T-Mobile has caused quite a stir announcing carrying the newiPads with no downpayment, especially the promise of200MB of free LTE datafor life for those who opt for cellular models, as long as they remain customers.
Our ownJeff Benjamin praisedT-Mobile’s un-carrier move, noting no other U.S. wireless company has offered free data to iPad users.
The controversy was born after some customers complained that T-Mobile reps told them they couldn’t claim 200MB worth of free monthly data unless they were paying phone customers. Otherwise, it’s a$10 a month On Demand plan chargeand T-Mobile CEO John Legere calling it an“executional mistake”didn’t help.
So, what exactly is going on here? Is the 200MB free tier a bait and switch or a legitimate offer, with some strings attached? We lay it all out for you right after the break…
According to Deutsche Telekom-owned T-Mobile itself (viaCnet), its no-money-down iPad offer indeed requires $20 monthly plan, but for new customers only. So, who doesn’t get to pay for their free data?
If you’re new to T-Mobile and have bought your iPad Air – or any other tablet for that matter – full price, that is unsubsidized, you’ll also be able to claim 200MB of free data (customers can also bring in their own T-Mobile-compatible tablets).
Acknowledging that“things have been a little bumpy,”T-Mobile marketing executive Andrew Sherrard told Cnet that not everyone qualifies for the equipment installer plan, reminding folks that“even individuals wanting a smartphone under such a plan have to pass a credit check”.
This is what T-Mobile wrote in a media release last week:
And every T-Mobile iPad user will receive 200 MB of free 4G LTE data every month for as long as they own their iPad, even if they aren’t yet a T-Mobile customer.
Yes. Everyone gets the 200MB of free data. No exceptions. No strings attached.
— John Legere (@JohnLegere)July 11, 2025
I guess there are some strings attached after all, John Legere?
T-Mobile will sell you the entry-level iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular with sixteen gigabytes of storage for $0 down and 24 monthly payments of $26.25 per month. The 32/64GB models require a $100/$200 down payment, respectively.
By the way, cellular iPads are not carrier-locked so you can switch simply by using another compatible wireless service provider’s SIM card.
As our Jeff noted, going cellular makes a lot of sense for a variety of reasons, such as the prevalence of 4G LTE and the assurance of knowing there’s that instant-on 4G LTE connectivity when outside Wi-Fi coverage.
For what it’s worth, T-Mobile CEO John Legere did admit a mistake andpromised to fix itwithout making lame excuses.
@MarcusBusbeewe only provide financing to customers. You can buy one but not with EIP unless a customer. 200mb always free if you buy
— John Legere (@JohnLegere)July 26, 2025
For the sake of completeness, T-Mobile offers itsEquipment Installment Plan(EIP) only to existing customers.
Un-Carrier, much?
When all is said and done, the 200MB free plan is a terrific way to introduce new customers to the T-Mobile network and it beats paying $15 to AT&T for 250MB of data.
