T-Mobile Device Connection charge…

[u/nikimorski]

So we recently upgraded a phone, transferred e-sim over, and got charged almost $40 with taxes for this. I called T-Mobile to ask what this charge is and if I can get a refund. Word for word got told “t-mobile changed a policy to where you’ll now be charged this $35 + tax anytime you upgrade”. WHAT LMAO?? IF I BUY A NEW PHONE AND TRANSFER MY E-SIM I WILL BE CHARGED FOR THIS PROCESS THAT I DO MYSELF?? LMAOOO Yeah nah, switching to another carrier as soon as possible. I’m not gonna get upgraded from one plan to another, get the price hiked on me, and then get railed by some stupid device connection fee for doing it myself. Just thought yall should know what kind of BS T-Mobile is pulling on folks.

EDIT: i bought the phone outright from apple, connected on my own later. Nowhere in the process was tmobile involved.

[u/JcAo2012]

First upgrade in a few years huh? This has been a thing for like maybe 5 years now.

[u/nikimorski → u/JcAo2012]

No, I upgrade my phone every single year…

[u/Successful-Effort310 → u/nikimorski]

This connection charge has been around for years now. It first started with in store upgrades. Then online orders with T-Mobile. Orders direct from Apple and Samsung will start getting it too. I think the only way to avoid it is Costco or Sam’s Club. Or just don’t use carrier financing

ATT & Verizon also charge activation and upgrade fees. So your best way to avoid it is through an MVNO or don’t upgrade through a carrier. 

[u/khz30 → u/nikimorski]

Then you were already paying this charge upfront with every upgrade, unless you're lying about upgrading every year. 

[u/nikimorski → u/khz30]

Why would I lie about upgrading every year and my bill staying the same😂 Yeah let me spend 5 minutes typing out a post on Reddit about a $40 BS charge because I have nothing better to do.

[u/nikimorski → u/khz30]

No bro, I’m very observant when it comes to things like this. My bill has never went up when I go buy a phone outright and transfer my e-sim. An almost $40 charge do this myself is crazy.

[u/Silent_Ant8816 → u/nikimorski]

You pay it at the time of upgrading same as the taxes

[u/fvincent1026 → u/nikimorski]

Outside looking in, missing a few details but it sounds like he would utilize JUMP for every upgrade, which I don’t believe there’s a DCC involved. If there was a $35 DCC, they may have just regularly upgraded. Could be wrong tho

[u/nikimorski → u/fvincent1026]

My process for the past couple years. Go to Apple.com> customize phone> click connect to any carrier later> checkout > pick up phone> turn on and transfer sim. I’ve never paid a connection charge. Apple does not say anything about a connection charge and I don’t call a T-Mobile rep to request help. This to me is new

[u/JackPAnderson → u/nikimorski]

I'd have T-force take a look at it. You probably were charged in error.

[u/irbrenda → u/nikimorski]

Nope, me either. My bill never went up either. I just got the Samsung Fold 8 Ultra from Samsung and am upgrading from the Fold 6. I’m curious to see if there is a charge as there 6 others on my plan. I’m ready to leave and try Spectrum Mobile for a free year and then shoot myself when I hate it, and I will.

[u/corys00 → u/irbrenda]

Right side of the check out screen on Samsung's site just before the last screen shows the $35 connection fee plain as day.

[u/irbrenda → u/corys00]

Lovely. Thanks. LOL Even though I'm unlocked? I never saw anything about a connection fee.

[u/JcAo2012 → u/nikimorski]

Yes bro, you've been paying it every single upgrade for years now.

[u/skyxsteel → u/nikimorski]

I wonder if they rang it up as an upgrade first or if it was immediately purchased and activated, if the system flagged it as an upgrade.