'Speculation is Heightening' for Potential T-Mobile USA iPhone Announcement Next Week

MacRumors · Nov 29, 2012, 10:10 AM

Fortune reports on a new research note from Merrill Lynch analyst Scott Craig claiming that T-Mobile USA may be preparing to announce at its analysts day next week that it will begin offering the iPhone. The claim does not, however, appear to be based on any specific information, as Craig simply notes that "speculation is heightening" about such a move.

Quote:

Now Merrill Lynch's Scott Craig is out with a note reporting that "speculation is heightening" that Deutsche Telecom (DT) will announce a deal to bring the iPhone to its U.S. subsidiary at next week's analysts day (12/6-7).

It makes sense. The carrier recently beefed up its iPhone-compatible high-speed HSPA+ network in 10 metropolitan areas, allowing some of the 1.5 million T-Mobile customers already using unlocked iPhones to enjoy something better than GSM download speeds.

As T-Mobile has worked to refarm its spectrum to move its fastest data services over to iPhone-compatible frequencies, the carrier has started a "Bring Your Own iPhone" program to help users move their unlocked iPhones to the carrier.

T-Mobile previously stated that the spectrum refarming would make the carrier ready for the iPhone by the end of 2012, and has acknowledged on a number of occasions that its lack of the iPhone has cost it customers and revenue.

But while it seems clear that T-Mobile would like to carry the iPhone and has been reconfiguring its network to be able to support it, there has been essentially no direct evidence or sources claiming that the device will be coming to the fourth-largest carrier in the United States.

Article Link: 'Speculation is Heightening' for Potential T-Mobile USA iPhone Announcement Next Week

flyingember · Nov 29, 2012, 10:12 AM

FYI to Fortune- HSPA+ is GSM

literally, no. functionally, yes

spb3 · Nov 29, 2012, 10:13 AM

and i thought "speculation" already meant "potential"

Frankied22 · Nov 29, 2012, 10:15 AM

Can you get Tmobiles $30 plan on the iPhone 5?

parseckadet · Nov 29, 2012, 10:18 AM

I really hope this is true. I held off getting the iPhone 5 because I'm sick of AT&T lying to me about what data coverage is available to me. They have claimed that I have HSPA+, and even LTE, where I live, but I still get only 3Mbps down on my 4S. I'm looking to jump, and if I can save money by going to T-Mo I will.

kniemann · Nov 29, 2012, 10:19 AM

Great, because the iPhone needs another "Sprint"...

Raftysworld · Nov 29, 2012, 10:19 AM

Anyone who continues to use T-Mobile in this day and age ASTOUNDS me. No LTE? That's just pathetic.

BC2009 · Nov 29, 2012, 10:20 AM

Without LTE, I don't see Apple putting the iPhone 5 on T-Mobile because it would create an advertising issue in the USA.

However, T-Mobile LTE is supposedly due out in the first half of 2013. I hope T-Mobile gets iPhone and beefs up their network -- they seem so much more customer-friendly than the bigger carriers.

Jeffythequick · Nov 29, 2012, 10:20 AM

Nice! I can have an iPhone with T-Mobile's crappy network!

(I know, YMMV, but the last time I had T-Mobile in Oregon, it worked on my doorstep, but as soon as I walked in my house, that last bar fell off, while AT&T had 4 bars.

However, I hope T-Mobile succeeds and gets better, as it can help drive down prices on the other carriers!)

dontwalkhand · Nov 29, 2012, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffythequick

Nice! I can have an iPhone with T-Mobile's crappy network!

(I know, YMMV, but the last time I had T-Mobile in Oregon, it worked on my doorstep, but as soon as I walked in my house, that last bar fell off, while AT&T had 4 bars.

However, I hope T-Mobile succeeds and gets better, as it can help drive down prices on the other carriers!)

I never had trouble with T-Mobile...Sprint on the other hand...

iMikeT · Nov 29, 2012, 10:26 AM

Of couuuuuuurrrrsssee! This AFTER I get my iPhone 5 after waiting an entire month for it to ship out of the Chinese factory and me starting a new two year contract with AT&T.

wikus · Nov 29, 2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kniemann

Great, because the iPhone needs another "Sprint"...

Who are you to limit the choices consumers can make?

goodcow · Nov 29, 2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC2009

Without LTE, I don't see Apple putting the iPhone 5 on T-Mobile because it would create an advertising issue in the USA.

Didn't stop Sprint. Their LTE footprint is barely existant.

PsstGreek · Nov 29, 2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raftysworld

Anyone who continues to use T-Mobile in this day and age ASTOUNDS me. No LTE? That's just pathetic.

T-Mobile did buy MetroPCS for a reason....LTE

kyjaotkb · Nov 29, 2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raftysworld

Anyone who continues to use T-Mobile in this day and age ASTOUNDS me. No LTE? That's just pathetic.

