Open Internet Policy

Use & Processing · Company practice

Lower-priority plans or brands see slower speeds when the network is heavily loaded

T-Mobile offers plans and brands with different network priorities. Where the network is lightly loaded, customers on a plan with lower network priority will notice little, if any, effect. Where the network is heavily loaded relative to available capacity, those customers will likely see reduced data speeds, especially during data-intensive activities, and may notice more frequent impacts to real-time services such as video conference calling, some video streaming and file downloads. Speeds will likely improve when network loading falls or the customer moves to a less loaded location.

Supporting quotations

As discussed in the Network Management section, we offer a range of rate plan and brand choices with different network priorities.

At times and locations where the network is heavily loaded in relation to available capacity, however, those customers will likely see reductions in data speeds, especially if they are engaged in data-intensive activities.

When network loading goes down or those customers move to a location that is less heavily loaded in relation to available capacity, those customers' speeds will likely improve.

Network Management Practices

Qualifications & exceptions

• Little effect where the network is lightly loaded, which the page says is the case in the vast majority of times and locations.
• Reductions are described as likely, not certain, and depend on the extent of congestion.
• Constrained locations may be heavily loaded more often than others.

Not stated here

• The page does not say which specific plans or brands are lower priority in this passage; the ranking is in the Network Management section.

Use & Processing · Company commitment

T-Mobile says its own preloaded products get no traffic precedence over other applications

In answer to whether data traffic from T-Mobile products preloaded on a device or otherwise available from T-Mobile has precedence over traffic from other applications, T-Mobile says no: it does not prioritize traffic on the basis of who created the application, subject to the same reasonable network management practices as other data.

Supporting quotations

Does data traffic from T-Mobile products preloaded on a user's device or otherwise available from T-Mobile have precedence over data traffic from other applications?

No. We don’t prioritize traffic on the basis of who created the application subject to the same reasonable network management practices as other data on the network.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Stated subject to the same reasonable network management practices that apply to other data on the network.

Not stated here

• The final clause is loosely worded; read literally, T-Mobile's own products are handled under the same reasonable network management practices as other traffic.
• The page separately says certain T-Mobile calling-related services are given priority over other traffic; this answer does not mention that.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): Calling-related and public safety services share the network and are given priority over other traffic — One answer says T-Mobile does not prioritize traffic on the basis of who created the application, including its own preloaded products. A later passage says T-Mobile's own calling-related services use the same network and are given priority over other traffic. The page treats these as different things (applications versus calling-related and public safety services) and does not reconcile them; the tension is recorded as a reviewed contrast, not a finding that either is wrong.

Use & Processing · Company commitment

T-Mobile does not block lawful traffic by content, except customer-chosen services and malicious sources

T-Mobile says it does not block lawful traffic based on content or subject unless the blocking is part of a customer-chosen service. It also says it occasionally makes a judgment that protecting its customer base from malicious or other adverse, network-impacting traffic outweighs access issues experienced by a few. Its examples are sources of spam and sources that aggressively scan Internet addresses or have attempted attacks against T-Mobile infrastructure or customer end-points. Customers may block sites or the internet on individual lines, as described elsewhere on the page.

Supporting quotations

Unless part of a customer-chosen service, T-Mobile does not block lawful traffic based on content or subject.

Occasionally, cases arise where T-Mobile must make a judgment, determining that the value of protecting our customer base from malicious or other adverse, network-impacting traffic outweighs access issues experienced by a few.

Examples include Internet sources or destinations that are major sources of spam and sources that aggressively scan Internet addresses or those that have attempted attacks against T-Mobile infrastructure or customer end-points.

Customers may block use of certain Internet sites or the Internet generally on individual lines

Qualifications & exceptions

• The commitment is limited to lawful traffic and does not apply to blocking that is part of a customer-chosen service.
• T-Mobile may decide that protecting customers from malicious or adverse, network-impacting traffic outweighs access issues for a few.

Not stated here

• The examples are introduced with "Examples include", so the page does not list every case in which T-Mobile will make this judgment.

Cross-references

• refers to (model-proposed): Customers may block certain sites, or the internet generally, on individual lines — The no-blocking commitment excludes customer-chosen services; customers' ability to block sites on individual lines is the customer choice the page describes.

