T-Mobile Customers Pay More Under AT&T Plans

Among the arguments raised by opponents of AT&T's proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile: the deal would remove a wireless carrier known for catering to budget-conscious consumers.

Indeed, T-Mobile has long positioned itself as a lower-cost option to larger rivals, including AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. But does T-Mobile really offer better deals on service plans than AT&T? Yes, according to a new analysis by Consumer Reports. It found that T-Mobile wireless plans typically cost $15 to $50 less per month than comparable plans from the carrier planning to swallow it. The consumer watchdog said the finding also validated concerns that T-Mobile customers migrating to AT&T plans would likely pay more for service than they would have with T-Mobile. And that T-Mobile's exit from the market would eliminate a lower-priced alternative from the market.