UPDATE: T-Mobile today reached out to clarify that this prioritization went into effect on September 8, shortly after the launch of T-Mobile One.

If you ever use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot, then you’ll want to pay attention to the news that T-Mobile quietly revealed today.

T-Mobile is now sending emails to customers saying that it’s “putting your on-device experience first” by prioritizing on-device data over Smartphone Mobile HotSpot data. T-Mo does say that this prioritization will only apply when its network is congested.

T-Mobile explains that customers will still be able to use their mobile hotspot during periods of congestion, just that they “may notice reduced data speeds when using Smartphone Mobile HotSpot.”

T-Mo says that by implementing this prioritization, it’s “making sure you get the best mobile experience possible.” Opinions on whether or not the change is a good thing will likely vary, but at least the on-device data prioritization will only happen during times of congestion, meaning that you hopefully won’t encounter it often. Still, it’s worth being aware of if you ever use your smartphone as a hotspot.

Thanks, Timothy!

Source: T-Mobile