Use & Processing · Company practice

T-Mobile manages congestion with content-agnostic practices such as caching less data and video optimization

T-Mobile says it engineers its network for consistent high-speed data, but where and when customers exceed available network resources they will experience reduced data speeds. To give the best experience to the most customers on T-Mobile-branded plans, it applies network management practices on a content-agnostic basis. Its examples are caching less data, prioritizing the data usage of non-Heavy Data Users, and video optimization.

Supporting quotations

but at times and at locations where the number of customers using the network exceeds available network resources, customers will experience reduced data speeds.

To provide the best possible experience for the most possible customers on their T-Mobile-branded plans, we implement network management practices on a content-agnostic basis. Examples include caching less data, prioritizing data usage of non-Heavy Data Users, and video optimization.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies at times and locations where customers using the network exceed available network resources.
• Described for customers on their T-Mobile-branded plans.
• The examples are introduced with "Examples include", so the list is not stated to be complete.

Not stated here

• Practices other than the three examples are not named in this passage.

Use & Processing · Company commitment

T-Mobile says its network management practices do not discriminate against competing offerings

T-Mobile says the network management practices described in this passage do not discriminate, on the basis of competition, against offerings that might compete with those of T-Mobile or any T-Mobile affiliate.

Supporting quotations

These practices do not discriminate against offerings that might compete against those offered by T-Mobile or any T-Mobile affiliate on the basis of such competition.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Stated for "these practices", meaning the network management practices described in the same paragraph.

Not stated here

• The statement does not address practices described elsewhere on the page, such as prioritized calling-related services.

Use & Processing · Company practice

T-Mobile addresses priority needs of emergency and national security authorities, which can affect other users

T-Mobile also addresses the priority needs of emergency communications, law enforcement, public safety, critical infrastructure or national security authorities, consistent with or as permitted by applicable law. This may affect other users' service during congestion, such as during a natural disaster or other emergency.

Supporting quotations

T-Mobile also addresses the priority needs of emergency communications, law enforcement, public safety, critical infrastructure, or national security authorities, consistent with or as permitted by applicable law. This may impact other users’ service during times of congestion, such as during a natural disaster or other emergency.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Done consistent with or as permitted by applicable law.
• The effect on other users is described as possible and arising during times of congestion.

Not stated here

• The page does not describe how this priority is applied beyond the services listed elsewhere.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Data is prioritized by plan and brand, with Heavy Data Users on mobile plans prioritized lower

T-Mobile prioritizes network data by plan and brand. Data for customers on most T-Mobile-branded plans is prioritized before data for customers on Essentials plans and on Metro by T-Mobile or Assurance Wireless-branded plans. Certain mobile internet plans with 30GB or more per month, Project 10Million and some other education-focused mobile internet plans are prioritized next. The vast majority of customers on T-Mobile-branded, Metro by T-Mobile-branded and Assurance Wireless-branded plans receive higher priority than Mobile Wireless customers who are Heavy Data Users, who are prioritized with T-Mobile Home Internet customers after exceeding the relevant threshold for the current billing cycle.

Supporting quotations

We prioritize network data by plan and brand to deliver a range of customer choice points at great values.

Data for customers on most T-Mobile-branded plans is prioritized before the data of customers on Essentials plans and Metro by T-Mobile or Assurance Wireless-branded plans.

Mobile internet plans currently offered after with 30GB or more data per month, and Project 10Million, and some other education-focused mobile internet plans are prioritized next.

The vast majority of customers on T-Mobile-branded, Metro by T-Mobile-branded, and Assurance Wireless-branded plans receive higher priority than Mobile Wireless customers who are Heavy Data Users on their rate plan—who are prioritized with our T-Mobile Home Internet customers after exceeding the relevant threshold for the current billing cycle.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The first tier applies to most T-Mobile-branded plans, not all.
• The Heavy Data User ranking applies after the customer exceeds the relevant threshold for the current billing cycle.
• The final ranking is stated for the vast majority of customers on T-Mobile-, Metro- and Assurance Wireless-branded plans.

Not stated here

• The sentence "Mobile internet plans currently offered after with 30GB or more data per month" is worded in a way that is hard to parse and is quoted as written.
• The word "next" does not say which tier the mobile internet and education plans follow.
• The page does not say how T-Mobile-branded plans that are not covered by "most" are ranked.
• The page does not list which plans are Essentials plans.

