T-Mobile Is Making It Easier to Stream Video Without Using Up Your Data. What’s the Catch?

On Tuesday, T-Mobile announced at its 10th “Uncarrier” event in Los Angeles that it will stop counting video streaming from certain services against customers’ monthly data allotments. Starting on Nov. 15 for new customers and Nov. 19 for existing customers, T-Mobile users with 3GB data plans or higher will be able to do unlimited mobile streaming from more than 20 services like Netflix, HBO GO/NOW, Hulu, and VUDU. As with Music Freedom, Binge On puts T-Mobile in the position to choose which video streaming services get priority in the marketplace. If they meet our requirements, we’ll investigate the feasibility of adding them.” And just to emphasize that this isn’t paid prioritization, T-Mobile adds, “No one pays to join and no money is exchanged.” It’s certainly better than an arrangement where streaming companies have to buy in, but it’s still a situation in which a carrier is incentivizing customers to use some services over others.