Find answers to commonly asked questions about recent billing changes to premium text message (SMS) services.
FAQs
Why the change?
At T-Mobile, our customers come first. We believe you should be treated fairly and not charged for unwanted services. Despite protections and processes put in place by T-Mobile and the industry, not all premium text message (SMS) vendors have acted responsibly.
After careful evaluation of the program, T-Mobile is now in the process of protecting our customers from being billed for premium SMS services -- except for charitable and political giving -- as soon as possible, with as little impact as possible to our customers.
Can customers request a refund?
Yes. We encourage you to check your monthly bills and to contact T-Mobile Customer Service if you see a charge you did not authorize.
Is T-Mobile allowing other similar services to bill customers for these text message subscriptions?
No. T-Mobile is stopping all billing for premium text services -- except for charitable and political giving -- as soon as possible, with as little impact as possible to our customers.
Will I still be able to participate in standard text message campaigns, such as American Idol?
These standard messaging programs are not impacted by this change.
Can I still charge purchases through Google Play or my subscription service to T-Mobile TV to my bill?
This change impacts only the premium SMS business. Purchases through device marketplaces and applications are not impacted by this change.
How does this affect text messaging campaigns such as Text to Give for the Red Cross, or political campaigns that tell people they can donate through text messages?
These programs are not affected.
What is a Premium Service? How much does it cost?
Premium Services allows T-Mobile customers the ability to purchase or subscribe to messaging programs, provided by third party content providers. Premium Services are started by responding with a 4-, 5-, or 6-digit number, known as a short code. Premium Services can be a one-time charge or a monthly subscription service.
Premium Services includes:
- Interactive voting during TV shows
- Weather alerts, sports score alerts, daily jokes, horoscopes, etc.
- Trivia subscriptions
- Subscriptions that enable the download of a certain amount of content each month, such as the ability to download 10 ringtones or wallpapers per month.