Use & Processing · Company practice

T-Mobile Home Internet is generally prioritized like Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users; new heavy users go last

In general, T-Mobile Home Internet customers, available in select locations, receive the same network prioritization as Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users. As of January 18, 2024, new Home Internet customers who exceed 1.2TB of data in the current billing cycle are Home Internet Heavy Data Users and will be prioritized last on the network. T-Mobile says that because Home Internet equipment is meant to be stationary and is available only in limited areas, these customers should be less likely to notice congestion in general.

Supporting quotations

In general, T-Mobile Home Internet (available in select locations) customers receive the same network prioritization as Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users. As of January 18, 2024, new T-Mobile Home Internet customers who exceed 1.2TB of data usage for the current billing cycle are Home Internet Heavy Data Users who will be prioritized last on the network.

Because T-Mobile Home Internet equipment is intended to be stationary and is only available in limited areas, these customers should be less likely to notice congestion in general.

As of January 18, 2024, new T-Mobile Home Internet customers using more than 1.2TB of data in a billing cycle are also considered Heavy Data Users.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The 1.2TB rule applies as of January 18, 2024 and to new T-Mobile Home Internet customers.
• The 1.2TB threshold is measured over the current billing cycle.
• Home Internet is available in select locations.

Not stated here

• The page does not say how Home Internet customers who were not "new" as of January 18, 2024 are classified beyond the general statement.
• "Prioritized last" is not tied to a stated position relative to Mobile Wireless Heavy Data Users, who are said to be prioritized with Home Internet customers.

Use & Processing · Company practice

During congestion, customers with lower priority may see significantly reduced speeds

Where the network is lightly loaded, a customer whose data is prioritized higher will notice little, if any, effect from the higher priority, which the page says is the case in the vast majority of times and locations. Where the network is heavily loaded, customers prioritized lower than others will likely see significant reductions in data speeds, especially during data-intensive activities, and speeds may occasionally fall below those typically experienced on the 5G or 4G networks, including a greater likelihood of speeds in the lower end of the ranges. Impacts may be more frequent for some video streaming, file downloads and other high-bandwidth activities. Speeds will likely improve when loading falls or the customer moves to a less loaded location.

Supporting quotations

Where the network is lightly loaded in relation to available capacity, a customer whose data is prioritized higher than other traffic will notice little, if any, effect from having higher priority. This will be the case in the vast majority of times and locations.

At times and at locations where the network is heavily loaded in relation to available capacity, these customers will likely see significant reductions in data speeds, especially if they are engaged in data-intensive activities.

Customers should be aware that these practices may occasionally result in speeds below those typically experienced on our 5G or 4G networks, including a greater likelihood of reduced speeds in the lower end of the speed ranges.

When network loading goes down or the customer moves to a location that is less heavily loaded in relation to available capacity, the customer's speeds will likely improve.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Reductions are described as likely during heavy loading in relation to available capacity, not as certain.
• Constrained locations may be heavily loaded more often than others.

Not stated here

• The page does not say how much slower "significant reductions" are.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Calling-related and public safety services share the network and are given priority over other traffic

T-Mobile says it offers other services that use the same network infrastructure and resources as its broadband internet access services and are given priority over other traffic. These currently include calling-related services (VOIP, VoNR, VoLTE and ViLTE) and data priority for Wireless Priority Service. More services may be added, for example to serve other public safety needs or organizations designated by the Department of Homeland Security for critical infrastructure. These services may affect the availability of network resources for broadband internet access services and enterprise offerings, which may be noticeable in times of congestion.

Supporting quotations

Additionally, T-Mobile offers other services to its customers that use the same network infrastructure and resources as its broadband internet access services and are given priority over other traffic on the network. These other services currently include calling-related services like Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), Voice over new radio (VoNR), Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Video over LTE (ViLTE), and data priority for

More services may be added, such as to serve other public safety needs or organizations designated by the Department of Homeland Security for critical infrastructure. These services may affect the availability of network resources for broadband internet access services and enterprise offerings, which may be noticeable in times of congestion.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The listed services are the ones that are "currently" given priority; more may be added.
• The effect on broadband internet access services may be noticeable in times of congestion.

