The Sony Xperia Z is the company’s best handset to date, alongside the Xperia ZL. The Z’s sleek and sexy design packs a punch with its water and dust resistant powers, as well as a healthy set of specifications to boot. Rocking a 5 inch 1080p HD display, 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2GB RAM, 13 megapixel camera, 16GB internal storage, and much more, the Xperia Z will sit nicely next to the likes of the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S 4.

Now that the rumors have finally been proven to be true, we’re definitely happy to see Sony bring one of its smartphones to another US carrier. Previously, Sony had only released its Xperia smartphones on AT&T or unlocked through its website, with the exception of the Xperia Play, which was released for Verizon as well as AT&T.

The handset will ship in black and a limited-edition purple finish at launch. With no word about a white version, if you want the Xperia Z in a color that’s not black, you might want to go ahead and jump on the limited-edition purple version when it launches.

Expect to see the Sony Xperia Z hit T-Mobile shelves in the coming weeks.

For more information on the Sony Xperia Z for T-Mobile, be sure to hit up the product page here.

Xperia^® Z from Sony to Make a Splash at T-Mobile this Summer

T-Mobile is the only U.S. mobile provider of Sony’s flagship water-resistant smartphone

BELLEVUE, WA — June 18, 2013 — Continuing to offer customers a wide selection of hot 4G LTE smartphones, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) today announced it will be the exclusive U.S. wireless company to carry the Xperia^® Z from Sony.

The Xperia Z packs the best Sony has to offer into a premium Android-powered smartphone. T-Mobile will offer the device on its Simple Choice Plan with no annual service contract plus unlimited talk, text and Web on a screaming fast, nationwide 4G network with 4G LTE rolling out across the country.

“T-Mobile customers traveling this summer will love the Xperia Z with its big, beautiful HD screen, water-resistant design and advanced camera features,” said Jason Young, vice president of product marketing, T-Mobile. “This is an outstanding combination: a premium 4G LTE smartphone with Sony’s best features coupled with T-Mobile’s unlimited data and speedy nationwide network.”

Simple Choice Plan

With T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan, Xperia Z customers design their plan based on the number of lines and amount of high-speed data they want. Unlimited talk, text and Web with up to 500MB of high-speed data is $50 per month (plus taxes and fees) for the first line. Customers can add another 2GB of high-speed data at up to 4G speeds for $10 per month per line or get unlimited 4G data and up to 500MB of tethering for an additional $20 per month per line. A second phone line can be added for $30 per month and each additional line is just $10 per month. There are no caps, no overages and no restrictive annual service contracts.

T-Mobile’s 4G LTE Network

The Xperia Z will seamlessly connect to T-Mobile’s high-speed nationwide 4G HSPA+ network and advanced 4G LTE network wherever it is available, which is expected to reach 100 million people by midyear and 200 million nationwide by the end of the year¹. T-Mobile’s 4G LTE rollout complements its existing nationwide 4G network covering 228 million people, which third-party tests show already rivals or beats existing competitive LTE networks in many markets. T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network is currently available in seven metropolitan areas: Baltimore; Houston; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Phoenix; San Jose, Calif.; and Washington, D.C.

“With Xperia Z, we are thrilled to bring a breakthrough smartphone to T-Mobile, the breakout carrier in the U.S.,” said Timothy Hernquist, North America Vice President of Marketing, Sony Mobile Communications. “Xperia Z offers customers a beautifully designed, water-resistant premium Android smartphone ready to handle whatever life throws at it.”

Sony went with a stylish and durable physical design with unique technology, content and connectivity all bundled into the Xperia Z. A 5-inch 1080p HD Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA^® Engine 2 provides super brightness and clarity. The highly-durable design features  tempered glass and anti-shatter film on the front and back and the highest levels of dust- and water-resistance² (IP55 and IP57) in a premium smartphone. A 13-megapixel camera with Exmor RS^™ for Mobile, the world’s first image sensor with HDR (High Dynamic Range) video for smartphones, delivers stunning photos and videos in any condition. And its STAMINA mode is designed to greatly improve battery standby time by automaticaly shutting down battery-draining apps when the screen is off.

Availability

The Xperia Z is expected to be available nationwide at T-Mobile retail stores, select national retailers and dealers and online via www.T-Mobile.com in the coming weeks. The smartphone will be available in a black finish and a limited-time only purple finish (while supplies last). For more information, visit http://t-mobile.com/Sony-XperiaZ.

^[1]Broad LTE coverage planned for 2013; See www.t-mobile.com for coverage details. Qualifying service required. LTE is a registered trademark of ETSI.

²In compliance with IP55 and IP57, Xperia Z is protected against the ingress of dust and is water resistant. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP 55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP 57.

About T-Mobile US, Inc.:

As America’s Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: “TMUS”) is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The company’s advanced nationwide 4G and 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences for customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile US operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. It currently serves approximately 43 million wireless subscribers and provides products and services through 70,000 points of distribution. For more information, please visit: http://www.t-mobile.com.