42 mbps HSPA+ gets you honestly quite close to LTE speeds... Albeit with simultaneous voice and data of course.

BigRed1 · Nov 29, 2012, 10:32 AM

I've lived with Tmobile and my iPhone for years because of cost. Edge was ok for me and I pay $80/month (tax and fees included) for two lines with unlimited data, texting and 1000 minutes. I have had no problems with the network. I started getting 3G connectivity within the last month or so and I'm more than happy.

Make fun all you want - that rate plan is hard to beat. I have also found customer service to be excellent.

ProudLoz · Nov 29, 2012, 10:33 AM

Wait, would this make Apple release a new iPhone model specifically for T-Mobile to use the other GMS bands for it's 4G network, or would it just be the AT&T model and hope that you managed to live in a city with the refarmed spectrum.

Rot'nApple · Nov 29, 2012, 10:33 AM

T-Mo iPhone announcement next week?...

DOUBT IT!

Know how I know, as a T-Mo customer, and T-Mobile being GSM, albeit different frequency, thought T-Mo as a GSM carrier would be second to receive iPhone after 5 year stint under contract with ATT, because Steve Jobs said at iPhone intro in 2007 that GSM technology was what they were going in full bore. What happens? An entirely new phone with CDMA tech for Verizon. Okay, year passes and rumors of Sprint and T-Mo... only Sprint makes announcement. All the while Apple creates yet another "iPhone" for China's technology to have operable phone to offer there.

T-mobile is the bastard stepchild of the iPhone family regardless of coverage availability or bar signal strength. Announcement next week, doubt it, why, 'cuz I'm on T-Mo!

/
/
/

Mal · Nov 29, 2012, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raftysworld

Anyone who continues to use T-Mobile in this day and age ASTOUNDS me. No LTE? That's just pathetic.

Really? T-Mobile has been great to me, and their coverage is everywhere I've ever needed it. They also are significantly cheaper for me than any of the other postpaid options. Why would I pay nearly twice as much to switch to AT&T for slightly faster speeds?

jW

Raftysworld · Nov 29, 2012, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyjaotkb

42 mbps HSPA+ gets you honestly quite close to LTE speeds... Albeit with simultaneous voice and data of course.

LOL!!!! It's nowhere close to 42mbps, but nice try. And enjoy those 300-400ms pings, I'll continue to use my Verizon 4G LTE.

wikus · Nov 29, 2012, 10:37 AM

If the iPhone 5 supports 1700/2100, there are going to be a boatload of people switching to Wind Mobile in Canada, especially THIS season seeing that they have a $40/month plan that includes unlimited *everything* including data and long distance calling across Canada plus reduced international calling rates, ie, $0.02/minute to call to the UK on a fixed line.

Oh boy.... I can see the iPhone 5 selling like hotcakes if that happens.

Schmitty11 · Nov 29, 2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wikus

Who are you to limit the choices consumers can make?

Don't mind him, he's a die hard fanboy who thinks people should be limited to one product on one network.

soxmandan · Nov 29, 2012, 10:40 AM

If it gets more people an iPhone, why not? Plus, keeps them from clogging up AT&T and Verizon's networks, which is good for those of us with either of these carriers.

testcard · Nov 29, 2012, 10:42 AM

Quiet day at Merrill Lynch?

Westside guy · Nov 29, 2012, 10:44 AM

Good grief. Some people are just... well I don't want to use an insulting term, so let's just say - quit assuming that your perspective is the only one that could possibly exist.

I've been using an old iPhone on T-Mobile, and it's working extremely well for me. I only pay $30/month for an unlimited data plan. I hardly ever make voice calls, so why should I pay 3x that just to use a smartphone? I'm currently seeing 3G about half the time, and the reallocation of spectrum is progressing rapidly in my area (western Washington state) - but even EDGE works adequately for most of what I want to do.

You're not gonna stream video on EDGE, but I've never had a desire to watch video on a tiny screen. I can, however, listen to a baseball broadcast just fine.

Nov 29, 2012, 10:18 AM	#5
parseckadet macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2010	I really hope this is true. I held off getting the iPhone 5 because I'm sick of AT&T lying to me about what data coverage is available to me. They have claimed that I have HSPA+, and even LTE, where I live, but I still get only 3Mbps down on my 4S. I'm looking to jump, and if I can save money by going to T-Mo I will. __________________ 2011 15" MBP, 2.2GHz i7, 4GB DDR3, 500GB 7200RPM HDD 32GB iPhone 4S 64GB WiFi iPad mini
	3

Nov 29, 2012, 10:42 AM	#24
testcard macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Middle England	Quiet day at Merrill Lynch? __________________ 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook \| iPhone 5 64GB \| iPad Wi-Fi 16GB \| Apple TV
	0

