T-Mobile and Verizon have been providing free network trials for several years, and now AT&T has launched a similar initiative. The program allows potential customers to experience the AT&T network without requiring them to switch carriers, change numbers, or replace their devices. However, participation requires an unlocked phone, which may exclude many individuals who are still paying off their current devices. The FCC is currently working to address this issue.
AT&T’s program, called “Try AT&T,” is currently available only for iOS devices, with Android support expected in 2025. The trial uses eSIM technology, enabling users to add a secondary line to their phones without changing their primary number. An eSIM-compatible device, such as an iPhone XR or newer, is necessary to join the trial.
The program does not require a credit card or any commitment. Interested participants can visit the Try AT&T website or download the myAT&T app to begin the process. The trial lasts for 30 days and includes 100GB of data along with 25GB of hotspot data. Current AT&T customers are not eligible for this program.
To utilize these types of programs, an unlocked phone is essential. Phones financed through carrier installment plans may be locked to the current carrier. T-Mobile and AT&T do not unlock phones until they are fully paid off, while Verizon does allow unlocking even with an outstanding balance. To simplify this matter, the FCC has proposed a regulation that would mandate all carriers to automatically unlock devices 60 days after activation. This proposal is still in the process of becoming law, but it has the potential to simplify carrier comparison shopping in the future.
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