T-Mobile going to get on the EDGE bandwagon?

Honestly, with all the other carriers here in the US already either deploying or testing high-speed 3G wireless networks, isn't it a little weird that T-Mobile still hasn't upgraded their network to EDGE (which is a like a faster version of GPRS), let alone announced their plans for 3G? They won't say anything official about it, but our buddy Om Malik noticed that Ericsson announced a deal to sell some EDGE-compatible cellular network equipment to T-Mobile, which means they're probably going to roll EDGE out not too long from now.

[Derek @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

Yeh T-Mobile needs to get with the program. They need to start offering their customers EDGE service to stay competitive with Cingular/ATT.

[Troy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

And also, better phones. I used to think Tmobile has the best phones, but not after AT&T and Cingular started to use GSM technology. Now, Tmobile's phones selection is really bad. What's up with Sharp TM150? UGLY!

[Derek @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

Yeh there used to be a time when tmobile was the leader in gsm phones for the US market. Now that award goes to Cingular/ATT. Tmobile needs phone upgrades!

[The Truth @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

Man all these comments took the words right out of my damn mouth... I switched from Cingular to TMobile specifically for the phone factor but now Im kinda wishing I didnt. If TMobile doesnt get the Sony Ericcson P910 or the S700 then im out fa sho!

[Jabari @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

I talked to a guy on the phone from t-mobile and he sayed that they are looking to bring 3G network to the US in mid 2005...but is not offical.

[Pete @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

There is NO CHANCE of TMobile bringing a 3G (ie WCDMA) network to the US in mid 2005. They don't have the spectrum needed to support their current customer base, let alone a new high speed data network..

[Stan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

You can always find compatible GSM phones from third parties if you look. I can't stand Cingular/AT+T, so I'm running my new Moto RAZR V3 on T-Mobile...

[e.Swede @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

T-mobile is the worst cell phone company ever. They screwed me out of 100 dollars after I cancelled with them 3 times. They never recorded my cancellation. I hate them and their company. NEVER use Tmobile. EVER

[John Trip @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

Does anyone know where i can get a good deal for a Motorola V3 RAZR with Tmobile in NYC?

Thanks
-jt

[Lucas @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

I have a great T-Mobile pocket-PC and phone combination which I'm not eager to part with (neither would I like to part with T-Mobile), but I'd like to get the EDGE as soon as it's available from T-Mobile.

Will that mean having to get a new phone, or is EDGE compatible with regular GPRS phones? Is there a special GPRS-class that is EDGE enabled?

[David @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

T-Mobile will not be in a position to go 3G until they upgrade their transportation network. Currently, they have most base stations muxed into Telelabs DACS across their central offices. Circuit switching technology does not allow for a scalable transition to packet based soutions.

At present, they have anywhere to 1-2 T1's allocated for base stations.Regardless of what spectrum they have allocated, T-mobile will be happy to keep 2G customers and wait out 3G until they have to go 3G. And last I talked with R&D at Tmobile, they were planning 2006 for edge and 2008 for 3G.

Simply stated, Tmobile is a low frills mobile wireless phone and internet provider. Has it not occured to many people there is a reason why T-mobile charges less for unlimited internet access via GPRS?

T-mobile is a great provider if you are on a budget; they run their business that way. If you need wireless broadband, go with Verizon's EVDO service. Its pricey, but their service and coverage are best. If you must have GSM, stick with Cingular. But, its performance lacks that of EVDO and its pointless to use internationally since 3G roaming is still being hashed out in the forum.

[Peter @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

Thank you David - Finally I got an answer to my questions. 2008 for 3g and 2006 for EDGE. On the other hand - the price is right. One thing - their customer service reps are in the dark about things like EDGE and 3G - they don't know what they are.

[Mitchell @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

That's a bummer. I have trouble w/Cingular b/c they use proxy servers. This blocks VPN's, Terminal Services, etc. Does anyone know who the fastest provider is that offers a pure non/proxy Internet connection? Is there a way around this w/Cingular? I�ve also noticed, at least in Atlanta, that GPRS w/T-Mobile seems faster than w/Cingular but I always attributed this to the proxy bottleneck.

[Jay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

If I have a razr from cingular and want to take it to tmobile, can I? If not, how do I unlock it?

[ben @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

Actually T-Mobile has deployed EDGE nationwide, just aren't advertising it for some reason.

[Floyd Larson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

I was just told by a T-mobile support rep that they are introducing a Treo 7XX model in late Q3 or early Q4. Since they have Edge technology in my market (San Diego), I asked whether the new Treo supports Edge. The rep didn't know. Can anyone tell me?

[Ralph F @ Dec 19th 2005 12:06AM]

Yeap. I just was told by a TMobile rep to wait a month or so to get this wireless technology. Instead of selling me their in store current wi-fi product they said this new EDGE technology their coming out with will be faster and $20 a month for unlimited use.