T-Mobile and 3G

[Box215]

I've been looking around, and i havent heard anything from T-Mobile USA about 3G. No EDGE, no UMTS, nothing. I dunno how T-Mobile expects to keep up with Cingular and ATT without any 3G service. Plus all of the other T-Mobile networks have UMTS licenses, and some are already live. Basically im just wonderign if anyone has heard anything about T-Mobile USA rolling out 3G services.

[Box215]

anyone??

[Michael]

They are quietly working on an EDGE network, but are not talking about it.

I have no details at all.

[nitsi]

do u tink t-mobile usa will get nokia 6630!!!??? :confused: 3g rules :mad:

[TheZodiac]

EDGE being 2.75G and UMTS being actual 3G, they are still lagging a bit considering they projected a EOY rollotu of the EDGE in 2004.

Oh well.

[SurrealNetworks]

I've spoken to two little birdies at T-Mobile's RF engineering deptartment. One says that EDGE is being tested and will be announced only when its been deployed across the entire US footprint (likely). Another, less educated RF engineering rep (who told me that WCDMA isn't a GSM 3g path, lol) said that T-Mobile is more concerned with beefing up the core voice network and acquiring additional licensing before deploying a 3g network. Honestly I don't know if deploying a 3g network in the US is that financially viable right now. Think about the regular cellular user that only needs voice service or basic emailing while out and about. Think about all the yuppies that sit at starbucks with their hotspots. T-Mobile owns and operates the largest WiFi network of ANY wireless provider in the world, bar none. Sprint, Verizon and lots of international carriers are jumping on the hotspot bandwagon. If everyone was like us (computer junkies that want T-1 speeds everywhere) then all providers would scramble to update their networks, unfortunately we are a minority and I think T-Mobile understands this and wants to be a viable competitor financially.

IMO of course!

[Box215]

Did he mention when the EDGE network would be deployed?

[SurrealNetworks]

No, he just said that its "being deployed" - this is what he said in LATE 2003. I've read that T-Mobile entered an agreement with Nortel or someone to upgrade to UMTS basestations that support HSPDA with a software upgrade. Honestly its just bits and pieces I've heard but I think that when faster data networks are launched they will be launched correctly. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the only reason for delay is waiting until its 100% deployed. I'm also hoping that T-Mobile snatches up some of the spectrum that the new Cingular must divest as part of the merger approval.

Time will tell but I have faith in T-Mobile, based on their track record of competentcy and with Deutsche Telekom backing them I don't see them failing anytime soon!