What T-Mobile does

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is a Bellevue, Washington-headquartered wireless carrier majority-owned by Deutsche Telekom AG (~53% stake), serving US consumer and business customers across postpaid, prepaid (Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile), fixed wireless home internet, fiber (via the EQT-Lumos JV targeting 3.5 million homes by 2028), and emerging satellite connectivity (T-Satellite via Starlink). The company's core technology stack rests on a 5G mid-band spectrum portfolio of 250+ MHz—roughly 100 MHz more than AT&T or Verizon—which underpins Ookla's "Best Mobile Network in the U.S." recognition (81.52 connectivity score, fastest in 46 states) and 5G Standalone architecture with emerging network slicing.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring monthly subscriptions on tiered postpaid plans (Experience Beyond, Experience More, Essentials) priced with AutoPay discounts and 5-year price guarantees, supplemented by prepaid service, device financing, IoT/enterprise services, fixed wireless home internet, and advertising (Octopus Interactive). Distribution combines owned retail, third-party authorized dealers, T-Mobile.com, the T-Life app, and dedicated business sales teams, supported by carrier-switching incentives up to $800/line and a partnership-driven ecosystem (Netflix, Apple, Samsung, Starlink, Delta/Alaska/Hawaiian/Southwest).

Q1 2026 revenue of $23.1 billion (+11% YoY), postpaid net adds of 6%, and ARPA growth of 3.9% YoY reflect a carrier in active share-gain mode, leveraging superior spectrum depth, satellite integration, AI-enabled product features (Live Translation, Scam Shield, T-Platform enterprise services), and an ongoing UScellular integration (2025) that has consolidated the US market back to a three-carrier oligopoly.

Name

T-Mobile

Legal name

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Website

https://t-mobile.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

T-Mobile US (NASDAQ: TMUS) is a Bellevue-headquartered wireless carrier majority-owned by Deutsche Telekom, offering 5G postpaid/prepaid wireless, fixed wireless home internet, fiber, and Starlink-powered satellite service to US consumers, businesses, and government customers, with a 250+ MHz mid-band spectrum lead.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Bellevue

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Postpaid Wireless Service: Monthly recurring subscription revenue from postpaid phone plans (Experience Beyond, Experience More, Essentials), generating the majority of company revenue. Plans include unlimited talk/text/data with tiered features, device financing, and premium entertainment bundles.
2. Prepaid Wireless Service: Prepaid mobile plans through T-Mobile's own prepaid offerings and Mint Mobile subsidiary, targeting cost-conscious consumers with shorter commitment periods.
3. 5G Home Internet: Fixed wireless internet service delivered via 5G cellular network, offering home internet alternatives at competitive pricing with equipment included. Priced at $35/month with AutoPay.
4. Advertising Services: Targeted advertising through Octopus Interactive network of interactive video screens in Uber and Lyft vehicles, reaching broad demographic through rideshare drivers.
5. Device Sales & Financing: Revenue from device sales and installment financing agreements for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other connected devices.
6. IoT and Enterprise Services: Business solutions including mobile device management, IoT connectivity, and network services for enterprise customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

T-Mobile US is a wireless communications carrier that sells mobile voice, messaging, and data service plans on its own 4G LTE and nationwide 5G network to consumers and businesses. Its portfolio includes postpaid and prepaid wireless plans, fixed wireless 5G Home Internet, satellite connectivity (T-Satellite), and enterprise mobile/connectivity solutions. It also offers connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables, and supports sub-brands including Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile.

Product overview

T-Mobile US is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) offering a multi-tier portfolio of consumer and business wireless services. The consumer lineup centers on three Experience postpaid phone plans (Essentials, Experience More, and Experience Beyond), with the Experience tiers bundled with streaming entertainment (Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+), satellite coverage (T-Satellite powered by SpaceX Starlink), and international roaming. T-Mobile also provides fixed wireless home internet (5G Home Internet, Rely Home Internet) and fiber. The company operates sub-brands Metro by T-Mobile (prepaid) and Mint Mobile (discount prepaid), and a B2B division (T-Mobile for Business) offering SuperMobile and SuperBroadband enterprise solutions. Loyalty and membership is anchored by the T-Life app and T-Mobile Tuesdays program, supplemented by Magenta Status member benefits including travel, dining, and entertainment perks. T-Mobile additionally offers financial products (T-Mobile Money, T-Mobile Visa), advertising solutions, the SyncUP KIDS smartwatch, and satellite connectivity. The company also acquired Octopus Interactive for in-vehicle advertising and has partnered with SpaceX for satellite services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mint Mobile: T-Mobile-owned prepaid wireless carrier offering budget-friendly unlimited plans at standardized $15/month pricing
• Metro by T-Mobile
• T-Life
• T-Satellite

