They in fact already offer this, although it's "hidden" as a feature upgrade for voice-only plans. I'm running a 2G iPhone on this plan currently.
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T-Mobile to Begin Offering iPhone 3GS in U.S.?
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They in fact already offer this, although it's "hidden" as a feature upgrade for voice-only plans. I'm running a 2G iPhone on this plan currently.
I got this too. I just figured it was because i had filled out a survey the day before and was not very complimentary.
Sdr
No. No iPhone model uses software defined radio (SDR). It can't support new bands/protocols with software-only upgrades. An iPhone to support Verizon would need to be new hardware.
It uses a hardware radio, and supports the frequencies it was built for.
The iPhone's radio supports 2G GSM and 3G CDMA. It does not support 2G CDMA in any band. Even if it supported the proper band, you'd have coverage only where the 3G operator has deployed 3G; in areas where there is only CDMA2K you'd have no signal at all.
No. No iPhone model uses software defined radio (SDR). It can't support new bands/protocols with software-only upgrades. An iPhone to support Verizon would need to be new hardware.
It uses a hardware radio, and supports the frequencies it was built for.
The iPhone's radio supports 2G GSM and 3G CDMA. It does not support 2G CDMA in any band. Even if it supported the proper band, you'd have coverage only where the 3G operator has deployed 3G; in areas where there is only CDMA2K you'd have no signal at all.
Just to clarify (for the benefit of others), it supports WCDMA 3G. It doesn't support the EVDO "CDMA 3G" used by Verizon/Sprint.
If (when) tmo gets the iPhones I wouldn't be surprised if there's a 3GS made that can utilize their network. Just to keep the two levels consistent regardless of carrier.
I somehow doubt if they got the iPhone it would just be the 3GS. I mean, sure apple says it's the "golden standard" smartphone but next to a Samsung galaxy s, the iPhone 3GS (like most other phones) looks dated. I just don't think you're really going to sell a phone that's already 1.5 years old in enough volume to justify manufacturing a t-mo specific version....
Btw I mention the galaxy s because i personally think it's the best phone currently offered on t-mo.
Btw I mention the galaxy s because i personally think it's the best phone currently offered on t-mo.
A thought occurs: The current 3GS has an 8GB capacity, unlike the previous model, perhaps its board already includes the same or similar radio as in the iPhone 4 that's capable of AWS.
I'd be interested too if there's a $10-or-less data plan. I am not willing to pay $15 (well maybe if there's tethering). I'm already getting gouged by my broadband ISP.
T-Mobile 3G Network IS supported
I'm a Dutch iPhone user, which means we are locked into T-Mobile contracts like you American's are with ATnT and when I was in the US with my iPhone 3G, surprise surprise I was on the T-Mobile 3G network. Our Dutch phones are sold and software configured for the multiple frequencies used by T-Mobile on the Dutch and German GMS networks. In Holland I know they use 1800 for sure, as well as other lower frequencies, so when my iPhone was in the US, 1700 T-Mobile 3G, own carriers network? No problem, although it did switch to ATnT when they had better coverage 😛.
The only reason American iPhones may not go one the network is simply because you receive different carrier settings which is determined by your geographical location + iTunes account. For example, I noticed with my uncles Belgium iPhone went Swiss when he restored it on holiday in Switzerland with a freshly made iTunes account even though the Sim card and computer were Dutch, the phone was Swiss. The iPhone could probably technically be rolled out tomorrow on the US T-Mobile network, though obviously there are other factors involved in such a decisions for Apple.
I'm a Dutch iPhone user, which means we are locked into T-Mobile contracts like you American's are with ATnT and when I was in the US with my iPhone 3G, surprise surprise I was on the T-Mobile 3G network. Our Dutch phones are sold and software configured for the multiple frequencies used by T-Mobile on the Dutch and German GMS networks. In Holland I know they use 1800 for sure, as well as other lower frequencies, so when my iPhone was in the US, 1700 T-Mobile 3G, own carriers network? No problem, although it did switch to ATnT when they had better coverage 😛.
The only reason American iPhones may not go one the network is simply because you receive different carrier settings which is determined by your geographical location + iTunes account. For example, I noticed with my uncles Belgium iPhone went Swiss when he restored it on holiday in Switzerland with a freshly made iTunes account even though the Sim card and computer were Dutch, the phone was Swiss. The iPhone could probably technically be rolled out tomorrow on the US T-Mobile network, though obviously there are other factors involved in such a decisions for Apple.
By my understanding, T-Mobile uses AWS, the same frequency used by WIND Mobile in Canada, which the iPhone does not support. When I got a new phone, I had the choice between getting an iPhone with one of the members of Canada's established telecom cartel, or getting another phone from a new independent company that's injecting a bit of competition into the industry. I chose the latter. If this means an AWS-compatible iPhone, I'm all over it. Otherwise, I'll just wait for WIND to offer a decent-quality Android phone instead.
LOL. 😀
In more seriousness, though. With the better battery life, Retina display, and front camera for Facetime nobody wants an iPhone 3GS anymore.
How do you know that when you were in the US, your phone was using the 1700 3G band and not a slower EDGE 2G band?
That is easy, there is either a symbol 3G or E for edge in the top left beside the carrier name.
If their plans are cheaper than AT&T, I'm interested.
Still no interest in an 3GS (too old) or iPhone 4 (I'll wait for the next design, hopefully one with no antenna issues etc), but competition should push prices down. Besides, as of today, T-Mobile is announcing video chat over their cell network...also a good thing. Now Verizon just has to get on board, and then AT&T will have to get with it if they don't want to look like outdated garbage.
Still no interest in an 3GS (too old) or iPhone 4 (I'll wait for the next design, hopefully one with no antenna issues etc), but competition should push prices down. Besides, as of today, T-Mobile is announcing video chat over their cell network...also a good thing. Now Verizon just has to get on board, and then AT&T will have to get with it if they don't want to look like outdated garbage.