T-Mobile, in an effort "to ensure customers receive the best possible experience," (a familiar opener to bad news) has decided to split the launch of their variant of Samsung's Galaxy SIII into two phases. The carrier recently announced that "select Retail and Branded locations" in the top 29 markets will get the device on the 21st, with a limited number of devices available online, and further launches anticipated to happen about a week later on the 27th.
T-Mo also revealed that the SIII will be priced at $629.99 off contract, $229.99 down on Value Plans with $20 EIP, or $279.99 on a Classic plan after a $50 mail-in rebate. Here's the full statement:
Samsung Galaxy S III Launch Update
To ensure customers receive the best possible experience, the Samsung Galaxy S III launch will now be broken into two phases. T-Mobile will still be the first carrier to offer the device in-store but the rollout will be in two phases instead of one.
Select Retail and Branded locations in the top 29 markets will launch as scheduled on June 21. In addition, a limited amount of Samsung Galaxy S III devices will be available on T-Mobile.com.
Due to the excitement surrounding the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S III, customer demand will exceed the expected launch quantity available on June 21 T-Mobile anticipates the remaining Retail and Branded locations will launch on June 27. Stores that do not receive the initial distribution, and stores who sell out of their initial stock, should use the GSIII Call Back List and contact customers when the devices are available.
Pricing will be as follows:
$629.99 Full Retail, $229.99 down on Value Plans with $20 EIP, $279.99 Classic plan after $50 mail-in rebate (2 year contract required)
For those wondering exactly what areas comprise the "top 29 markets," here's a full list:
- LosAngeles,CA
- Chicago,IL
- Phoenix,AZ
- Houston,TX
- SanDiego,CA
- NewYork,NY
- Seattle,WA
- Miami/Ft.Lauderdale,FL
- Dallas/Ft.Worth,TX
- SanFrancisco,CA
- SaltLakeCity,UT
- Denver,CO
- Minneapolis,MN
- Tampa/St.Petersburg,FL
- Philadelphia,PA
- SanAntonio,TX
- Portland,OR
- Austin,TX
- Atlanta,GA
- KansasCity,MO
- Boston,MA
- Sacramento,CA
- Orlando,FL
- Detroit,MI
- WashingtonDC*
- Cleveland,OH
- Jacksonville,FL
- Charlotte,NC
- McAllen,TX
Those outside these 29 areas will, unfortunately have to wait at least an additional six days to get their hands on the SIII, but that is a small price to pay for one of the most hotly anticipated Android devices in history.
Source: TmoNews