Forward-Looking Statement:

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about T-Mobile US, Inc.’s strategy, expected network modernization and other advancements, are forward-looking statements.  Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “suggests,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimates,” “targets,” “views,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” and other similar expressions.  The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, are based on current assumptions and expectations, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Important factors that could affect future results and cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to compete in the highly competitive U.S. wireless telecommunications industry; adverse conditions in the U.S. and international economies and markets; our significant capital commitments and the capital expenditures required to effect our business plan; our ability to adapt to future changes in technology, enhance existing offerings, and introduce new offerings to address customers’ changing demands; changes in legal and regulatory requirements, including any change or increase in restrictions on our ability to operate our network; our ability to successfully maintain and improve our network, and the possibility of incurring additional costs in doing so; major equipment failures; severe weather conditions or other force majeure events; and other risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 8, 2013. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

# # #

“We’ve already begun moving MetroPCS customers to our blazing-fast network. The best part is as they upgrade their phones, their wireless experience immediately gets better.”

The transfer of MetroPCS customers to T-Mobile’s network will free up the existing MetroPCS network, freeing up the previously used airwaves to be added to T-Mobile’s rapidly developing 4G LTE network. T-Mobile’s news is great for customers of both MetroPCS and T-Mobile, who will soon be enjoying better 4G service in many new areas of the U.S.

Press release follows below.

Migration of MetroPCS Customers to Nationwide 4G HSPA+ and LTE Network Ahead of Schedule

First devices connecting to 4G HSPA+ and LTE network become available for MetroPCS customers, offering a consistently outstanding wireless experience

BELLEVUE, Wash. – June 14, 2013 – Just six weeks after completing the combination of T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) today announced the migration of MetroPCS customers onto its 4G HSPA+ and LTE network is ahead of planned schedule. This migration will provide customers of both brands deeper LTE deployment and faster network performance – delivering on the benefits of the combined company.

“The moment that NYSE bell rang on May 1, we put it into high gear and hit the gas,” said John Legere, president and chief executive officer of T-Mobile US, Inc. “We’ve already begun moving MetroPCS customers to our blazing-fast network. The best part is as they upgrade their phones, their wireless experience immediately gets better.”

The company is making HSPA+ and LTE compatible devices available to MetroPCS customers as well as allowing them to bring their own unlocked compatible HSPA+ or LTE phone, providing them the opportunity to upgrade to a powerful 4G network. With approximately 60 percent of MetroPCS customers upgrading their phones every year, it is expected that migration of customers will continue at a rapid pace. The company expects full customer migration to be complete by the end of 2015.

MetroPCS customers in Boston, Las Vegas and Hartford, Conn. can now purchase two new HSPA+ Android(TM)-powered cutting-edge smartphones running on a nationwide 4G network, the LG Optimus L9TM and Samsung Galaxy ExhibitTM. On June 17, MetroPCS will also make available a refreshed version of the Samsung Galaxy S® III, which will take advantage of 4G LTE in addition to a nationwide 4G HSPA+ network1.

Additionally, MetroPCS launched a “Bring Your Own Phone” program in these markets, as well as Dallas, giving customers the option to bring their own compatible unlocked phone to gain access to the 4G HSPA+ and LTE network.

Migrating MetroPCS customers will also benefit customers of T-Mobile. As customers leave the MetroPCS network, the freed up spectrum can then be added to the company’s growing 4G LTE network. Deploying the company’s spectrum on a single network provides a path to double its initial super-fast 4G LTE deployment (to 20+20 MHz of 4G LTE) in approximately 90 percent of the top 25 metro areas planned for 2014 and beyond.

Indeed, just two weeks after becoming one company, T-Mobile leveraged the compatibility of existing MetroPCS 4G LTE handsets and enabled them to connect to its 4G LTE network in Las Vegas. This allowed the company to combine MetroPCS’ 4G LTE spectrum with T-Mobile’s spectrum, doubling the LTE spectrum deployment in Las Vegas and dramatically increasing data speeds for both T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers with capable devices. As the company’s 4G LTE network expands to more cities, T-Mobile will continue to migrate MetroPCS customers with 4G LTE-capable handsets and leverage MetroPCS’ spectrum to deepen the combined company’s LTE coverage.

Independent third party tests of the company’s 4G LTE in Las Vegas conducted before and after the addition of MetroPCS spectrum show that its 4G LTE has the fastest average download speeds in the city, with an increase of nearly 50 percent.

1 Coverage not available everywhere. Broad LTE coverage planned for 2013. Capable device and qualifying service required for 4G HSPA+ and LTE. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

[Via: TmoNews]

The switch from CDMA to GSM will continue in other cities over time. To see if your device is compatible on Metro PCS’ GSM network, head over to the Metro PCS website where you will find a tool that will determine this for you.

More details can be found on the Metro PCS website.

[Via: TmoNews]

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your smartphone, now is the time. Check out T-Mobile for more details.

Official T-Mobile statement follows below.

“Wanted to share the latest Un-carrier move from T-Mobile, offering the highly popular Samsung Galaxy S 4 at the low upfront price of $99.99 down, plus 24 monthly payments of $20. This limited-time promotion is available starting today, June 12, through July 13, 2013, and allows consumers to get the device for less upfront at activation than at the other major national carriers.

