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T-Mobile Begins DoorDashing 5G Internet to Customers for Same-Day Deliveries

T-Mobile's latest use of DoorDash is speedy and free, but it may not be available everywhere and requires you to install your own internet.

Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security and Smart Home
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations. With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation. Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.
Expertise Smart home | Smart security | Home tech | Energy savings | A/V
Tyler Lacoma
2 min read
A magenta sign showing T-mobile's logo and 5G home internet in white letters.

T-Mobile's latest DoorDash deal gives you home internet equipment on the same day of purchase.

 Bloomberg/Contributor/Getty

Starting this April, we noticed a new offering from T-Mobile for those who are short on time: The carrier will now DoorDash you its 5G internet equipment, letting you track it just like your local takeout and get your new device within hours. 

We've seen this kind of delivery service before with T-Mobile. The company began delivering phones by DoorDash back in November, but providing internet equipment is a significant step up from phones, one that means more work on your end.

T-Mobile's home internet taps into 5G cellular connections. If both the 5G service and DoorDash are available in your area, you can shop for internet plans, which start at $35 per month with all the right programs, bundles (like adding voice services) and features (like using autopay). T-Mobile then ships your 5G equipment through DoorDash for free.

Locating local internet providers

Then comes the tricky part: You'll have to set up your own 5G Gateway, no professional help included. You will need to plug your gateway in and connect your T-Mobile account. If that works well, you'll be able to start connecting all your home devices as you would with a router. If it goes poorly, you'll probably have to make a separate appointment for a technician to visit. 

Representatives from T-Mobile and DoorDash did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Locating local internet providers

CNET writers have already received emails from rival companies like Verizon pointing out that their deliveries come with technicians to help get devices running for you. Of course, this often means a longer timeframe -- T-Mobile's DoorDash option seems more tailored toward those who are confident in their own skills and want results ASAP. 

T-Mobile offers a 15-day test window, during which you can return your 5G portal and get your money back. There are no additional equipment fees or annual contracts associated with the 5G Gateway.

It's worth noting that our tests of T-Mobile 5G home internet showed it performed fairly well, although T-Mobile's infrastructure means the same speeds won't be available to everyone, which is why you'll notice T-Mobile's promo uses the term "5G" a lot but doesn't display much about speeds. Our tests showed the lowest tier started at 87 to 318Mbps download and 14 to 56Mbps upload speeds, but your location will determine your results.

Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
TYLER LACOMA
Editor / Home Security and Smart Home
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations. With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation. Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.