Not stated here

• The page does not say how much capacity these services use or how often they are given priority.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): T-Mobile says its own preloaded products get no traffic precedence over other applications — One answer says T-Mobile does not prioritize traffic on the basis of who created the application, including its own preloaded products. A later passage says T-Mobile's own calling-related services use the same network and are given priority over other traffic. The page treats these as different things (applications versus calling-related and public safety services) and does not reconcile them; the tension is recorded as a reviewed contrast, not a finding that either is wrong.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Wireless Priority Service traffic may preempt other traffic and interrupt an active session

T-Mobile says Wireless Priority Service traffic may preempt other traffic during times of extreme congestion, which means that in rare cases it may interrupt an active data or voice session to support public safety or critical infrastructure needs.

Supporting quotations

Similarly, Wireless Priority Service traffic may preempt other traffic during times of extreme congestion, which means that, in rare cases, we may interrupt an active data or voice session to support public safety or critical infrastructure needs.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies during times of extreme congestion.
• Described as happening in rare cases.

Not stated here

• The page does not say whether a customer is notified when a session is interrupted.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Heavy Data Users are prioritized below other customers where there is competing demand

T-Mobile manages significant high-speed data usage on the vast majority of its plans through prioritization. Heavy Data Users, as defined by the customer's rate plan, have their data usage, including tethering, prioritized below the usage of other customers at times and locations where customers compete for network resources, which may result in slower speeds. At the start of the next bill cycle the customer's usage status is reset and the traffic is no longer prioritized below other traffic.

Supporting quotations

we manage significant high-speed data usage on the vast majority of our plans through prioritization. Heavy Data Users (as defined by a customer’s rate plan) will have their data usage prioritized below the data usage (including tethering) of other customers at times and at locations where there are competing customer demands for network resources. This may result in slower data speeds.

At the start of the next bill cycle, the customer's usage status is reset, and this data traffic is no longer prioritized below other traffic.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies at times and at locations where there are competing customer demands for network resources.
• Covers the vast majority of plans, not all; some plans are not subject to a threshold (see the definition of Heavy Data User).
• Status resets at the start of the next bill cycle.

Not stated here

• The page says slower speeds "may" result and does not say how large the reduction is.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Some zero-rated data, tethering and rule-breaking usage are treated specially in the Heavy Data User count

For the Heavy Data User calculation, customers who use data in violation of their Rate Plan terms or T-Mobile's Terms and Conditions may be excluded. Data features that may not count against the high-speed allotment on some plans, such as certain data associated with Music Freedom or Binge On, still count toward all customers' usage for this calculation. Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (tethering) data is also included. Data used for customer service applications, such as the T-Mobile My Account app, does not count toward customers' usage for this calculation.

Supporting quotations

Customers who use data in violation of their Rate Plan terms or T-Mobile's Terms and Conditions may be excluded from this calculation.

Data features that may not count against the high-speed data allotment for some plans, such as certain data associated with Music Freedom, or Binge On, still count towards all customers' usage for this calculation. Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (tethering) data is also included in this calculation.

Data used for customer service applications, such as the T-Mobile My Account app does not count towards customers' usage for this calculation.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Exclusion of customers who violate Rate Plan terms or the Terms and Conditions is stated as "may".
• Music Freedom and Binge On data still count even if it does not count against a high-speed allotment.

Not stated here

• The page does not say what it means for a violating customer to be "excluded from this calculation" or whether that helps or hurts the customer.
• A later passage lists the T-Life app among customer service applications whose data does not count against high-speed allotments; this passage names the My Account app for exclusion from the Heavy Data User count and does not name the T-Life app.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): Customers on limited plans can still be Heavy Data Users because some data does not count against the allotment — One passage says data used for customer service applications such as the My Account app does not count toward the Heavy Data User calculation. Another lists the T-Life app and other customer service applications among data that does not count against high-speed allotments, and says limited-plan customers can still be Heavy Data Users because of such data. The page does not say whether T-Life data counts toward the Heavy Data User calculation; the tension is recorded as a reviewed contrast.

Use & Processing · User right or choice

Customers can run automatic updates over Wi-Fi to help avoid the Heavy Data User practice

To help avoid application of this practice and reduce mobile data consumption, T-Mobile says customers can set automatic updating of apps, podcasts and file downloads to run off Wi-Fi, and should connect to Wi-Fi to update applications and system periodically.

