T-Mobile representatives insist it’s not a joke, but surely there must be a wireless connection to the new magenta suitcase the “un-carrier” just rolled out?
T-Mobile today introduced the “Un-carrier On” suitcase in collaboration with Samsara Luggage. It's a little bit heavier than the layer cake mix concoction it cooked up a couple years ago.
The product allows T-Mobile to highlight the Coverage Beyond move that it made in June, when it said it was offering free high-speed data in more than 210 countries and destinations along with some other travel perks for Magenta Max customers.
Coming as people started traveling again after about two years of pandemic-induced “staycations,” that offer also highlighted T-Mobile’s work with in-flight Wi-Fi providers to give customers free connectivity while flying. Delta, American and Alaska Airlines were the first to launch with T-Mobile on select flights, with United Airlines following.
Now, T-Mobile is seizing on the busy holiday travel season and people’s heavy reliance on their smartphones while traveling. (Or, maybe it’s to distract from a $35 activation fee reportedly being applied to nearly every transaction. Who knows?)
“T-Mobile is making travel look good too, with the one-of-a-kind Un-carrier On,” declares T-Mobile in a press release. “It’s not only the smartest, magenta-est carry-on ever, it’s also the ultimate statement piece that’s sure to stand out in a sea of black bag boringness.”
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert carried on with the theme. “I know there’s a lot to unpack here. Why is T-Mobile, a wireless provider, launching a suitcase? Well, we’re the Un-carrier – and travel is kind of our bag. So we made one. A bag. An actual bag,” he stated.
The bag features a wireless charging unit with a removable battery pack with USB-C charging. It also comes with Tag Smart technology that allows for tracking the suitcase with Apple’s Find My App.
T-Mobile didn’t say how many of these suitcases were made and available for purchase. They did say it’ll cost $325, plus tax, with free shipping; pre-orders begin today at TravelMagenta.com – but only “while supplies last.” Orders are expected to ship later this month.
And if it doesn’t fly with consumers, there’s always the wireless business.