Trump Mobile's T1 phone is officially shipping this week, according to CEO Pat O’Brien, who confirmed the news to USA Today amid rumors of canceled preorders.
Confirmation Amidst Rumors
O’Brien assured USA Today via email that all preorders will be fulfilled within weeks, addressing viral reports of cancellations. No detailed reasons were provided for the 11-month delay since the phone's announcement. O’Brien stated, “Those delays were worth it in our minds as we are delivering an amazing product.”
First Look at the T1
Alongside the shipping confirmation, Trump Mobile released a promotional video showcasing the redesigned T1 handset and its packaging. The phone will come with a clear plastic case, a power brick, and a gold braided USB-C cable.
Certifications and Publicity
The T1 phone's release follows its certification by the FCC, PTCRB, and inclusion on Google’s list of devices certified for Google Play. These steps typically precede an Android phone's launch.
O’Brien's statements counter a wave of media reports suggesting preorder cancellations, which even reached Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show. Despite the rumors, there’s no evidence beyond social media claims, though updated preorder terms on Trump Mobile's site had raised concerns.
Preorder Numbers and Company Silence
The number of preorders remains undisclosed, but O’Brien expressed satisfaction with the interest in both the service and the T1 phones. Previous claims of 600,000 preorders were debunked months ago. Trump Mobile’s communication with the media has been limited, with The Verge still awaiting confirmation on its own T1 preorders.
The company’s reticence ended with O’Brien's response to the viral speculation, partially attributed to changes in the preorder terms suggesting no shipment guarantee. The updated terms were likely standard legal precautions.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/929471/trump-mobile-t1-phone-shipping-this-week
