Pokemon Go Logo (Photo : Twitter)
T-Mobile has just announced that Pokemon Go players will get unlimited data while playing the most popular mobile app in the United States. The wireless carrier is freeing T-Mobile subscribers from data caps for the outdoor augmented reality (AR) mobile game until August 2017. It is part of the T-Mobile Tuesdays program of the "Un-carrier" that includes free movies and in-flight Wi-Fi, although Domino's Pizza has backed out due to high demand.
T-Mobile customers must claim their unlimited Pokemon data. Other gratis items for next Tuesday's offers include a free Wendy's Frosty, Lyft taxi ride up to $15, and 50 percent discount on phone accessories.
Next week the third largest US wireless telecom is also offering some Pokemon tie-in prizes. A total 250 people will win $100 for PokeCoins, and five T-Mobile users can win trips for two people to any place in the US, for hunting new Pokemon.
T-Mobile customers must download the "T-Mobile Tuesdays" app to get the free Pokemon Go data. Meanwhile, customers of other telecom companies would have to switch carriers to enjoy free gameplay.
This is not the first time T-Mobile has offered free unlimited data to its customers. Its Binge On and Music Freedom offerings give telecom subscribers unlimited video and audio streaming that does not count towards their data plans, according to PC Magazine.
Nevertheless, the new Pokemon game does not use a lot of data. The Wall Street Journal reported that P3 Communications found Pokemon Go only uses 5 to 10 megabytes per hour. Gamers would have to play Pokemon Go more than a full-time job to fill up a 2GB plan.
There is also the issue of net neutrality. T-Mobile's Pokemon offering is "zero-rating" some kinds of data and apps its customers access. This seems to go against the net neutrality rules that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set.
In related news, two California men fell off a cliff near the Pacific Ocean on July 13, Wednesday while playing Pokemon Go. They were in the beach city Encinitas.
One man landed on the steep cliff 50 feet (15 meters) below, while the other man dropped to the beach, which was around 80 feet (24 meters) below, according to CNET. Both men suffered moderate injuries.
Pokemon Go has been downloaded over 15 million times.
Here are some Pokemon Go tips and tricks:
