After announcing its new “Test Drive” feature allowing customers to trial an iPhone 5s for free on the T-Mobile network, the carrier is already sharing some stats on the new initiative. According to T-Mobile, “More than 12,000 people have already signed up to start cheating on their carrier.” That means around 500 consumers per hour (or almost 9 per minute) from T-Mobile’s competitors have signed-up to take home an iPhone 5s for a free week-long trial on the T-Mobile network. If T-Mobile’s plan works it could convince at least some of those consumers to make the switch for good.

The way we buy wireless in this country is patently absurd. So we’re changing it. With T-Mobile Test Drive, you can take our data-strong network for a spin for seven days on Apple’s latest, greatest iPhone – the iPhone 5s. There’s no cost. No hidden fees. No obligation. And no more buying blind. I want you to know our network will work for you and your family – at home, at work, at school and everywhere in between –before you make a decision. I want you to experience our kick-ass network for yourself… More than 12,000 people have already signed up to start cheating on their carrier. (Note to self: call Apple for more iPhones.)

With marketing from carriers all claiming to have the fastest and most robust network, T-Mobile is hoping the free offer will convince consumers to actually try its network and see for themselves. Fears that T-Mobile’s network might not live up to the other guys in certain areas is often cited by consumers as a reason not to switch to the carrier.

The carrier also shared some stats on its new “Music Freedom” initiative that allows users to listen to a variety of popular music services without it counting towards their data plan. T-Mobile asked users to vote for their favorite music service and so far Google Play All Access, one service not included in the Music Freedom program, is on top.

The new Test Drive initiative officially kicks off on June 23 with pre-registration open to all here.

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