AT&T Pulls Plug on Big Offer to Switch from T-Mobile

It was just under a month ago when we first noted that AT&T was ready to shell out some big money to get users to make the switch from T-Mobile to AT&T instead, and the plan raised quite a few eyebrows from those interested in making such a move. But a new report says that, for those who resisted this long, the point is now moot as the offer is no longer available.

The original deal called for AT&T to offer $250 to current T-Mobile customers, along with another $200 for a phone trade-in, for making the switch to AT&T from the so-called “uncarrier” T-Mobile. But that particular package is now gone, described by an AT&T spokesperson as a limited-time promotion as opposed to a new way of life. AT&T did, however, note other promotions coming into play, promotions sadly not as robust as the previous. Specifically, there's a $100 credit available for each new line for new or current customers, as well as the very recent introduction of new contracts for both small businesses and families, with savings ranging from $40 to $100 a month based on the current Mobile Share plan in place.

T-Mobile's CEO, John Legere, took to Twitter in the wake of the shut down promotion to offer up a bit of commentary on the promotions offered at AT&T, saying in a tweet: “That was quick! @ATT already revoking the $450 bribe to @TMobile customers? People weren't falling for it, were they #Randall? #doingitwrong.”

The mobile carrier market these days has had plenty going on, and like any market with plenty of competition, there have been attempts on all sides to draw new business and draw business away from said competition. While this particular attempt to draw business might have been a little more pointed than the ordinary, what with its ultra-specific targeting and all, it's really nothing that hasn't been at least considered before. After all, who would think twice about a Ford dealership offering an extra $500 to trade in a Chrysler? Not so long ago, Microsoft looked to offer up a trade-in event, offering credit on an Xbox One for not just the Xbox 360, but the PlayStation 3 as well.

Given the sheer number of advances that T-Mobile has made in the field, it would make sense for AT&T to be likewise aggressive in terms of its promotional efforts to get new users into the fold. With Verizon on one side, and Sprint and T-Mobile on the other, AT&T must work hard to keep its current numbers and to attract new users as well. This promotion was just an example of that need being expressed. We've got plenty more great video on AT&T and other subjects at this link.

Still, with this promotion down and the new promotions representing less value than the previous—at least under some circumstances—this may impact AT&T's own figures in the long run. While only time will tell just how much impact the new promotions have, it looks like AT&T will need to keep heavily promoting its product line to keep the users in place, as will the rest of the competition.