T-Mobile announces a rate adjustment

T-Mobile is hiking the Regulatory Programs & Telco Recovery Fee once again, prompting immediate backlash from customers.

The last hike was in April

T-Mobile has begun notifying customers that the surcharge will increase by $0.50 per line for voice and data lines. The changes will take effect on January 21.

The changes will only affect customers who signed up for the taxes-and-fees-exclusive plans. Customers on older all-inclusive plans will see no changes in their rates.

The Regulatory Programs & Telco Recovery Fee isn't a government-mandated fee. Instead, T-Mobile leverages the charges to recoup costs related to regulatory compliance and interconnection charges imposed by other carriers.

Currently, the fee sits at $3.99 per voice line and $1.60 per mobile internet line; these will rise to $4.49 and $2.10, respectively.

T-Mobile last increased the fee in April, so it hasn't even been a year since the last hike. Naturally, customers are up in arms about the increase.

A lawsuit wasn't enough to get T-Mobile to back off

T-Mobile was sued in December 2024 by complainants who said the Regulatory Programs & Telco Recovery Fee was deceptive and unjustified. This did not deter the company, which noted that such charges were common across the wireless industry.

While a $0.50 hike may seem insignificant, the fee has been raised multiple times since its introduction in 2004. Because it's levied on a per-line basis, the costs can add up quickly for families.

Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

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