“People told us we’d be crazy to drop our price on the hot-selling Galaxy S 4 when we already offer such a low-out-of-pocket cost — so we did it,” said Mike Sievert, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile US. “Some of our competitors require customers to sign a restrictive two year service contract or participate in a complicated trade-in scheme to get to their advertised price. We decided to just give customers the phone they want at the out of pocket cost they are asking for. That’s what you strive to do when you are America’s Un-carrier.”

In addition to the Galaxy S 4, T-Mobile is lowering the upfront costs for two more highly desirable Samsung 4G LTE devices. For well-qualified customers, the Samsung Galaxy Note® II will be available at $169.99 down, plus 24 monthly payments of $20 and the Samsung Galaxy S® III will be available for $49.99 down, plus 24 monthly payments of $20. When combined with T-Mobile’s Simple Choice Plan, customers will have access to the latest 4G LTE smartphones, as well as unlimited data, at a price point that’s sure to meet the needs of a variety of budgets.”

[Via: TmoNews]

This special offer is expected to run all the way up to June 16th, and it will allow qualified customers to bring in their iPhone 4S or iPhone 4 devices to get the iPhone 5 for $0 down plus monthly payments. New subscribers (or those upgrading) can receive an extra credit of up to $120 good toward their monthly installments, existing T-Mobile bill, accessories or toward another device.

Of course, much like any other trade-in program, there are some requirements before you can get any money back. For example, the device must be able to power on, not have a cracked screen, and not have liquid damage or any other physical damage. If you can check all those boxes — you’re good.

Remember, this deal only runs at corporate owned T-Mobile stores, so don’t waste your time trying at a local authorized dealer. If you are thinking of taking advantage of this deal, we’d recommend everyone get to the stores early to avoid long lines. Plus, sales like this usually deplete a stores inventory pretty fast.

[via TmoNews]

After acquiring MetroPCS, T-Mobile USA became a publicly listed company with Deutsche Telekom owning 74% of the venture. Germans have already tried to exit the U.S. market but their plan to sell T-Mobile to AT&T failed after the government blocked the sale. With SoftBank entering the picture, things could change; we see no reason why would anyone want to block such a deal.

T-Mobile is currently worth some $15 billion which is roughly $5 billion less than what SoftBank wanted to pay for Sprint. If Now Network’s shareholders approve the Dish’s offer, it’s likely we’ll see the Japanese company acquiring T-Mobile, potentially bringing some of its cool handsets to the market. And that’s something to look forward to…

According to the report, Apple has teamed up with Brightstar Corp, a mobile phone distributor who also has coordinated with the likes of AT&T, T-Mobile and other carriers with their trade-in programs. Apple is currently offering a web-based recycling service which pays Apple device owners for their used devices, but the new trade-in program will only be accessible through Apple’s retail stores.

[Via: Bloomberg]

“We have a very good handle on what 4X2 MIMO can do for us, and we’re one of the few that are in a position to use it.”-Mark McDiarmid, T-Mobile VP of radio network engineering

The technology will not increase the maximum speed of T-Mobile’s network, but will provide users with a better link to the data network, ensuring that users at the edge of a coverage zone will have robust LTE coverage.

T-Mobile is staying mum on details of the rollout, but is acknowledging that the technology is a possibility for future network upgrades.

[Via: GigaOM]

The HTC One is by and far the company’s best handset to date and we were more than impressed when we reviewed it a while back. Featuring a 4.7 inch 1080p HD display, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600, 2GB of RAM, Ultrapixel camera, and a gorgeous aluminum unibody casing, the HTC One has just about anything one could want from a high-end smartphone today.

T-Mobile is offering the handset for $99 dollars down with 24 monthly payments of  $20 on top of your phone bill. Of course, you can always just pay for the phone up front for $579.99.

So what are you waiting for? Head over to your local T-Mobile store to get your very own HTC One.

In the other LG news, we’re hearing (from EVleaks) that the still unannounced Optimus F6 may be heading to T-Mobile USA. While we’ve no idea what that phone is all about, it makes sense it’s better than the F5 and worse than the F7. The F7′s specs are listed above, let’s recap what’s F5 all about: it has a 4.3-inch qHD display, 1GB of RAM and 1.2GHz dual-core processor. So we presume the F6 may have F5′s guts and a larger qHD screen; or F7′s guts with smaller 720p HD screen; or… feel free to drop your guess in the comments form below. We’ll naturally let you know as soon as we have something new on this. Stay tuned…

As part of the consolidation of both companies, MetroPCS will also begin to sell its own data plans on T-Mobile’s network. Moreover, the prepaid carrier will push T-Mobile’s BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone), which allows customers to bring whatever GSM handset they want to MetroPCS. However, for some reason, the BYOP program keeps out BlackBerry devices.

We’re not sure if this “bring any phone” policy applies to handsets that aren’t unlocked already. It would be cool if MetroPCS unlocked devices for people to use on its network regardless of its carrier branding. We’ll update this with more clarity as the announcement becomes official.

[Phone Arena; via Engadget]