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

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

Posted: 10 Apr 2012, 07:35, by Victor H.

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Tags : T-Mobile -T-Mobile + AT&T -AT&T + Apple -Apple +

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

21 Comments

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posted on 10 Apr 2012, 08:33 1

2. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 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 10 Apr 2012, 09:10

4. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 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 10 Apr 2012, 12:18

13. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)

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 10 Apr 2012, 12:22 1

14. eaxvac (Posts: 328; Member since: 15 Jan 2012)

lol fandroid

posted on 10 Apr 2012, 17:12

18. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 2011)

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 10 Apr 2012, 17:48

20. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)

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 10 Apr 2012, 19:54

23. cellphonator (Posts: 298; Member since: 29 Oct 2011)

Thanks.

posted on 10 Apr 2012, 09:11

5. atheisticemetic (Posts: 377; Member since: 18 Dec 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 10 Apr 2012, 09:16 1

6. PAPINYC (banned) (Posts: 2315; Member since: 30 Jul 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 10 Apr 2012, 09:20

7. rui-no-onna (Posts: 2; Member since: 10 Apr 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 10 Apr 2012, 11:31 2

10. taco50 (banned) (Posts: 5506; Member since: 08 Oct 2009)

T mobile is desperate to get an iPhone.

posted on 10 Apr 2012, 11:32 2

11. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)

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

posted on 10 Apr 2012, 13:07

15. Forsaken77 (Posts: 553; Member since: 09 Jun 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 10 Apr 2012, 16:52

17. jmoita2 (Posts: 930; Member since: 23 Dec 2011)

What kind of phone?

posted on 10 Apr 2012, 17:43

19. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)

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.

posted on 10 Apr 2012, 16:48

16. Republican (Posts: 99; Member since: 05 Apr 2012)

It cheapens the iPhone. It should remain locked,for those who have the ability to afford one.