AT&T unlocking iPhones could be an opportunity for T-Mobile, carrier says it's more affordable

posted by Victor H. / Apr 10, 2012, 7:35 AM

AT&T unlocking iPhones could be an opportunity for T-Mobile, carrier says it's more affordable

Yesterday, AT&T detailed the easy, but long process of unlocking an iPhone that has been purchased locked to the carrier, and that’s good news for... T-Mobile. The nation’s fourth largest carrier happens to be a GSM carrier just like AT&T, and this means that the unlocked iPhone could easily work on its bands.

T-Mobile is making the point that it’s got more affordable plans, and users will be better off on its network. And this is partly true - T-Mo is the most affordable among the big four US carriers. You’d need to trade off fast data if you opt to go with it, though, as the iPhone doesn’t support its AWS bands and will only work with snail-fast EDGE speeds.

At least you won’t be alone - there’s already over a million T-Mobile subscribers rocking an iPhone and making do with the speeds. And here’s the statement from a T-Mobile spokesperson for 9to5Mac:

“Today we have more than one million unlocked iPhones running on our network. T-Mobile currently offers microSIMs for customers who already have a GSM phone they want to use on the T-Mobile network, including an iPhone. In order to set up an unlocked iPhone on T-Mobile’s network, customers simply need to purchase a microSIM card and select a T-Mobile Value plan that suits their needs.

T-Mobile’s Value plans enable customers who bring their own smartphone, such as the iPhone, to save money. For example, T-Mobile’s Value family plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited data with 2 GB of high-speed data is just $49.99 per line for two lines.

In addition, we will continue to deliver more value to customers as we expand and modernize our 4G network. Beginning this year, we will introduce HSPA+ service in our 1900 MHz PCS spectrum. When we do, our 4G network will be compatible with a broader range of devices, including the iPhone.”

It all boils down to affordability and optimism about the future. It seems that the new iPhone with LTE should finally support T-Mobile’s network. But would you move your service to T-Mobile with the iPhone data speeds it supports now? Have your say below.

source: 9to5Mac

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21 Comments

2. remixfa

Posts: 14605; Member since: Dec 19, 2008

its extremely common. Thats why i laugh about people that are mad that apple doesnt come directly to T-mobile. In order to afford apple subsidies everyone's plans would have to go up. Just get the phone unlocked and bring it over.. It saves you every month with that cheaper plan.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 8:33 AM 1

4. cellphonator

Posts: 298; Member since: Oct 29, 2011

My wife just did it, we're on T-mobile Value Plan and she just got an unlocked iPhone 4$. I'm waiting to pull the trigger with an Android, just don't know which one yet.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 9:10 AM 0

13. remixfa

The SGS3, of course :) lol. The oneS and X should be out pretty shortly if u dont want to wait for the SGS3.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 12:18 PM 0

14. eaxvac

Posts: 328; Member since: Jan 15, 2012

lol fandroid

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 12:22 PM 1

18. cellphonator

Would you buy the One S or SGS2 (yes the 2)? When do you realistically think the SG3 will get here in US?

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 5:12 PM 0

20. remixfa

I wouldnt buy either. if I had to chose I guess the 1s... but not happily... and only because it comes with the s4 over the Hercules' s3.. though I'd rather have the super amoled screen and the better xda mod support on the sgs2 Hercules. when the sgs3 comes out is anyone's guess but if rumors are right it should be may - July time frame. if your not in dire need of a new phone it would be worth waiting for the official sgs3 announcement to see which way you want to go. if it is indeed the exynos 4212 quadcore and new true HD amoled it will be leagues ahead of the sgs2 and oneS.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 5:48 PM 0

23. cellphonator

Thanks.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 7:54 PM 0

5. atheisticemetic

Posts: 377; Member since: Dec 18, 2011

if you're cool with maybe 56k on a mobile device you can have a crappy carrier and a crappy phone... i think i'll pass. I already went down that road....it was horrible

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 9:11 AM 0

6. PAPINYC

Posts: 2315; Member since: Jul 30, 2011

Speed here is not an issue as the phone itself is 56K. Personally, I think the network's speeds outperform the phone's slow speeds any day. IMH°•°

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 9:16 AM 1

7. rui-no-onna

Posts: 2; Member since: Apr 10, 2012

I'll pass. I would like switch to a T-Mobile Value Plan. Don't really care if I can keep using my iPhone, there are plenty of nice Android phones that work on T-Mobile's 3G/HSPA network. However, I don't get T-Mobile signal at the workplace so kinda worthless to switch providers.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 9:20 AM 0

10. taco50

Posts: 5506; Member since: Oct 08, 2009

T mobile is desperate to get an iPhone.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 11:31 AM 2

11. remixfa

you are desperate for attention other than your mother's. true story.

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 11:32 AM 2

15. Forsaken77

Posts: 553; Member since: Jun 09, 2011

Hey Remix... if I brought a phone that's locked by any other carrier over to Tmobile, can Tmobile unlock it? Or does it have to be unlocked only by the carrier it was on? What happens if you don't know the carrier it was on? How do you unlock it then?

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 1:07 PM 0

17. jmoita2

Posts: 930; Member since: Dec 23, 2011

What kind of phone?

posted on Apr 10, 2012, 4:52 PM 0

19. remixfa

carriers won't unlock another's phone. go towww.TheUnlockr.com .. they can unlock most anything. if its a GSM phone it will work. most GSM phones don't carry T-Mobile's 3g/4g signal though so data might be slow. one of the Canadian carriers uses the same signals.. don't remember which though.