Supporting quotations

To help avoid application of this practice, and reduce mobile data consumption, customers can set automatic updating of apps, podcasts, and file downloads to run off Wi-Fi

Qualifications & exceptions

• Offered as a way to help avoid the practice, not a guarantee of avoiding it.

Use & Processing · Restriction or exception

The Heavy Data User term does not apply to Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX or some business plans

The term Heavy Data User does not apply to customers on Go5G Next, Go5G Plus and Magenta MAX plans, described as a customer choice T-Mobile offers while it explores the expanding capacity of its 5G network, or to a small number of T-Mobile-branded business and government-oriented plans, which are not subject to a threshold.

Supporting quotations

The term "Heavy Data User" does not apply to customers on Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, and Magenta MAX plans (a customer choice we are offering as we explore the expanding capacity of our 5G network), or on a small number of T-Mobile-branded business and government-oriented plans, which are not subject to a threshold.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies to customers on Go5G Next, Go5G Plus and Magenta MAX plans and a small number of T-Mobile-branded business and government-oriented plans.

Not stated here

• The page does not name the business and government-oriented plans.
• The page describes the Go5G Next, Go5G Plus and Magenta MAX arrangement as a choice offered while T-Mobile explores 5G capacity and does not say it is permanent.

Cross-references

• exception to (model-proposed): A Heavy Data User is generally a customer using more than 50GB or 100GB in a billing cycle — The Heavy Data User definition is stated for most T-Mobile-branded rate plans; this passage says the term does not apply to Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX and a small number of business and government-oriented plans.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Customers on limited plans can still be Heavy Data Users because some data does not count against the allotment

Customers on some limited high-speed plans may still have extremely high usage and be Heavy Data Users in certain circumstances, including where the plan gives access to significant amounts of data that does not count against the high-speed allotment. The page lists features such as Music Freedom, some Binge On content on qualifying rate plans, data used by certain T-Mobile customer service applications such as the T-Life app, and the federal telehealth VA Video Connect app, which do not count against high-speed allotments when detected by the network. T-Mobile says some network management is still required because very heavy usage at times and places of competing demand can affect other customers.

Supporting quotations

Customers on some limited high-speed plans may still have extremely high data usage and be Heavy Data Users under certain circumstances, including if their plan enables access to significant amounts of data that does not count against their high-speed data allotment.

Certain features, such as Music Freedom and some Binge On content on qualifying rate plans, data used by certain T-Mobile customer service applications, such as the T-Life app, and the federal telehealth VA Video Connect app, do not count against high-speed data allotments when detected by our network.

some network management for these scenarios is still required because very heavy data usage at times and places of competing network demands can affect the network performance for other customers.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Described as occurring "under certain circumstances".
• Listed data does not count against allotments only "when detected by our network".

Not stated here

• The page does not say whether data from the listed applications counts toward the Heavy Data User threshold; another passage says customer service application data (naming the My Account app) does not count toward that calculation.

Cross-references

• contrast (model-proposed): Some zero-rated data, tethering and rule-breaking usage are treated specially in the Heavy Data User count — One passage says data used for customer service applications such as the My Account app does not count toward the Heavy Data User calculation. Another lists the T-Life app and other customer service applications among data that does not count against high-speed allotments, and says limited-plan customers can still be Heavy Data Users because of such data. The page does not say whether T-Life data counts toward the Heavy Data User calculation; the tension is recorded as a reviewed contrast.

Use & Processing · Company practice

T-Mobile uses streaming video optimization that can deliver video at lower resolution

T-Mobile uses streaming video optimization technology, which it says improves overall data usage management and gives other customers greater speeds and throughput because less network capacity is used for video. For customers on limited high-speed plans, optimization also helps them stretch their high-speed data while streaming. For video that the provider has not already optimized, T-Mobile adjusts the delivery rate, so the video arrives in lower resolutions and uses less data.

Supporting quotations

T-Mobile uses streaming video optimization technology.

For video that is not self-optimized by the video provider, we adjust the delivery rate for streaming video, which causes the video to be delivered in lower resolutions and to use less data.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Adjustment applies to video that is not self-optimized by the video provider.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Optimization applies to streams identified as video, regardless of content, and cannot catch some video

Video optimization occurs only for data streams that T-Mobile's packet-core network identifies as video or where the video provider has chosen to self-optimize. Some video, such as video consumed through a VPN, Apple Private Relay or while tethering, may be hard to identify and therefore cannot be optimized. The process applies to content identified as video regardless of the content itself or the website providing it, and T-Mobile says it may affect how the video appears on the device.

