- T-Mobile adds over 900,000 mobile customers, outpacing Verizon and AT&T in Q2 2024
- Industry-wide slowdown raises concerns over future growth and competitive strategies
What happened: T-Mobile pulls ahead in postpaid customer gains
T-Mobile US reported 934,000 postpaid phone net additions in Q2 2024, extending its lead over rivals Verizon and AT&T, which added 408,000 and 349,000 postpaid phone customers respectively. The company’s total postpaid net additions, including tablets and other connected devices, reached 1.2 million. T-Mobile also posted a postpaid phone churn rate of 0.77%, one of the lowest among major US operators.
These figures reflect a significant lead in subscriber growth as the broader US mobile market begins to plateau. According to Telecoms, all three major operators added fewer net customers compared to the same quarter last year, suggesting saturation and more cautious consumer behaviour. T-Mobile’s full Q2 earnings report is expected later this month.
Also Read: T-Mobile subscriber growth falls short
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Why this is important
T-Mobile’s growth reinforces its competitive edge in the US wireless market, which has been shaped by the company’s merger with Sprint and its early 5G deployment. Its ability to consistently gain subscribers amid a cooling market signals a successful execution of network and pricing strategies that continue to attract users. In contrast, Verizon and AT&T have struggled to match this growth despite offering bundles and high-end plans.
However, the overall market outlook is less optimistic. The US mobile sector is experiencing slower net additions as consumers keep their devices longer and economic pressures, including higher interest rates and reduced discretionary spending, weigh on telecom budgets. Light Reading reports that operators face increased pressure to focus on retention and cost management as growth slows. T-Mobile’s performance, while strong, may not be sustainable if broader industry challenges persist.
