Yesterday saw a flurry of blogging over the rumored launch of T-Mobile's long-brewing 3G network today in New York City on May Day, and speculation that the launch would be voice only--neglecting the data capability that is really central to 3G usage. Well, the 3G network did indeed launch today and Electronista is reporting that data is included:
Tests in New York City's Brooklyn borough using phones already capable of supporting the carrier's unique 1,700MHz UMTS Internet service show downloads at 300Kbps or more, pushing past the 200Kbps or less normally available on the EDGE (2G) network. Data can also pass through at the same time as calls -- a feat normally impossible with EDGE, which blocks phone service during heavy use.
Despite the kleenex-ized generic monicker of 3G, there are actually several flavors of 3G connectivity as defined by the frequency that the cellular network uses. AT&T, T-Mobile's main GSM provider in the United States, offers dual-band connectivity on the 850 and 1900 MHz bands. However, T-Mobile's 3G network runs on the 1700 MHz frequency--thus a 3G-enabled phone that you may have picked up from AT&T won't get past the ropeline at T-Mobile's 3G party should you decide to switch networks.
This also prevents many current unlocked 3G-enabled phones from utilizing 3G on T-Mobile, as those that are geared for the American 3G audience currently offer connectivity to the 850/1900 MHz frequencies like the US network-enabled Nokia N95s. (Most unlocked 3G phones made for the European and Asian markets can't access either AT&T's or T-Mobile's 3G networks as those international networks run on the 2100 MHz spectrum.) But it does look like some new phones coming down the pike--such as the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1--are integrating 1700 3Gness in order to roll with T-Mobile.
--Agen G.N. Schmitz
from amazondaily
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