Products and services

• Experience Beyond, Experience More, Experience Essentials (postpaid consumer plans)
• 5G Home Internet
• T-Satellite
• SuperMobile (T-Mobile for Business)
• SuperBroadband (T-Mobile for Business)
• Metro by T-Mobile
• Mint Mobile

Quantifiable outcome

• T-Mobile leads as fastest carrier in 46 US states with 81.52 overall connectivity score vs Verizon's 76.57 and AT&T's 74.50
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NokiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Strategic partnership for AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network) technology development. Nvidia invested $1 billion in Nokia at $6.01 per share acquiring 2.9% stake, with T-Mobile signed on for field trials of the jointly developed AI-RAN technology built for AI workloads.
• NvidiacoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Nvidia's Nemotron Large Telco Model (30-billion-parameter) powers Telecom AI Agents technology that T-Mobile is testing. Agents resolve simulated faults five times faster, reduce latency below 10ms, achieve 8% spectrum savings, and 15% energy reduction via intent-driven sleep modes.
• Alaska AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Approximately 150 aircraft in combined Alaska-Hawaiian fleet equipped with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi through Atmos Rewards program. Full fleet installation expected to complete by 2027, with widebody international routes to Seoul, London, Rome, and Tokyo beginning fall.
• Hawaiian AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Entire fleet equipped with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi through Atmos Rewards program for members. First to complete full installation among Alaska-Hawaiian combined fleet.
• GoogleminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Coordinated lawsuit with FBI and major US telecoms groups against Chinese phishing network Outsider Enterprise that distributed phishing kits and sent fake texts impersonating trusted brands including Google.
• TM ForumminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026T-Mobile participates as champion in TM Forum Moonshot Catalyst projects including agentic conflict management for intent-driven telecoms workloads, advancing toward Level 4 autonomous networks.
• Main Street AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Non-profit partner for T-Mobile's Hometown Grants program, reviewing applications and selecting recipients based on community impact and feasibility across rural communities.
• SpaceX (Starlink)coreTechnology or Integration · 23 July 2024SpaceX provides satellite connectivity for T-Mobile's T-Satellite service, enabling texting and select app functionality in cellular dead zones. The service uses Starlink's direct-to-cell technology, with approximately 1.8 million beta testers and commercial rollout including 150 Mbps data plans. SpaceX is reportedly considering launching its own mobile service, potentially making it both partner and future competitor.
• EQTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 April 2024Joint venture with EQT infrastructure fund to acquire fiber platform Lumos for $950 million investment by T-Mobile for 50% stake. Aims to expand fiber internet services across the US and reach 3.5 million homes by 2028.
• Octopus InteractiveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 January 2022Acquired network of interactive video screens inside Uber and Lyft vehicles for targeted advertising services, integrating T-Mobile network with rideshare drivers.
• Delta Air LinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFree in-flight Wi-Fi for T-Mobile customers on Delta flights, plus free premium beverage for linked SkyMiles accounts on eligible Delta flights.
• Southwest AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFree in-flight Wi-Fi partnership through T-Mobile loyalty programs on select Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft.
• NetflixcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNetflix Standard with ads included with qualifying Experience Beyond or Experience More plans. T-Mobile is largest mobile Netflix distributor in US.
• HulucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHulu (With Ads) included with Experience Beyond plan as part of streaming entertainment bundle.
• ApplecoreGTM or Marketing PartneriPhone promotional deals including free iPhone 17 Pro with qualifying plans, Apple TV+ at $3/month with Experience plans, comprehensive device subsidy programs through 24-month bill credits.
• SamsungcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSamsung Galaxy device promotions including free Galaxy S26 Ultra with qualifying plans, Moto Razr Fold at $1,100 discount, and other promotional offers.
• AAA (American Automobile Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne-year Basic or Classic AAA membership included On Us for Experience Beyond, Experience More, and small business plan customers. Auto renews at standard rate after first year.
• Hilton HotelsminorGTM or Marketing Partner15% discount across Hilton portfolio including Waldorf Astoria, Curio Collection, and more for T-Mobile members. Hilton Honors membership required for booking.
• HertzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHertz Five Star Status available On Us through December 31, 2027 for smartphone customers. Elevated loyalty tier with premium benefits.
• USGAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial 5G Network Partner for USGA championships, including major golf tournaments.
• MLS (Major League Soccer)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial wireless partner with free MLB.TV subscription for T-Mobile members, exclusive Club Magenta access, and grand-slam giveaways.
• UmbrominorGTM or Marketing PartnerLimited-edition soccer jersey collection available exclusively to T-Mobile members through T-Life app as part of Member Month celebration, leveraging Umbro's football design heritage.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• AT&T: AT&T is the #3 US wireless carrier with nationwide 5G, postpaid/prepaid consumer plans, fiber broadband, and a major enterprise/wireline business. Direct competitor across consumer wireless, home internet, and enterprise 5G/WAN segments.
• Comcast (Xfinity Mobile): Comcast's Xfinity Mobile is a major cable MVNO competing with T-Mobile in converged broadband+wireless offers. The two are direct competitors for the same multi-line household ARPU, with Comcast leveraging its wireline broadband base for mobile cross-sell.
• Verizon Communications: Verizon is the #2 US wireless carrier and T-Mobile's most direct competitor, with overlapping postpaid/prepaid offerings, nationwide 5G network, and overlapping enterprise and broadband businesses. Direct head-to-head on spectrum, network speed rankings, and customer switching incentives.
• EchoStar Corporation (DISH Network): EchoStar (parent of DISH Network and the former Boost Mobile) was the principal 4th US wireless carrier threat before DISH DBS's June 2026 Chapter 11. EchoStar's spectrum holdings, Boost prepaid brand, and wireless ambitions made it a direct T-Mobile peer; its bankruptcy materially reshapes the competitive landscape.
• Charter Communications (Spectrum Mobile): Charter operates the Spectrum Mobile MVNO on Verizon's network and is a direct competitor in converged broadband+wireless bundles. As a cable operator with growing mobile share, Charter represents the cable MVNO threat that T-Mobile's Lumos fiber and 5G home internet strategy is designed to counter.

