Skip to main content

T-Mobile to offer free, unlimited data roaming in 100+ countries starting Oct. 31

t mobile fcc 911 fine mobilenetworkimage
Image used with permission by copyright holder

T-Mobile has found another way to differentiate itself from the competition, by not ripping us off when we visit another country and dare to use our phone. Announced at an event in New York this week, T-Mobile will soon allow subscribers on its Simple Choice plans to use their data allowance at no extra cost in more than 100 countries around the world.

International roaming is shockingly expensive. In his typically abrupt way, T-Mobile CEO John Legere said we’re “Forced to pay insanely inflated international connectivity fees,” and coming home to “Bill shock” happens all too often. He also provided some worrying statistics, saying 40 percent of travelers turned off data roaming while abroad, but 20 percent didn’t know how to do so, leaving 40 percent who choose to pay the potentially massive costs, often because they don’t know or have time to figure out the alternative.

Recommended Videos

T-Mobile wants more customers. The new option doesn’t require activating or an extra charge; it’ll just work starting October 31. At this time, Simple Choice subscribers – personal and business – will have unlimited data and texts when they visit one of 100 countries – referred to as Simple Global countries – plus a flat rate of $0.20 per minute for voice calls.

How can it afford to do this? According to NBC News, Legere says its subscribers don’t use their phones internationally very often, so it’s easily inside the terms it has set with international networks, even with the expected influx of new members. Plus, T-Mobile offers high-speed roaming plans, which cost extra per month, where it may claw some money back.

Additionally, T-Mobile has introduced Stateside International Talk & Text, which will suit those who aren’t traveling, but still want to call or text international numbers. It’s an extra $10 per month for Simple Choice customers, and sets a ceiling of $0.20 per minute for calls to all the countries on the Simple Global list, including mobile-to-mobile calls. Most landline calls will be covered under the unlimited banner, and texts are covered, too.

Finally, T-Mobile has jumped on the celebrity endorsement bandwagon, joining everyone from BlackBerry to Intel. To show off its new plans, it employed Shakira. Shakira is quoted as saying, “I’m excited to partner with T-Mobile and look forward to being able to share my music in new and innovative ways.” Of course you do, Shakira.

T-Mobile’s unlimited roaming plan comes online October 31, and a list of the eligible countries can be found here.

Andy Boxall
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
I’ve had the iPhone 16 Pro for over a month. Here’s why I still love it
White Titanium iPhone 16 Pro sitting on blankets with heart pillows behind.

Apple made quite a splash this year with the iPhone 16 lineup. In fact, the base model iPhone 16 appeared to be the star of the show, with phenomenal colors and even more Pro-level features than ever before. And whether you love it or hate it, the new vertical camera layout breathes some fresh life into the phone.

But I didn’t go for the base model this year, even though I really wanted a pink iPhone. Instead, I went with the iPhone 16 Pro, as drab as it may look compared to the iPhone 16. I was excited about some new features, but then I initially had some second thoughts after the first few days.

Read more
The hidden benefit of wearing smart rings
A person holding the RingConn Smart Ring and Oura Ring.

The temptation to upgrade any piece of mobile technology annually is always there, as new versions and updates are introduced regularly. It’s always great to have the latest model, but it's expensive, slightly wasteful, and becoming more unnecessary all the time to change regularly. You're a lot stronger than I am if you can resist the siren call.

What is there to do? If you want to get off the expensive tech upgrade train, you need to buy a product that will last and take years to be genuinely superseded. What you need is a smart ring, as I think it’s the most consumer-friendly piece of wearable tech we’ve seen yet. It's not an immediately obvious thing, but here's why I think it's absolutely true.
A consumer-friendly wearable
Oura Ring 4 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more
There’s new evidence that Samsung is making a Galaxy S25 Slim
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Could the next big smartphone war be about who can make the thinnest device? Increasingly, it's looking that way.

Industry reports suggest Samsung is working on an ultrathin version of its upcoming Galaxy S25 flagship that could launch in 2025. The rumored timing would put it just months ahead of Apple's long-rumored "iPhone 17 Slim,” expected later that same year.

Read more