iPhone users can now test T-Mobile network coverage for free for a month

T-Mobile
(Image credit: T-Mobile)

When picking from the best cell phone providers, it's easy enough to check coverage on the network's website but nothing beats actually trying it out for yourself. That's the thinking behind T-Mobile's new plan to make it easier for people to test out network coverage in the area where they live. Via T-Mobile's existing Test Drive program, potential customers can try out T-Mobile coverage for up to 30 days providing they have an eSIM-compatible iPhone. 

First spotted by Light Reading, the plan is almost too simple for the consumer. All they need is an iPhone XS or newer with iOS 14.5 installed, then they can download the Network Test Drive app before following the instructions to get up to 30 days or 30GB of data for free via T-Mobile. There's no need to change your current phone number and you don't even have to provide T-Mobile with your billing information. Even better, if you have an iPhone 12, you can check out T-Mobile's 5G connectivity via the service too.

T-Mobile's Test Drive program has been around since 2014 but this new iteration is rather tempting indeed. If you don't have the eSIM feature on your phone, T-Mobile can always send you a free Wi-Fi hotspot instead to try out the network, again with the same 30 days or 30GB option. However, it's the eSIM option that's the newer interpretation and it's sure to be useful. Of course, if you're reading this and realizing how dated your phone is, you might want to check out the best smartphones currently out there so you can enjoy such extra functionality. Also, sorry Android fans. This is an iOS exclusive for now. 

T-Mobile

(Image credit: T-Mobile)

Whatever you decide, this move by T-Mobile seems like a shrewd step forward for everyone. Consumers get to actually see network coverage for themselves rather than rely on network coverage maps, while T-Mobile is offering an edge over other competitors such as AT&T and Verizon. Anything that smooths out a potential transition between cell phone providers has to be advantageous for everyone, and we're certainly fans of a hassle-free approach. We’re hopeful that other companies may adopt this attitude. 

If you want to check out the Network Test Drive app for yourself, it's available on the App Store now. You really don't have anything to lose by doing so and, really, you've just gained 30GB of data for the month by giving it a try. You just may find that T-Mobile is the cell phone provider for you. 

Jennifer Allen

Jennifer has been freelancing for over 10 years. In the past, she's written about all things tech and gaming wise for outlets as varied as The Independent, Playboy, Eurogamer, and TechRadar. In her spare time, she spends far too much time watching films, attempting to train her pet guinea pigs, and mastering making the perfect burrito.  She's a full time freelancer, but a regular tech news contributor to Top Ten Reviews.