Samsung's 3G SGH-T639 being sold by T-Mobile

This summer, we all got our hopes up when Samsung's (apparently 3G-enabled) SGH-T639 found its way into the FCC, and now that the handset is reportedly on sale in New York City, it'd be a great time to work yourself into a tizzy once more. According to PhoneScoop, the 3G-capable T369 is indeed "the first phone to be compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network, even though the network is not yet up and running." Oddly enough, Samsung managed to conceal this dirty little secret just yesterday, but now that the truth is out there, all that's left to do is hope that this release means that T-Mobile's 3G launch is coming sooner rather than later.

[IT HUB @ Oct 11th 2007 2:43PM]

This phone was sold as "Anycall Color Jacket" in Korea.

See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QinR4AJigrc

[Seve @ Oct 11th 2007 3:04PM]

You guys could have just checked the comments for the post about this from engadetmobile where I said this was indeed UMTS compatible but will have no 3G data. T-Mobile is using its 3g network to supply better voice service. The device will choose which is best, the UMTS or GSM...

Do not expect a 3G data service from T-Mobile until late 2008. My information is coming first hand from the people in tmo who actually know.

[Joey Geraci @ Oct 11th 2007 3:13PM]

Ok, Seve, I'm sure some random Engadget poster is really in the know. From your lips to God's ears.

[Matt @ Oct 11th 2007 3:27PM]

So what you're saying is that when I will launch the browser and will have 3g coverage the browser will still fall back to EDGE?????? No offense to you but this is the craziest thing I've ever heard. As far as I know and have seen, once the phone locks onto 3G signal both voice and data are carried over that channel. In such case since mms traffic is carried over data network if for example you would be talking on the said 3G and an MMS would arrive while on voice call you would loose the call as all phones that i've seen drop the signal for a second or two when skipping from GSM to UMTS (switching bands). If 3G is weak, it falls back to whatever is available but never heard of 3G for voice and data being dumped to EDGE. Double check that info (and honestly I am not trying to be sarcastic - just curious)

Maciek
symbiosis60.com

[Bryan Thornsberry @ Oct 11th 2007 3:27PM]

Actually, Seve is right on the money. (I'm a TMO dealer with GOOD friends in the know) Tmobiles 3G data will most likely be here by this time next year, if not a little later, as TMO always has a problem with launching things on time. Right now, were trying to get more people signed up for our hot spot @ home service. expect to see more wifi phones released for the first half of '08. (the two we have now are pretty lame.)

[theefman @ Oct 11th 2007 3:32PM]

Bryan Thornsberry, so the only reason you give for TMo's 3G being late is that they always have a problem launching things on time? Was this conclusion reached scientifically?

[Seve @ Oct 11th 2007 3:46PM]

Hey Joey,

I don't know if you've noticed but not everyone reading Engadget is random... I think the easiest proof of this is Ed Colligan from Palm writing back to Engadget. Not that I'm anywhere near the status of Colligan, but there are probably more people than you think reading Engadget who are well in the know.

=========================================

And T-Mobile's 3G network isn't going to get off the ground quickly because they only want it for voice. There will be no advertising (and I'm willing to bet they throttle down data speeds) or offering of 3G data services until late 2008 at the earliest. Did I mention the government isn't getting off the spectrum very quickly, and it's holding T-Mobile back big time.

You can be skeptics all you want, but this time next year when you're asking yourself where's T-Mobile's 3G I want you to come back and read this. Because I told you so :)

I've been asking T-Mobile for 3G service since late 2004, trust me if there is anyone who wants to know when its me. I just have been given the chance to ask the appropriate people who do indeed know. Needless to say I'm as disappointed as everyone else.

[Marty @ Oct 11th 2007 4:04PM]

No 3G data until next year? That is disappointing. I don't know what to do now. I don't want to go to Cingular/AT&T... but 3G and they have the better phones? I might switch over next year

[Cagrino @ Oct 11th 2007 6:51PM]

Do yourself a favor, SWITCH NOW! I procrastinated switching from them for 3 years waiting for them to get their act together. I had dropped calls, dead spots and of course no 3G. I went to Cingular (Now AT&T, still don't like the name change) about a year ago and it's been so much better.

In my area, I now rarely drop calls and I have ubiquitous 3G coverage. Streaming TV says it all.

[Jamar0303 @ Oct 11th 2007 8:22PM]

I had crap coverage on AT&T- had 0 bars where I'd get 3 with T-Mobile (Nashville, TN area). Just so you know- there's 2 sides to every coin.

[master_sword @ Oct 11th 2007 8:30PM]

Dang, I really liked this phone, but unfortunately (for me), I have Verizon...

[master_sword @ Oct 11th 2007 8:36PM]

And for all of you who will yell "then swith carriers", I have a pretty sweet deal right now, so I'm gonna stay

[Jamar0303 @ Oct 12th 2007 11:10AM]

A Korean version of this phone exists (with English software)- it's called the SCH-B6550. Depending on where you live, one of the many indirect dealers will be able to activate it despite official policy to the contrary.

[master_sword @ Oct 12th 2007 6:43PM]

Sweet, I'll look into that, thanks Jamar0303