T-Mobile to launch 3G network without data support
Seriously? Remember that little bit of news we got about T-Mobile’s upcoming 3G network launch in New York? Exciting stuff, save for one small, tiny little detail. According to an internal memo that the carrier is currently circulating, they only plan on flipping the switch on the voice portion of their "next-gen" mobile network. Uh…okay. Here’s the pertinent text from the memo:
"3G is the next generation of our wireless network, following our current GSM network. In this early phase of our network evolution, 3G is a new technology for carrying wireless voice calls and supporting existing data capabilities on our network. In future phases, this next generation network will power ‘high-speed’ (3G) products and services that connect customers in new and exciting ways. … Inform customers who are interested in high-speed data that the first phase of our 3G roll out supports voice only."
Great. Just great. T-Mobz, we love you, but this is ridiculous. Your 3G coverage is rolling out years after the rest of the competition, and you can’t do us the service of making sure it supports the features that most people are looking for in a high-speed access network? No word on when they plan to turn the good stuff on, but sometime in 2011 is a safe bet.
On Apr 30, 2008 @ 5:40 pm, mlee Said:
wow. more waiting. im glad i jumped ship and went to sprint. they may not know how to run a company but damn, the network sure is fast and i have evdo coverage almost everywhere i go
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 5:54 pm, Codey H. Said:
BGR, I think you and I agree that this is ridiculous.
Why bother with a 3G rollout? Jump on the LTE bandwagon early… *shrugs*
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 6:07 pm, James Said:
Damn…wow…Thats like letting me sit inside a brand new mustang and finding out it has no engine yet. Very disappointing. Man or man, I was thinking wow I can get a new 3G Iphone and possibly have it run on T-Mobiles 3G network. Well that may be possible in 2015 when they decide to get their act together!
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 6:09 pm, sam o. Said:
I think this me be a bigger deal if any of the 3G phones on launch had any data capacity, but no smart phones in the bunch. Feels like kinda a nonstory, now if there was a big juicy 3G win mob smart phone sitting, running on EDGE, when it could be rocking the 3G I could get behind the bitching. From what I understand the attingular phones that are 3G run on a diffrent band right, so no using those. What’s the big deal? When a phone that can use the 3G data launches, t mob will flip the switch!
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 6:17 pm, TrueDis Said:
T-Mobile, you never fail to disappoint
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 6:22 pm, Luke Said:
This makes me very sad. I’ve been holding out for tmobile 3G forever now….
Also, that picture you chose for this article is absolutely priceless.
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 6:28 pm, 16 coming through roofless Said:
I still love you T-mobile.
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 6:36 pm, BH Said:
Was actually aware of this several weeks ago, but was holding out hope for 3G data anyways. On the bright side, imagine how fast you’ll be able to talk now…
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 6:41 pm, Jeff B. Said:
Oh ho, is funny because we all thought it was going to have data support…oh no.
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:10 pm, ReL Said:
As James Murphy would say, “TMO I love you but your bringing me down.”
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:11 pm, dand Said:
why is everyone acting surprised. i suppose this time they didnt even bother making a time frame for when data will launch.
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:25 pm, Nitesmoke Said:
Att will get 5g before tmo will get 3g
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:32 pm, pheer6224 Said:
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Good thing we’ll have android first.
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:38 pm, john doe Said:
AT&T here I come
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:42 pm, mark Said:
man that news sucks………if they mean a month or so later they will activate their 3g high speed data its acceptable but they are going overboard …………
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:44 pm, mingkee Said:
I don’t know why don’t read this on tmonews
http://tmonews.com/2008/04/more-3g-release-news/#comment-370
there’s a screen cap on the notice
if the “voice only” is on the notice, the poster should have stated, or displayed on the screen cap
btw, I have 3G ready phone (nokia 6263), and I have VPN total internet, that I do alot of tethering, and I am located in NYC
then why don’t wait for my report first before making any conclusion?!
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 7:55 pm, Jordan Brown Said:
but atleast they have good customer service, right tmo users?
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 9:28 pm, Mockerfab4 Said:
Wow Tmo! I’m hoping this Sony Ericsson Bella is the new “must have” phone in your line-up, because if it isn’t, ATT here I come. :/
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 9:49 pm, argonnj Said:
Just another reason why TMO is not a real network.
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 9:56 pm, Mark Said:
Great reporting. The service hasn’t even launched yet and BGR is posting misinformation based upon one internal doc.
There are no high end smartphones or aircards to take advantage of a 3G network so why the fuss?
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 10:23 pm, eric Said:
UNBELIEVABLE!! Absolutely ridiculous!!!
Never in my entire life have i heard of something sooo stupid. I’m switching to ATT!
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 10:24 pm, Mikemi Said:
Getting tired of waiting for Tmob to catch up. It’s hard to be loyal when friends with other carriers have much more in the way of capability. For the first time in almost 9 years I am considering a move away from Tmob and I am sure I am not alone.
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 11:46 pm, John J Said:
Anyone who jumps carriers for a coverage type or phone is an IDIOT!!! Would you prefer rolling something out and having be awful or roll it out slow and fine tune it and then put it out and have it be right. Boy Genius, enough bashing T-Mobile on the 3G already, you are losing credibility!
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On Apr 30, 2008 @ 11:56 pm, John J Said:
What makes you think ATT has their act together? Just because they have 3G doesn’t mean jack! They still is no 3G Blackberry on the market, so what is the big deal!?!? Windows mobile blows chunks!! T-Mobile is rolling out slow so it WORKS, just be F!@#$ing patient! Anyone who changes service over this SUPPOSED info is an IDIOT and deserves what they get!!
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On May 1, 2008 @ 12:07 am, Henrik Johnson Said:
What’s the point of having 3G just for voice? Voice works pretty ok even with just GSM which was introduced in the early 90’s. For me faster data is the only reason why you would want 3G (Sure video calling sounds fun, but is really useless).
It’s just funny how ridiculously backward the US cell phone network is compared to at least Sweden. I moved to the US around 5 years and the US cell phone network is still not as developed as it was back home in Sweden before I left.
One thing I also don’t get is why the heck I can’t buy any of the cool phones here. Currently I almost always pick up a new handset that I know I wont see on these shores for another year or two (If ever) whenever I go home on vacation.
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