Emerging players

• Google Fi: Google Fi is an MVNO leveraging T-Mobile and other carrier networks to deliver consumer wireless with strong international roaming. As a niche consumer wireless offering from a major tech company, Google Fi represents an emerging tech-adjacent competitor with potential cross-promotion through Pixel/Google services.

Regional players

• Rogers Communications: Rogers is a major Canadian wireless, cable, and media company with a postpaid consumer wireless business structurally comparable to T-Mobile. While operating in a different geography, Rogers shares similar business mix (wireless + cable/broadband) and faces analogous competitive dynamics to T-Mobile's US market.

Broad incumbents

• Cox Communications (Cox Mobile): Cox is a large regional US cable operator with a Cox Mobile MVNO offering, competing with T-Mobile in converged broadband+wireless bundles. As an established incumbent cable provider rather than a wireless specialist, Cox represents a regional cable-peer threat similar to Charter and Comcast.
• Altice USA (Optimum Mobile): Altice USA operates Optimum Mobile, a cable MVNO competing with T-Mobile in the Northeast US for converged broadband+wireless households. As a regional cable incumbent with mobile ambitions, Altice is comparable in product offering though materially smaller in scale.
• Lumen Technologies: Lumen is a US fiber and enterprise networking incumbent. While primarily a wireline/enterprise player rather than a consumer wireless competitor, Lumen's enterprise fiber and managed network services overlap with T-Mobile for Business's SuperBroadband and 5G fixed wireless enterprise strategy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TMobile
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TMobile/custom
• Facebookfacebook.com/TMobile
• Instagraminstagram.com/tmobile
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/t-mobile

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds7 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A12 records

Investments12 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about T-Mobile