Nov 29, 2012, 10:44 AM	#25
Westside guy macrumors 601 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The soggy part of the Pacific NW	Good grief. Some people are just... well I don't want to use an insulting term, so let's just say - quit assuming that your perspective is the only one that could possibly exist. I've been using an old iPhone on T-Mobile, and it's working extremely well for me. I only pay $30/month for an unlimited data plan. I hardly ever make voice calls, so why should I pay 3x that just to use a smartphone? I'm currently seeing 3G about half the time, and the reallocation of spectrum is progressing rapidly in my area (western Washington state) - but even EDGE works adequately for most of what I want to do. You're not gonna stream video on EDGE, but I've never had a desire to watch video on a tiny screen. I can, however, listen to a baseball broadcast just fine. __________________ Your post count is insufficient to view signature
	9

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Nov 29, 2012, 10:12 AM	#2
flyingember macrumors newbie Join Date: Feb 2011	FYI to Fortune- HSPA+ is GSM literally, no. functionally, yes
	1

Nov 29, 2012, 10:13 AM	#3
spb3 macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2012	and i thought "speculation" already meant "potential"
	1

Nov 29, 2012, 10:15 AM	#4
Frankied22 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2010	Can you get Tmobiles $30 plan on the iPhone 5?
	1

Nov 29, 2012, 10:19 AM	#6
kniemann macrumors newbie Join Date: Feb 2012	Great, because the iPhone needs another "Sprint"...
	3

Nov 29, 2012, 10:19 AM	#7
Raftysworld macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2011	Anyone who continues to use T-Mobile in this day and age ASTOUNDS me. No LTE? That's just pathetic.
	3

Nov 29, 2012, 10:20 AM	#8
BC2009 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jul 2009	Without LTE, I don't see Apple putting the iPhone 5 on T-Mobile because it would create an advertising issue in the USA. However, T-Mobile LTE is supposedly due out in the first half of 2013. I hope T-Mobile gets iPhone and beefs up their network -- they seem so much more customer-friendly than the bigger carriers.
	4

Nov 29, 2012, 10:20 AM	#9
Jeffythequick macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2012	Nice! I can have an iPhone with T-Mobile's crappy network! (I know, YMMV, but the last time I had T-Mobile in Oregon, it worked on my doorstep, but as soon as I walked in my house, that last bar fell off, while AT&T had 4 bars. However, I hope T-Mobile succeeds and gets better, as it can help drive down prices on the other carriers!)
	1

Nov 29, 2012, 10:26 AM	#11
iMikeT macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: California	Of couuuuuuurrrrsssee! This AFTER I get my iPhone 5 after waiting an entire month for it to ship out of the Chinese factory and me starting a new two year contract with AT&T.
	0

Nov 29, 2012, 10:32 AM	#16
BigRed1 macrumors member Join Date: Dec 2011	I've lived with Tmobile and my iPhone for years because of cost. Edge was ok for me and I pay $80/month (tax and fees included) for two lines with unlimited data, texting and 1000 minutes. I have had no problems with the network. I started getting 3G connectivity within the last month or so and I'm more than happy. Make fun all you want - that rate plan is hard to beat. I have also found customer service to be excellent.
	5

Nov 29, 2012, 10:33 AM	#17
ProudLoz macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2012	Wait, would this make Apple release a new iPhone model specifically for T-Mobile to use the other GMS bands for it's 4G network, or would it just be the AT&T model and hope that you managed to live in a city with the refarmed spectrum.
	0

Nov 29, 2012, 10:33 AM	#18
Rot'nApple macrumors 65816 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: I DID build that!	T-Mo iPhone announcement next week?... DOUBT IT! Know how I know, as a T-Mo customer, and T-Mobile being GSM, albeit different frequency, thought T-Mo as a GSM carrier would be second to receive iPhone after 5 year stint under contract with ATT, because Steve Jobs said at iPhone intro in 2007 that GSM technology was what they were going in full bore. What happens? An entirely new phone with CDMA tech for Verizon. Okay, year passes and rumors of Sprint and T-Mo... only Sprint makes announcement. All the while Apple creates yet another "iPhone" for China's technology to have operable phone to offer there. T-mobile is the bastard stepchild of the iPhone family regardless of coverage availability or bar signal strength. Announcement next week, doubt it, why, 'cuz I'm on T-Mo! / / /
	0

Nov 29, 2012, 10:37 AM	#21
wikus Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Planet earth.	If the iPhone 5 supports 1700/2100, there are going to be a boatload of people switching to Wind Mobile in Canada, especially THIS season seeing that they have a $40/month plan that includes unlimited everything including data and long distance calling across Canada plus reduced international calling rates, ie, $0.02/minute to call to the UK on a fixed line. Oh boy.... I can see the iPhone 5 selling like hotcakes if that happens.
	0

Nov 29, 2012, 10:40 AM	#23
soxmandan macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2011	If it gets more people an iPhone, why not? Plus, keeps them from clogging up AT&T and Verizon's networks, which is good for those of us with either of these carriers.
	2