Update 11/13/24: T-Mobile has internally revised the launch date for HomeTech. Previously it was November 14th, but it is now November 19th. We’ve updated the article below to reflect the new date.
Gone are the days of simply buying a SIM Card and a phone at your local cell phone store. Carriers are always looking for new ways to provide value, and thus, keep their hands in your pockets. It can be something like accessories to protect or charge your phone, various connected devices like high-end speakers for your music, Popsockets and MagSafe-compatible add-ons, and more. Buying a phone is a one-stop-shop at your carrier now if you’re into getting a complete solution.
The industry has evolved to offer more than just your phone, too. Verizon and AT&T have home solutions for TV, internet, and home phone, and T-Mobile is also in the Home Internet game. Carriers have even explored other ventures like home security, like AT&T’s defunct Digital Life service.
The next big thing? Insurance, but not just for your phone.
AT&T and Verizon are already in the business. AT&T offers a “Protect Advantage for 4” plan, covering tech not connected to AT&T’s network. Verizon’s “Home Device Protect” program also insures more than phones. Now T-Mobile wants a slice of the pie, and has made their move.
T-Mobile To Offer Protection 360™ HomeTech Service
In a document leaked to The Mobile Report, T-Mobile is preparing frontline teams to offer a new service dubbed Protection 360™ HomeTech. The service will be $25 per month, plus applicable tax, and is supported by the same insurance provider T-Mobile uses for phones, Assurant. The launch date of the service is slated for November 19th.
“Enjoy peace of mind knowing your Wi-Fi enabled devices, aside from smartphones, are protected no matter when or where they were purchased.”
Leaked Protection 360 HomeTech™ Document
The service aims to provide repair & replacement services for devices that are not necessarily connected to the T-Mobile network. Plus, live tech support is also available for covered devices as well.
Benefits the program will offer include:
- Coverage for an unlimited number of Wi-Fi enabled devices (excluding smartphones)
- Claim limit of $2000 per claim, $5000 per consecutive 12-month period
- No device registration or qualifying event required to enroll
- 24/7 live tech support to troubleshoot your connected devices
- Protection for accidental damage on portable electronics, out-of-warranty mechanical/electrical breakdown, and power surge
- Quick and easy claims filing through the Protection 360™ HomeTech app (not available yet)
What’s Covered With Protection 360™ HomeTech
The document continues detailing the types of devices covered and their respective deductibles (service fee). Keep in mind examples are not limited to these items alone, and subject to review by claim.
$0 Service Fee
- Gaming accessories (Like PlayStation & Xbox controllers)
$29 Service Fee
- Smart home devices (device hubs, light dimmers, thermostats, smoke detectors, door locks, home security, cameras, video doorbells, alarm components)
- Streaming devices (Roku®, Google Chromecast™, AppleTV®)
$89 Service Fee
- Premium audio headsets (AirPods®, Beats®, Galaxy Buds)
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG)
- Tablets/wearables (iPad®, Samsung tablets, Apple Watch®, Garmin wearables)
- Desktops, laptops (Dell, HP, IBM, Apple®, Mac® products)
- Printers (non-3D) (Canon, HP, Epson)
- Digital Cameras (GoPro, Canon, Sony, Panasonic)
- Connected Speakers (Bose, Sonos, Bang & Olufsen, Apple®)
Will P360 HomeTech be a success? Only time will tell if customers are interested in buying insurance for their PS5 through their cell carrier, but stranger things have happened.
One concern many regular readers of our site might have is that this could be yet another line item reps can add to accounts without telling customers. It’s happened before, and still happens, especially at third-party retailers.
Will you be adding the new $25/mo service when it launches on November 19th?
