Past iPhones have been unable to access T-Mobile’s 3G network due to a difference in frequencies between AT&T and T-Mobile, AT&T using the 1900MHz frequency, and T-Mobile using the 1700/2100MHz frequencies. Since AT&T uses the 1900MHz frequency for 3G, this is what iPhone’s have been manufactured with the ability to support, meaning that an unlocked iPhone operating on T-Mobile’s network only had access to EDGE speeds. The new iPhone 4, however, may be able to bravely go where no iPhone has gone before: T-Mobile 3G.
How is this possible if the frequencies are different, you ask? While looking through the technical specifications of the iPhone 4, I found that it supports Quad-Band UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA ranges (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz). Previously, that “2100 MHz” was not included in the list of supported frequencies. Now, with its inclusion, my limited technical knowledge assumes that the iPhone 4 is capable of unlocking and jumping to T-Mobile while retaining full speed functionality.
If I am incorrect, please comment and let me know, citing some sort of documentation or factoid proving me wrong. Thanks in advance.
-[insert T-MOBILE FAN NERDGASM here]
