T-Mobile became the last major mobile carrier to announce a 3G network today, but the first major carrier to utilize the AWS band (1.7/2.1 GHz) in New York City. But unlike Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon, T-Mobile’s 3G system is focused primarily on voice, not data. T-Mobile plans to expand their AWS service to 20 to 25 other major U.S. markets by the end of the year.
Its four 3G phones—the Nokia 6263, Nokia 3555, Samsung T639, and Samsung T819—are all mid-range, voice-focused phones.
None have real Web browsers—in fact, users are forbidden from loading the Opera Mini Web browser. They all use mid-speed UMTS, which runs at 384 kbps for downloads, rather than the much faster HSDPA. However, users can connect them to a PC as a modem.
| Bidders | Net total of high bids |
| 1. T-Mobile | $4.2 billion |
| 2. Verizon Wireless | $2.8 billion |
| 3. SpectrumCo | $2.4 billion |
| 4. MetroPCS | $1.4 billion |
| 5. Cingular | $1.3 billion |
| 6. Cricket | $710 million |
| 7. Denali Spectrum | $365 million |
| 8. Barat Wireless | $127 million |
| 9. AWS Wireless | $116 million |
| 10. Atlantic Wireless | $81 million |
| Click here to find out who is backing these bidders. | |
The company offers a $5.99 mobile-Web service for lower-end phones, or $19.99 a month for unlimited wireless Web services for advanced phones like the BlackBerry. That fee also includes use of Wi-Fi at Starbucks. T-Mobile said its initial data speeds for the service will range from 200 to 300 kbps from the current GPRS speed of 50 kbps to 80 kbps.
“In the coming months, T-Mobile plans to offer its first HSDPA device, along with new and compelling data-centric, all-in-one devices that help make the most of T-Mobile’s high-speed data network,” the carrier stated in its release.
T-Mobile is spectrum-constrained, in New York City. The 3G launch lets the carrier attack this problem in two ways. First of all, T-Mobile’s 3G is on the new AWS spectrum: at 1700Mhz and 2100Mhz. Secondly, 3G can carry more calls per megahertz.
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