T-Mobile covers your first month of 5G home internet and pays up to $200 to switch — but there’s a catch

T-Mobile has launched a new promotion for customers switching to its 5G home internet service. The carrier will cover the first month of service and offer up to $200 to help pay off early termination fees from a previous provider.

The offer applies to two plans: Home Internet at $50 per month and Home Internet Plus at $70 per month. In both cases, the first month is free. To qualify for the up to $200 reimbursement, users must have actually paid an early termination fee to their old ISP and then upload the relevant documentation to their T-Mobile account. The reimbursement is issued as a virtual prepaid card.

The promotion is aimed at users who want to switch internet providers but are hesitant due to potential penalties for breaking an existing contract. T-Mobile positions its 5G home internet as a direct competitor to traditional cable and fiber services. The connection does not require a cable installation, and the modem is provided for free.

However, the offer comes with several conditions. First, eligibility depends on 5G availability at the user's address — the company requires a coverage check before signing up. Second, the final speed may vary depending on network congestion, signal strength, and physical obstructions. T-Mobile also notes that the plans are contract-free and have no hidden fees, but actual performance is not guaranteed.

The reimbursement amount is capped at $200, which is intended to cover most early termination fees charged by major U.S. ISPs. Users must submit their claim within 60 days of activating T-Mobile's service. The virtual prepaid card can be used for online purchases and is issued within a few weeks after the claim is approved.

This promotion is part of T-Mobile's broader strategy to expand its fixed wireless access customer base. The company has been aggressively marketing its 5G home internet as a low-cost alternative to traditional broadband, especially in areas where fiber or cable options are limited or expensive. According to T-Mobile, the service is available to tens of millions of households across the United States, although actual coverage varies by location.

The deal is available for a limited time, and T-Mobile reserves the right to modify or cancel the promotion at any time. Customers are advised to read the full terms and conditions on the company's website before signing up.