Supporting quotations

Video optimization occurs only for data streams that are identified by our packet-core network as video or where the video provider has chosen to establish protocols to self-optimize its video.

Some videos, like those consumed via VPN, Apple Private Relay, or while tethering, may be difficult to identify as video and therefore cannot be optimized.

The streaming video optimization process applies to content identified as video, regardless of the content itself or the website that provides it. While many changes to streaming video files are likely to be indiscernible, the optimization process may impact the appearance of the streaming video as displayed on a user's device.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Only for streams identified as video by the packet-core network, or where the provider has chosen to self-optimize.
• Video through a VPN, Apple Private Relay or tethering may not be identifiable.

Use & Processing · Company practice

Video file downloads may be treated as streams; content providers can opt in to avoid it

In some instances video optimization may identify and treat downloads of video files as if they were video streams. T-Mobile offers content providers a way to opt in to a protocol that helps identify video downloads so that they are not treated as streaming video.

Supporting quotations

In some instances, video optimization may also identify and treat downloads of video files as if they were video streams. However, T-Mobile offers content providers a way to opt-in to a protocol to help identify video downloads to ensure they are not treated as streaming video.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Described as happening "in some instances".
• The opt-in is offered to content providers, not to customers.

Not stated here

• The page does not say whether a customer can avoid optimization of a downloaded video file other than through the provider's opt-in.

Use & Processing · Company practice

On the cellular network, optimized video is delivered at SD quality, up to 2.5 Mbps

When connected to the cellular network, video streaming optimization delivers an SD-quality video experience, up to 2.5 Mbps, instead of a higher resolution version such as HD (typically 1080p) or Ultra HD (maximum 4K), which T-Mobile says is better suited to larger screens.

Supporting quotations

Video streaming optimization, when connected to the cellular network, delivers a SD-quality (up to 2.5 Mbps) video experience instead of a higher resolution version (e.g. HD, typically 1080p or Ultra HD, max 4K), which is better suited for larger screens.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies when connected to the cellular network.
• Applies to video that is optimized; video that is not identified or is self-optimized by the provider is handled as described elsewhere.

Use & Processing · Restriction or exception

Video optimization is not applied on Wi-Fi connections to non-T-Mobile networks

T-Mobile says video optimization is not applied when a device uses Wi-Fi to connect to a non-T-Mobile network.

Supporting quotations

Video optimization is not applied when a device is using Wi-Fi to connect to a non-T-Mobile network.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies when the device connects over Wi-Fi to a non-T-Mobile network.

Not stated here

• The page does not say whether optimization applies on T-Mobile's own Wi-Fi services.

Use & Processing · Restriction or exception

Binge On does not apply to providers that self-optimize or opt out, so data use continues as if it were off

Some video providers may choose to self-optimize their video content or opt out of the Binge On program. For these providers' video services the Binge On optimization technology is not applied, and high-speed data consumption continues as if Binge On were not enabled.

Supporting quotations

Some video providers may choose to self-optimize their video content or opt-out of the Binge On program

The Binge On optimization technology is not applied to the video services of these providers and high-speed data consumption will continue as if Binge On were not enabled.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies to video providers that have chosen to self-optimize or opt out of Binge On.

Not stated here

• The listing of providers is linked but not supplied here.
• The phrase "high-speed data consumption will continue as if Binge On were not enabled" is not further explained; read literally, the customer's data use for those providers is counted as it would be without Binge On.

Use & Processing · Company practice

On-device data is prioritized over tethering data when the network is congested

Some high-speed smartphone plans include an allotment for Smartphone Mobile HotSpot tethering, which T-Mobile permits under the terms, conditions and allotments of the plan. Because significant tethering can affect on-device performance for all customers, T-Mobile prioritizes on-device data over tethering data at times and locations of competing customer demand, which may result in slower tethering speeds. The parenthetical exception lists currently offered mobile internet plans of 30GB or higher, Project 10Million and some other education-focused mobile internet plans, home broadband and Heavy Data Users.

