The Moto X Works on T-Mobile’s Network, but Won’t Be Sold in Its Stores — At Least for Now
The Moto X may work with all the major U.S. carriers, but their level of enthusiasm appears to vary quite a bit.
While AT&T and Sprint issued bold press rel"../../files/2013/08/MotoX-4-380x253.jpg"g it on their network, Verizon and T-Mobile were essentially mute.
“The Moto X is compatible with T-Mobile’s network; however, we have no further announcements at this time,” T-Mobile said in a statement.
That didn’t exactly sound like a ringing endorsement, so I checked in with the top brass at T-Mobile.
Here’s what Chief Marketing Officer Mike Sievert had to say:
“The Moto X optimized for T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network will initially be available through Motorola’s channels,” Sievert told AllThingsD. “We do not plan to stock Moto X devices immediately in our stores but are working closely with Motorola to make the Moto X a great experience for T-Mobile customers. Any news about distribution in our stores would come at a later date.”
Representatives of Verizon Wireless, which last week launched three Motorola-made Droid models with some features in common with the Moto X, did not respond to requests for comment on their plans.
Motorola has said the device will sell for $199 with a two-year contract on all four major carriers plus US Cellular. It’s not quite clear what that means at T-Mobile, which recently stopped subsidizing phones, but does allow customers to finance them over 24 months.
AT&T appears to have the broadest Moto X lineup, as it has a temporary corner on the market when it comes to the much-touted customization options for the Moto X. Sprint, meanwhile, is playing up the fact that customers can get unlimited data guaranteed for as long as one stays a Sprint customer (with some other minor restrictions).
Update, 8:55 a.m. PT: A Verizon representative said the carrier plans to carry the Moto X, but declined to comment further on how the company plans to market the device vis a vis the new Droids.
9:55 a.m.: Verizon added that it will be sold both in stores and online.