If you are a T-Mobile cell customer, you better check your August bill for an announcement about a costly new fee.  It will now cost you $1.50 a month for a paper “summary” bill.  And should you want a detailed paper bill, that will be $3.49 a month.

*MOUSE PRINT:

“After considering a number of factors including rising costs for paper, printing, and postage, as well as environmental impacts associated with printing paper bills, T-Mobile has started to charge customers who would like to receive a paper bill. The charge does not directly reflect our costs of printing and distributing bills. The company has provided alternative options for our customers to receive the information on their bills and continues to promote paperless billing as a “free” option (www.my.t-mobile.com or www.t-mobile.com/billingupdate)

Beginning with August bills, current T-Mobile customers will receive notification that provides them with instructions on how to “opt out” of the paper bill charge by receiving a paperless, electronic bill. If customers do not sign up for paperless billing, then those receiving “summary” paper bills will begin to see a charge of $1.50 on their bills after September 12. Customers who currently receive “detailed” paper bills will see a $1.50 charge for the paper bill, in addition to the existing $1.99 charge for detailed billing information (totaling $3.49). 

Most new customers will see a $1.50 paper bill charge on their first bill — this charge will be credited for their first month, allowing customers time to opt out if they wish to receive paperless bills free of charge.

Certain T-Mobile customers are exempt from this charge, including prepaid and government customers, among others.”  [As reported by PhoneScoop.com]

So, if you are in the habit of tossing out bill stuffers, or not reading the notices printed on your bill, you could be in for an expensive surprise unless you opt-out of paper billing and opt-in for online billing.

While other carriers like Verizon and AT&T already charge $1.99 a month for an itemized cell bill, their summary bills are apparently still free. T-Mobile appears to be the first to charge a fee for a paper bill, no matter the type.

WARNING: This blog is NOT the way to communicate with T-Mobile. It is not related to T-Mobile. If you are trying to elect the free billing option or complain about the new charges for paper bills, call the customer service number on your latest bill. Do NOT post your phone number here.