New and existing Simple Choice subscribers (who just got their data doubled) will see Binge On added for no additional cost when it goes into effect this Sunday, November 15.
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The move by the Bellevue-based carrier is meant to satisfy growing demand for mobile video while stemming the rise in penalties for going over data caps.
Video streams will be limited to “DVD quality” of 480 pixels as part of the program, less than the 1080 pixel standard most users are accustomed to.
YouTube was the most prominent service not included, but T-Mobile Chief Operating Officer Mike Sievert said discussions were ongoing with Alphabet’s Google (GOOGL), which owns YouTube.
T-Mobile is also expanding the amount of high-speed data available for its Simple Choice plans, which until now provided 1, 3 or 5 GB of mobile broadband per month.
Customers consume increasingly more mobile video content, but with “Binge On”, they won’t need to increase their data plans in step with usage or risk paying overage fees.
T-Mobile has announced BingeOn, a new service that allows T-Mobile customers to stream video free from content providers including Netflix, Hulu and HBO Now without worrying about data charges.
T-Mobile customers can also tap into live video streams from Crackle, Encore, Fox Sports, Fox Sports Go, MLB, and others if they subscribe to those services. The carrier is optimizing the video specifically for 480p quality and low bandwidth on small screens.
T-Mobile’s rival wireless carriers have been pushing deeper into the mobile video market, which is expected to drive data wireless traffic growth.
T-Mobile has done its research on this opportunity. Like doubling the data plans they are offering.
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VentureBeat got in touch with T-Mobile, where the Uncarrier’s spokesperson reportedly said that it’s a “win-win” situation. The industry is here to stay so companies are called to compete by introducing new things with faster services, better customer service, and more affordable deals. When T-Mobile launched that service, there were a few concerns that it violated net neutrality by preferring traffic from a few sources over others, but CEO John Legere says both Music Freedom and BingeOn are free for users and free for video providers.
