Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Get free calls, texts, and data from T-Mobile if you're headed to Rio for the Olympics

Guide to watching the Olympics online
The Summer Olympics are just around the corner, and for an event that only happens every four years, T-Mobile is pulling out all the stops. On Thursday, the Un-carrier announced that it would grant customers “free unlimited high-speed data throughout Brazil” starting August 1, so those who are making the trek to Rio will be able to capture and share every moment of their vacation with their smartphones. Moreover, T-Mobile says, “calls within Brazil and back home to the U.S. are free — as is texting worldwide.”

“AT&T is spending millions to put their logo all over the games as the official sponsor. They introduced a new ‘Brazil plan’ last month, so their customers can foot the bill for AT&T’s VIP parties and private suites in Rio,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. “That couldn’t be more different from the Un-carrier. T-Mobile is freeing customers to travel to the Rio Games and use their phones without worry.”

While most cell service providers impose a cost associated with these types of promotions, T-Mobile promises that the Brazil deal is 100-percent free — you’ll get it automatically as soon as you land in Rio.

Moreover, as a reward for being related to some of the world’s greatest athletes, families of U.S. Olympic competitors will receive free T-Mobile service and a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and Samsung Gear 360 camera through October, because you’re definitely going to want to take pictures of your cousin in the pool (both Olympic-sized and the one in your hotel, right?).

“If a member of your family qualifies for the biggest global sporting event on the planet, your damn phone bill is the last thing you want to worry about,” said Legere. “We’re going to make it simple for our customers — and families of the U.S. team — to enjoy the games, stay connected and share every historic moment with those they care about.”

For more information, check out this site, and to get two free smartphones per Olympic athlete, reach out to T-Mobile here.

Editors' Recommendations

The Pixel 8 just leaked, and it has one big thing I can’t wait for
Google Pixel 8 in depicted in white.

For another year, Google’s next-gen phones are out in the wild months ahead of their grand reveal at a fancy event. Just a day ago, the Pixel 8 Pro was unceremoniously leaked, and now, the standard Pixel 8 has also received the same treatment. OnLeaks and MySmartPrice have shared reported renders and a 360-degree video depicting the upcoming Google phone from all angles.
The design changes are subtle, but easy on the eyes. Just like the Pixel 8 Pro, the corners are once again more rounded on the Pixel 8. The frame is metallic, and there’s a horizontal camera strip at the back with a metallic luster on top. Akin to the Pixel 7, we get two cameras on the Pixel 8, sitting in a pill-shaped cutout.

Another small aesthetic tweak is the earpiece grill at the top, which is now more prominent than what we saw on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. If the current-gen Pixels are any indication, the Pixel 8 is going to offer an excellent in-hand feel. Talking about in-hand feel, though, it appears that Google is once again pandering to the small phone loyalists.

Read more
5 things we’d love to see at Google I/O 2023 (but probably won’t)
Google Pixel Watch on a wrist.

Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, kicks off on May 10. Don't let the words "developer conference" put you off, though, as Google I/O is one of the biggest and most exciting shows of the year.

We've already covered what we expect to see at Google I/O 2023, and that list includes the Pixel 7a, Android 14, and even a Google Pixel Fold. But although those are all things we're really looking forward to and expecting to see, there are a number of reveals we'd also love to happen ... but are extremely unlikely to appear on the grand stage.

Read more
Why the $450 Samsung Galaxy A54 may be 2023’s most savvy smartphone buy
The green and purple Galaxy A54's camera modules.

-Samsung’s Galaxy A Series has long been a great choice for people who want Galaxy S Series style without the S Series price. The Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 are the latest, and Samsung isn’t being shy about giving these phones the latest flagship look.

Even better news is that the A54 continues to provide a great screen, long battery life, a decent camera, and solid everyday features you’ll love — all for a value-driven price. Could the new Galaxy A54 phone be 2023’s savviest smartphone buys? I tried it out for a short time to find out.
Getting the Awesome colors right

Read more