I know many T-Mobile users have been expecting to see the iPhone 4S singing along T-Mobile’s network. Heck, we’ve even told you that the carrier has started embracing microSIM, which are used with the iPhone and iPad. What’s more, T-Mobile’s European operations have been offering Apple’s handset for years and extending to the U.S. seems like a logical step forward.
That, however, hasn’t happened and in the meantime, T-Mobile suggested its (potential) users to try out some Android smartphone instead. Needless to say, iPhone fans want an Apple-made device and no Android alternative can work for them as the “real deal” can.
The problem with the T-Mobile-compatible iPhone is that it would have to work on 1700 MHz (AWS) frequency, which is not that popular around the world (few mobile operators in Latin America use it, though). To be fair some of the newer Nokia devices rock penta-band 3G radio support, allowing them to sing along every 3G network in the world, whether it’s AT&T, T-Mobile USA or any other network in Europe. The iPhone 4S can work both on CDMA and GSM networks but that’s not across all 3G GSM frequencies (1700MHz is not on the list).
So how and when will T-Mobile offer iPhone? I’m pretty confident the next Apple smartphone (iPhone 5?) will be offered by AT&T which will acquire T-Mobile in the meantime, despite facing opposition from Sprint and others. Then, the enlarged AT&T will be able to sell Apple’s products to all T-Mobile customers. And yes, iPhone will most definitely be on the list.
While you wait for the government green-light the acquisition, you could (as T-Mobile would say) try out some Android phone, switch networks, or use whatever phone you’re using at the moment. It’s your call. 😉