Supporting quotations

Some high-speed smartphone data plans include a data allotment for Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (tethering). While we permit tethering pursuant to the terms, conditions, and allotments of your data plan, significant tethering) usage can affect on-device network performance for all customers.

we prioritize on-device data (except that of our currently offered mobile internet plans 30GB or higher, our Project 10Million and some other education-focused mobile internet plans, home broadband, and Heavy Data Users, as described above) over tethering data at times and at locations where there are competing customer demands for network resources, which may result in slower tethering speeds.

is defined as a customer using more than a set amount of data on a billing cycle (generally 50GB or 100GB)

Qualifications & exceptions

• Applies at times and at locations where there are competing customer demands for network resources.
• Tethering is permitted pursuant to the terms, conditions and allotments of the data plan.
• The prioritization has exceptions for the plans and users listed in the parenthetical.

Not stated here

• The wording is loosely drafted (it includes a stray closing parenthesis after "tethering"); read literally, the on-device data of the listed plans and of Heavy Data Users is not given priority over tethering data.
• "Heavy Data Users, as described above" refers to the definition and thresholds set out in an earlier section.

Use & Processing · Context

Many factors affect the speed and performance customers experience

T-Mobile lists factors that affect speed and performance, including the programs running on the device, proximity to and capacity of the cell site, weather, terrain, use inside a building or moving vehicle, radio frequency interference, how many others are using the same spectrum, any high-speed data allotment, video optimization, the plan and features selected, and uses that affect network prioritization such as tethering or being a Heavy Data User. Devices also have varying speed capabilities and may connect to different networks depending on technology.

Supporting quotations

Many factors affect the speed and performance customers experience, including the programs or services running on the device, proximity to a cell site, the capacity of the cell site, weather, the surrounding terrain, use inside a building or moving vehicle, radio frequency interference, how many other customers are attempting to use the same spectrum resources, any high-speed data allotment, video optimization, the rate plans or features you select, and uses that affect your network prioritization, such as whether you are using Smartphone Mobile HotSpot (tethering) or if you are a Heavy Data User.

Customer devices also have varying speed capabilities and may connect to different networks depending on technology.

Qualifications & exceptions

• The list is introduced with "Many factors" and is not stated to be exhaustive.

Use & Processing · Context

Speed is defined as the rate at which a service transmits data

The page defines "speed" as shorthand for the rate at which a broadband Internet access service can transmit data, typically measured in kilobits or megabits per second, and notes that email and basic browsing need less speed than high-definition streaming or large file transfers.

Supporting quotations

The term "speed" is commonly used as a shorthand way to describe the rate at which a particular broadband Internet access service can transmit data. This rate (or speed) is typically measured in the number of kilobits or megabits transmitted in one second (Kbps or Mbps).

Use & Processing · Context

Latency is the round-trip time for a data packet, usually in milliseconds

The page defines latency, also called delay, as the time from when a data packet is sent to when it is received. For Broadband Internet Access Services it is the round-trip time between two endpoints on the Internet, usually expressed in milliseconds. Applications such as email tolerate substantial latency, while real-time video conferencing needs lower latency to work properly.

Supporting quotations

Latency, also known as delay, is the amount of time from when a data packet is sent to when it is received. For Broadband Internet Access Services, latency is the round-trip time it takes for a data packet to travel between two endpoints on the Internet (from point A to point B and then back to point A) and is usually expressed in milliseconds ("ms").

Some applications, such as email, can tolerate a substantial amount of latency without any noticeable impact on the application's performance, while other applications, such as real-time video conferencing, require lower latency to function properly.

Use & Processing · Company practice

A device may show 5G while temporarily using only 4G LTE because of dual connectivity

T-Mobile says devices on its nationwide 5G network may in some areas use both 4G LTE and 5G signals and dynamically route traffic between them. This dual connectivity could lead to a device showing a 5G connection while temporarily using only 4G LTE. T-Mobile adds that as 5G technology develops, devices will be able to experience direct and continuous 5G in more places.

Supporting quotations

As noted above, devices operating on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network may, in some areas, use both 4G LTE and 5G signals and dynamically route traffic between the signals to support your connectivity. The network architecture providing dual connectivity could result in instances where your device indicates a 5G connection, even though you are temporarily utilizing only 4G LTE.

Qualifications & exceptions

• Happens in some areas.
• The device may indicate 5G while only 4G LTE is temporarily in use.

Not stated here

• The page does not say how a customer can tell when only 4G LTE is in use.