**Larger picture below**
I’ll admit that when the wraps were finally taken off of T-Mobile’s project dark late last year, I was disappointed. Ok, I was really disappointed. Cheaper rate plans with added value across the board are more than welcome. But as much as I like to save a buck here and there, I’m a gadget guy motivated by glistening black plastic and touchable glass. For that, cheaper rate plans were a major let down. Not to mention, the lack of any HSPA+ upgrade announcement at the time was equally depressing.
T-Mobile may resurrect themselves however as new shots of a rekindled “Dark Project” (same Project Dark?) and accompanying training for employees has been caught floating through internal business channels. Thanks to TmoNews we can clearly see increased attention being paid to Dark Project starting on February 17th and lasting into the early weeks of March.
The main difference this time is that instead of focusing on infrastructure, this Dark Project II will be all about phones baby — or so we hope. The launch of the Motorola Zeppelin is pretty much confirmed for March 10th. Likewise, we’ve known of a T-Mobile USA bound HTC HD2 for awhile now. Adding all the pieces together paints a pretty clear picture of what T-Mobile is so eager to train their employees for come spring time.
I for one am pretty excited to see what Project Dark/Dark Project has in store for us consumers…again. Anyone else waiting with abated breath?
PhoneArena >
TmoNews
T-mobile’s Project Dark has been quite the talk of the town these past few weeks especially after the prices leaked earlier last week. Those leaked prices were in fact legit as T-Mobile has gone ahead and acknowledged the Project Dark pricing and details on their website. The only thing that hasn’t been announced or revealed yet *fingers still crossed* is that of a rapid 3G expansion or ‘ol flip of the switch on their 21Mbps HSPA+ network that they’ve been caught bragging about once or twice. There is still time…
After having a few days to let the details soak in and crunch the numbers, how are you feeling with Project Dark and TMO’s new direction?
Androinica > TmoNews > @ERK > T-Mobile
I know all you want to see is pictures and prices so I’ll get on with it. You might or may not be a tad disappointed. I on the other hand am pretty excited. If the wifey and I go with a 500 minute + unlimited text + web family plan on a contractual agreement, we’re looking at a mere $109/month. That may sound like a lot. Mind you it’s for two lines and is a much better price than we would get on either Verizon or AT&T. How is your setup going to fair?
Looks like I got a bit too excited. The confusion comes from the fact that non-contract pricing is cheaper per month. Under this, it would make more sense for the wifey and I to go contract free so that we could escape with that $109/month price. Going the normal route jumps us up to $139. Sorry for (1) misinterpreting and (2) getting your hopes up. The $109 quoted price is for a family plan w/ no yearly contract and includes 750 minutes + unlimited text + unlimited web for two lines. Again, my bad.
Even More: 2 year contract w/ handset subsidies
Even More Plus: Contract Free — Flex Pay — Installment based payments on handsets
**Bigger pictures immediately below
For the solo artists, the $80/month Even More plan (with subsidy and two year contract) that includes 500 minutes and unlimited text and talk is pretty decent if you ask me. In comparison, my solo iPhone contract on AT&T with 450 minutes, unlimited text, and the data plan is $95/month. I hate talking on the phone and try to avoid it as much as possible. Because of that, the lowest minutes plan is perfect for me. Of course, everyone is different and your mileage may vary.
If you’re the family type, the $10/month just for each additional line is still a disappointment. Though there are deals to be had here as well. In particular, non-talkers with equally silent companions will find that the 500 minute Even More plan w/ unlimited text and web at $109/month is quite a bargain. To remind you, that’s practically my bill on AT&T for my iPhone with less minutes and occupied by myself. How’s it looking for you?
As mentioned before, I got too excited and got confused. *hangs head in embarrassment and shame.* Now that I really see the price structure, the luster is still sorta here and sorta not. Question still stands — what’s your take?
Engadget > TMO News
