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T-Mobile's enhanced LTE network gets its first tablet

The Alcatel 3T 8 is designed to deliver entertainment using T-Mobile’s 600 MHz expanded LTE network.

Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
Joshua Goldman
2 min read
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The 8-inch 3T 8 tablet will stream video for 7 hours on T-Mobile's LTE network. 

Alcatel

As T-Mobile's 600 MHz spectrum LTE network continues to grow, we're finally seeing devices made to take advantage of its enhanced coverage. 

The 8-inch 3T 8 from Alcatel will be the network's first to access the 600 MHz spectrum, which delivers better indoor coverage across a large geographic stretch. Powered by a 4080mAh battery, Alcatel claims up to 7 hours of constant video streaming on high-speed LTE or 8.5 over Wi-Fi. 

Running on Android 8.1 Oreo, the tablet has a 1280x800-resolution touch display, 2GB of memory and 16GB of storage with a quad-core 1.5GHz MediaTek MT8765A processor. Included is a new CloserTV app giving users a "one-stop shop for video streaming and live TV on your tablet" as well as a built-in Kids Mode with a parental control panel for setting app access and time limits. 

Watch this: T-Mobile wants to expand coverage and lower prices with 5G

"T-Mobile already has 600 MHz LTE deployed in more than 1,250 cities and towns across 36 states, including Puerto Rico," a spokeswoman for the carrier said in a statement to CNET. To speed the process of freeing up the spectrum for LTE, T-Mobile is working with broadcasters currently on the 600 MHz spectrum to assist them in moving to new frequencies. These spectrum repacks enhance LTE coverage and capacity with equipment that is also 5G ready.  

The Alcatel 3T 8 will be available in T-Mobile stores and online starting Oct. 12 for $6 down and $6 a month for 24 months or $150. 

Size up Alcatel's 5-inch OneTouch Fierce 2 (pictures)

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First published Oct. 8, 10:56 a.m. ET. 

Update, 2:20 p.m.: Adds clarity to roll out of T-Mobile's 600MHz spectrum.