T-Mobile US has agreed to pay $48 million to settle FCC charges that it did not adequately disclose its unlimited data plan restrictions. T-Moble also agreed to update its customer disclosures.A large part of the fine, $35.5 million, will fund a consumer benefit program.
After customer complaints that T-Mobile was slowing data speeds of top users, the FCC found that the company indeed deprived people of advertised data speeds without giving them adequate information about restrictions.
“Consumers should not have to guess whether so-called ‘unlimited’ data plans contain key restrictions, like speed constraints, data caps, and other material limitations,” said FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Travis in a statement.
The $48 million includes a $7.5 million fine in addition to $35.5 million in consumer benefits offered to T-Mobile and Metro PCS customers with “unlimited” plans and at least $5 million in services and equipment to American schools to bridge the homework gap facing today’s students. Eligible subscribers will be offered discounts on accessories and additional data.
In addition to the $7.5 million fine to be paid to the U.S. Treasury, the settlement requires T-Mobile to fund a $35.5 million consumer benefit program for T-Mobile and MetroPCS “unlimited” mobile data customers. Eligible T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers will be offered both:
Eligible T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers will receive notice about these benefits by December 15, 2016.
Consumers can obtain more information on the companies’ website: Customer Benefit
