Trump launches mobile service while in office with AU$73-a-month plan

The Trump Organisation has announced it will be entering the telecommunications market.

Donald Trump’s business empire is poised to expand further with the launch of a new mobile phone service while he serves as President of the United States.

The Trump Organisation announced this week it would enter the telecommunications market with T1 Mobile, a service that will piggyback on existing networks owned by American telecom giants.

In a nod to Trump’s political status, the company will offer customers the “47 Plan,” a reference to Trump being the 47th president.

Trump’s T1 Mobile launches with patriotic ‘47 Plan’ costing A$73 monthly. Picture: AFP

Unlike traditional carriers, T1 Mobile will operate as a virtual network provider, using infrastructure owned by Verizon, AT & T and T-Mobile to deliver its services.

The plan will cost Americans $47.45 monthly (about AU$73) for 5G service, positioning it as more expensive than smaller providers like Boost Mobile or Cricket but cheaper than major US carriers.

According to the company’s website, T1 Mobile will also begin selling a smartphone in August for US$499 (approximately AU$768), which it claims will be “proudly designed and built in the United States.”

This telecommunications venture represents the latest of many Trump family business ventures.

Critics claim Trump’s expanding business empire creates potential conflicts of interest during presidency. Picture: AP

Earlier ventures include Trump Media and Technology Group, launched in early 2021, which owns Truth Social and plans to introduce new investment products.

Last September, the family backed World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency platform selling dollar-linked stablecoins, while Trump personally launched his own crypto memecoin, $TRUMP, hours before his January inauguration.

Trump administration officials have dismissed questions about conflict of interest as Trump seeks to make money while serving as president, in part by pointing to the transparent nature of his business ventures.

However, critics in Congress and among watchdog groups argue that the ventures offer a means for foreign interests and other shadowy entities to purchase influence.