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AT&T is following T-Mobile and Verizon in offering consumers a free trial to test out its network— no credit card or contract required.
The "Try AT&T" program, announced today, allows consumers to test drive the company’s 5G network without ditching their current provider. Importantly, the free trial offer doesn't require going to an AT&T store to install a physical SIM card. Instead, the carrier is using eSIM functionality to connect would-be customers.
(Credit: AT&T)The program is directed at prepaid and postpaid customers. However, it's only available on the iPhone 12 and up, which support eSIMs. Users will need to download the AT&T app and click the "free trial" option, which will download the eSIM to the iPhone.
“You can switch back and forth between your current service and AT&T service during the trial,” the carrier notes, making it convenient for consumers to compare both carriers.
According to an FAQ, users will get access to the AT&T network for free over the next 30 days. Talk and texting will be unlimited, but the trial limits mobile data to 100GB and 25GB when the phone becomes a mobile hotspot.
Although the trial is limited to iPhone 12 and up, AT&T plans to expand it to more phone models, including Android devices, next year. In the meantime, Verizon has been offering a similar program that lasts for 30 days, while T-Mobile’s own free trial lasts for 90 days. Both also promise unlimited data during the trial period.