T-Mobile isn’t going to sit back and let Verizon scoop up fans of Google’s Pixel smartphone.
In an effort to combat its rival’s exclusive distribution deal for the new device, T-Mobile on Thursday announced a new promotion offering customers who bring their own Pixel up to 50 percent back on the cost of the phone.
“Don’t let the ‘exclusive’ advertisements fool you,” T-Mobile CEO John Legere said. “The Pixel phone is tested and proven to be fantastic on our lightning fast network, and we want to help you get the best of both worlds!”
Starting on Friday, T-Mobile said customers who bring their Pixel to the Un-carrier and sign up for its T-Mobile One unlimited plan will get up to $325 – or half the retail cost of the 32GB device – back. T-Mobile said the money will be provided via a $13.55 bill credit applied for 24 months.
The new offer cannot be combined with T-Mobile’s Carrier Freedom program, which offers up to $650 per line to pay off outstanding device payments and service contracts, the carrier said.
While Verizon was named Google’s exclusive carrier partner for the Pixel, Google is also selling unlocked versions of the device online starting at $649.
T-Mobile said the device can be carried to its network when customers buy a T-Mobile SIM. The SIM starter kit is available for $20 on T-Mobile’s website.