Mobile Class Action Basics

• • 1. B) T-Mobile unveiled the “Un-contract” in 2017 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
  • 2. C) Then-CEO John Legere said “Only you have the power to change the price you pay” for T-Mobile ONE plans in a 2017 promo video.
  • 3. D) T-Mobile ONE, Magenta, 55+, Simple Choice and other plans are allegedly impacted and included in the class action.
  • 4. B) The complaint says T-Mobile increased prices on various “Un-contract” plans in May 2024.
  • 5. C) T-Mobile’s total customer count reached approximately 110 million in early 2023.

Questions: T-Mobile Class Action Claims & Process

• • 1. What is a key legal claim in the Un-contract class action complaint?
    • A) Breach of contract
    • B) False advertising
    • C) Fraud
    • D) All of the above
  • 2. Which state’s consumer protection laws are cited in the complaint?
    • A) New Jersey
    • B) California
    • C) Washington
    • D) New York
  • 3. What is the purpose of the “class certification” process?
    • A) To notify potential class members
    • B) To determine if the case can proceed as a class action
    • C) To appoint class representatives and counsel
    • D) Both B and C
  • 4. If the class is certified, what happens next?
    • A) T-Mobile automatically pays damages
    • B) Class members are notified and can opt out
    • C) The case immediately goes to trial
    • D) Class members must file claim forms
  • 5. Who pays the attorneys’ fees in a class action lawsuit?
    • A) The class representatives
    • B) All class members collectively
    • C) The defendant if the class prevails
    • D) Third-party litigation funders

Answers: T-Mobile Class Action Claims & Process

• • 1. D) The complaint alleges breach of contract, false advertising, fraud, unjust enrichment and consumer protection violations.
  • 2. A) The lead claim cites the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, but other state laws like PA and WA are also referenced.
  • 3. D) Class cert determines if the plaintiffs’ claims are similar enough to proceed as a class vs. individually and appoints class reps and counsel.
  • 4. B) If certified, class members are notified of their rights to opt out of the litigation or remain as part of the class.
  • 5. C) If the class action succeeds, the defendant typically pays the class’ reasonable legal fees on top of any damages awarded.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and legal proceedings related to T-Mobile’s “Un-contract” class action may have changed since this article’s publication date. The effects and enforcement of laws can differ significantly depending on the unique circumstances of each case.

For the most current information and personalized legal guidance on this matter, please consult a qualified attorney specializing in consumer protection class actions. No attorney-client relationship is formed by accessing or reading this article.