How To Opt Out Of T-Mobile’s Forced Migration Plan Reportedly Going Into Effect Soon

Forbes Innovation Breaking How To Opt Out Of T-Mobile’s Forced Migration Plan Reportedly Going Into Effect Soon Arianna Johnson Forbes Staff I cover the latest trends in science, tech and healthcare. Following Oct 17, 2023, 04:07pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Topline T-Mobile is planning on automatically moving customers on older plans to newer, more expensive plans, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal , though there is a way for them to opt out. T-Mobile logo is seen on the outside of a building.

AFP via Getty Images Key Facts Although the exact number of its 74 million customers affected is unknown, T-Mobile told the outlet it’s moving a “small number” on some older rate plans to newer plans with “enhanced features or additional services. ” Customers on Magenta, Magenta 55, ONE and Simple/Select Choice plans will be moved to one of the carrier’s newer Go5G plans, according to the report. T-Mobile confirmed notices of the change will begin rolling out this week, according to the Journal , and there will be an increase of around $5 per line with the new migration, though customers can save $5 per line—for up to eight lines—if they sign up for autopay.

When a merger between T-Mobile and Sprint was approved in April 2020, part of the agreement for the acquisition was that prices wouldn’t rise for three years, so that time period is over. Forbes has reached out to T-Mobile for comment. How To Opt Out Customers will be given the option to opt out of the migration by calling customer service, according to the Journal .

The wireless provider also told online media outlet CNET there are additional options to opt out. There will be an allotted amount of time customers will be able to reverse the switch, though the specific period is unknown, according to CNET. There are several methods customers can use to get into contact with customer service.

The first is by calling T-Mobile’s customer support number and asking to opt out. Customers can either dial 611 on their T-Mobile device to be connected to an agent, or call the official customer service number . T-Force, a customer service option offered via X (formerly known as Twitter) or Facebook, is another option.

Customers can either send a direct message to the X account or send a private message to the Facebook page regarding opting out. If it’s a customer’s first time messaging the page, they’ll be first asked to authenticate their T-Mobile account. The T-Mobile app also has a built-in customer service section for users.

To locate the service, called App Chat, after opening the app, click the chat icon in the upper right-hand corner. A live customer service agent will then be connected. Tangent Earlier this year, T-Mobile joined AT&T and Verizon in requiring customers to link their debit cards or bank accounts—not credit cards—to their autopay systems in order to receive autopay discounts, the Wall Street Journal reported .

In order for customers to receive the company’s $5 off autopay deal, they’ll have to switch to linking their debit card or bank account. This change affects new and current customers alike, and also excludes Apple Pay and Google Pay from the offer. However, some customers might be wary of linking their bank information due to T-Mobile’s history of data breaches.

Around 37 million users had personal data, like birth dates and addresses, stolen by hackers in January, though the company said they weren’t able to access financial information. Almost 50 million users had their personal information—including Social Security numbers and driver’s license information—stolen during a data breach in 2021. An app glitch in September reportedly allowed customers to see other customers’ personal information.

T-Mobile blamed the glitch on a software update, not a data breach. Further Reading T-Mobile Customers, Watch Your Bill. Some Users Get Put on Pricier Plans.

(Wall Street Journal) T-Mobile’s Forced Plan Migration: How That Impacts Your Next Bill and How You Can Opt Out (CNET) T-Mobile Data Breach: Hackers Stole 37 Million Customers’ Info, Company Says (Forbes) T-Mobile Says Hackers Stole Data on About 37 Million Customers in Breach (Wall Street Journal) Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn . Send me a secure tip . Arianna Johnson Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.