T-Mobile has announced it is launching its T-Mobile Connect plan March 25, rather than waiting till after the Sprint merger is complete.

As more and more Americans are impacted financially by the coronavirus pandemic, T-Mobile hopes its Connect plan will help people experiencing financial hardships. The plan is the company’s cheapest smartphone plan it has ever unveiled, and offers unlimited talk and text plus 2GB high-speed smartphone data, for $15 plus tax. The plan will also have full access to T-Mobile’s 5G network. For $25 per month plus tax, customers can upgrade to 5GB of monthly data.

“Right now, having a reliable, low-cost connection is absolutely crucial for Americans, and with many facing financial strain, time is of the essence. We knew we couldn’t wait for the merger to finalize to launch T-Mobile Connect, our lowest priced smartphone plan, so we’re rolling out ahead of schedule,” said John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile. “With T-Mobile Connect, we’re giving those hardest hit an even more affordable way to stay in touch. Half the price of our lowest-ever priced smartphone plan. So everyone can stay connected.”

Kudos to T-Mobile for deploying this plan early. With countless Americans being laid off, or otherwise losing their jobs, this plan may be a life-saver to people trying to stay connected at an affordable price.