We had to check the calendar to see if it was April 1 when T-Mobile’s press release showed up. “Introducing the Un-carrier On from T-Mobile – the Smartest, Flyest Carry-On Ever,” it said, pushing a new carry-on bag the cellular carrier said is the only one on the market with wireless charging.
The suitcase, produced in partnership with Samsara Luggage, is awkwardly named the “Un-carrier On” and comes in one color: magenta. A big part of T-Mobile’s brand, that color is also the name of one of its membership plans.
T-Mobile Un-carrier On wireless charging suitcase
T-Mobile calls itself “the Un-carrier” as a way to set itself apart from competitors like Verizon and AT&T. Its entirely serious-yet-wisecracking press release said “The Un-carrier’s latest product is stylish AF (and functional) and ready to roll … literally.”
Launching the bag in time for holiday-season travel, the company emphasized the new suitcase’s eye-catching color, which is “sure to stand out in a sea of black bag boringness,” as well as its tech enhancements, like wireless charging and a tracking tag.
“I know there’s a lot to unpack here. Why is T-Mobile, a wireless provider, launching a suitcase? Well, we’re the Un-carrier—and travel is kind of our bag. So we made one. A bag. An actual bag,” said Mike Sievert, T-Mobile’s CEO.
“T-Mobile customers are already covered with the best travel benefits, keeping them connected in America’s skyways and around the world with Coverage Beyond,” he added, getting in some marketing. “But in true Un-carrier fashion, we didn’t stop there. We made a smart suitcase to keep your belongings covered, too. Literally.”
T-Mobile bags technology
Photo: T-Mobile
The wireless carrier said it expects the upcoming holiday travel season will be busy, citing its survey that found 68% of travelers say they rely heavily on their smartphones when they travel.
So why not put a charger right in the carry-on bag so people don’t have to search for charging options at the airport?
Here are the Un-carrier On’s main features:
- Wireless and USB-C charging: “The Un-carrier On is the only carry-on suitcase on the market with wireless charging, and it also comes with a removable battery pack with USB-C charging to ensure all your devices are always powered up,” T-Mobile said.
- Tag Smart technology: “Turn up the relaxation and rest easy knowing the Un-carrier On helps keep track of belongings from takeoff to touchdown and nearly everywhere in between.”
- Flat-top work surface: The bag’s flat top is a good spot to rest a laptop for work or play on the go, the carrier said.
- Eight-bag packing set: Eight bags within the bag keep your belongings separated.
‘Durable design’ and ‘functional tech’
Photo: T-Mobile
“This collaboration is a natural fit, aligning two companies with a strong drive to use technology to reimagine the travel experience,” said Atara Dzikowski, Samara Luggage’s co-founder and CEO. “The Un-carrier On is a game changer for travelers and shows how combining durable design with functional tech can pave the way forward for the world of travel and technology.”
T-Mobile said the Un-carrier On is available for preorder at $325, with free shipping, “while supplies last.” And even though the company said bags will only ship pending FCC approval of the battery, T-Mobile said it expects orders to ship later in November.
Price: $325
Where to preorder: TravelMagenta.com
