AppleInsider Staff
Ahead of T-Mobile's "Un-Carrier 5.0" event on Wednesday, CEO John Legere said his company is partnering with Apple to give potential customers a free iPhone 5s with unlimited data to "test drive" on its network for one week.
In an interview with Re/code, Legere outlined the "7-night stand" program, saying users simply sign up online, use the phone for a week and return it to a any T-Mobile store once the trial period is over. The company plans to have the initiative up and running next week.
"You (can) have a 7-night stand," Legere said. "You cheat on your carrier and it's free."
The T-Mobile chief estimates more than one million people will take advantage of the offer within the first year of availability. According to the publication, Apple is supplying "tens of thousands" of iPhone 5s units to the carrier as part of the partnership.
Additionally, when Apple releases the next iPhone, T-Mobile will upgrade the offer to whatever the latest models handset is available.
Those interested in taking up T-Mobile on its 7-night stand offer can visit t-mobile.com/testdrive on the company's website starting June 23. The sign-up process requires a valid credit card before the unit ships and potential customers are allowed one test drive period per year.
Malcolm Owen
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36 Comments
Can, but how many will? T-Mobile just created a job market for thousands of muscular "repo" men.
[quote name="Tallest Skil" url="/t/180794/t-mobile-to-offer-free-week-long-iphone-5s-test-drive-to-nab-potential-customers#post_2552487"] Can, but how many will? T-Mobile just created a job market for thousands of muscular "repo" men. [/quote]Not sure how well they thought that threw, can see 100s stolen now daily.
Uh, a credit or debit card is necessary for the test drive. Just like a rental car.
Here's the exact language from the T-Mobile site:
Do I neet a credit card to participate?
"Yes, to ensure the devices are returned, we’ll hold a credit or debit card that will be charged if the device is not returned. The credit card is the only method we are setting up to handle these charges, we will not have a system for accepting cash, checks or any other form of payment/deposit. However, if the device is returned damaged, the Test Drive participant can pay the damage fee in store using any form of payment they wish."
You don't return on time, you pay for the device. The card on file also can be charged for any damages incurred.
Uh, most likely a credit card and government-issued ID would be necessary for the test drive. Just like a rental car.
You don't return on time, you pay for the device.
Yes, CC will put a hold for up to 14 days for X amount.. and customer is on hook even if card is canceled since it happened prior.. So even though T-Mo isn't charging right away, they are 'reserving' the amount...
It's not as big of a risk as you'd think..
what a great idea. i've already ported one number away from my at&t family account to another carrier so that line is able to take advantage of better coverage in the area it's used, and for better pricing for better service. i'm waiting until the 3rd or 4th of july -- the end of my billing cycle -- to port my remaining two numbers to t-mobile. i'll do the test drive for a few days just to see if there are any negatives ... but unless the thing burns down my house i can't imagine it'll influence me to not want to move to t-mobile. at&t is a horrible company. t-mobile is probably not far behind, but at least they're not at&t (or comcast.) what would also be great is if they just offered a sim; i have an unlocked phone.