Which older iPhone models work on T-Mobile's 3G and/or 4G?

[mrat93]

I remember a while back, it used to be that only AT&T or unlocked models would work on T-Mobile, but only on their 2G network. Later on, T-Mobile did some infrastructure changes that would allow some older iPhones to work on their 3G (and maybe 4G?) networks.

I'm wondering which iPhone models would work on their 3G and/or 4G networks, and if it involves any sketchy trickery to enable, apart from unlocking the phone. Thanks!

 

[jav6454]

None, except the new iPhone 5 models made exclusively for the AWS band.

 

[tardman91]

I think the 4 and 4S will work in some rather limited markets where T-Mobile has refarmed their network to certain 3G/"4G" bands. I can't remember which bands exactly. The newest version of the iPhone 5 (both the T-Mobile and the officially unlocked versions) will run on T-Mobile's 4G and LTE network nationwide (depending on coverage, of course).

 

[madsci954]

Only way you'll get 4G on an older iPhone using Tmo's network is if the area has ben refarmed to support the proper frequency. If the area hasn't been refarmed, then all you'll get is Edge. There is nothing you can do on the user end.

 

[jav6454]

I think the 4 and 4S will work in some rather limited markets where T-Mobile has refarmed their network to certain 3G/"4G" bands.

This is the only exception, but it is not everywhere.

 

[mrat93]

Awesome, got the info I needed. Thanks, everybody!

 

[CEmajr]

All of them except the iPhone 2G (for obvious reasons) will get 3G or 4G in refarmed areas. Only the iPhone 5 will get the AWS 4G that they use for most of their network though.