T-Mobile revs up network for better iPhone service
The carrier extends its faster HSPA+ network on the iPhone-compatible 1900 megahertz band to 10 new markets.
T-Mobile USA has expanded the number of markets where unlocked iPhones can tap into its higher network speeds.
The carrier said yesterday in a blog post that 10 new metro areas would get its faster HSPA+ network on the 1900 megahertz band. That's important because the iPhone is compatible only with 1900MHz, meaning that in most other markets, it is stuck on the much slower 2G Edge network.
Part of the allure of the 1900MHz HSPA+ is it that allows unlocked AT&T devices to enjoy 4G speeds on T-Mobile's network.
In addition, other T-Mobile customers should get enhanced voice and data coverage as a result of the network upgrade. The 10 new areas include: Miami; Phoenix; San Francisco; Mesa and Tucson, Ariz.; Modesto, Oakland, San Jose and Stockton, Calif.; and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
These 10 new markets with 1900MHz HSPA+ network join already existing areas Baltimore; Houston; Kansas City; Las Vegas and Washington D.C. Looking ahead, T-Mobile anticipates that Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, the New York metro area, Philadelphia, San Diego and Seattle, should see enhanced coverage. First announced back in the summer, the enhanced coverage is part of T-Mobile's $4 billion effort to fill gaps as it deploys its LTE network next year.
T-Mobile's network improvement and push to lure in unlocked iPhones is part of the carrier's "challenger strategy." While T-Mobile may not want to strike a deal with Apple to officially sell the handset, it will do its part to peel away users. Still, the carrier has made it very obvious that it would like to provide service for users who own the iPhone.