T-Mobile USA No Longer Requires Service Contracts

T-Mobile USA introduced a new pricing strategy today that allows its customers to have get wireless voice and data service without signing a contract.

However, the company isn't throwing out the idea of contracts, and will still let those who wish sign up for them. These customers will be able to buy phones at reduced prices.

Two New Options
T-Mobile's new "Even More" plans work essentially like cell phone contracts always have. Customers sign yearly contracts for the services they want, and can buy devices at lower prices. It's the new "Even More Plus" plans that are different. These also allow customers to choose the services they want, but require no contracts.

The monthly fees for the with-contract plans are higher, because the user is paying off the reduced cost of their phone. Those with no-contract plans have lower monthly fees but to pay full price for hardware.  For example, the monthly cost of an unlimited voice, text, and data plan is $80 without a contract, or $100 with a contract. On the flip side of the coin, without a contract the myTouch 3G smartphone is $500, but it's just $150 with a contract.

This wireless carrier isn't forgetting about families. Those who want multiple service plans will also be given a choice between "Even More" and "Even More Plus" plans.

More Pricing Details
Both the Individual and Family plans -- contract or no contract -- include free calling to other T-Mobile customers and free nights and weekends.

Unlimited web access for a smartphone can be added to any of the no-contract plans for $25 a month, or to the with-contract plans for $30.

A complete breakdown of T-Mobile's new service plans:

Individual -- No Contract/Even More Plus

Family Plans -- No Contract/Even More Plus

Individual -- With Contract/Even More

Family Plans -- With Contract//Even More Plus

Source: T-Mobile