Bold, 3G, Tmobile and you: FAQ

H

Haptic.Hazard.

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Since the same questions continue to come up and mixed information is getting passed, here are clear and concise answers. If you want more detailed ones, visit wikipedia:



"What is 3G?"

3G is short for third generation and is referring to mobile data. EDGE is considered "2.5G" by most since it's technology is superior to 2G but not quite 3rd generation.

"Does Tmobile have 3G?"

Yes, recently Tmobile began rolling out 3G city by city and plans to have nationwide coverage in the future.

"Will an unlocked Bold work on Tmobile? Will I have 3G?"

Yes, an unlocked Bold will work on Tmobile, but no the 3G will not. Tmobile's UMTS network (3G) runs on the 1700/2100mhz spectrum. Tmobile is currently the only carrier in North America that supports this. You will have GSM/EDGE reception only if you choose to unlock a Bold for a different carrier and use it on the network. The Bold supports the GSM bands 850/900/1800/1900 meaning you can have "world phone" service up to EDGE speed where supported.

Before purchasing any device not locked to your provider in your country, always be sure of which frequencies it supports and that you can unlock it for use on your network. For a list of GSM frequencies used by the different countries you can visit here.

"Is UMTS faster than EDGE?"

In theory, yes. Actual speeds can and will vary. The hierarchy (from fastest to slowest) is UMTS > EDGE > GPRS.

"Will 3G mean improved EDGE speeds?"

No, the two technologies are not directly connected.

"When will there be a BlackBerry device to support 3G on T-mobile?"

There is no news at this current time as to if/when this could happen.







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Any other general questions related to Tmobile/3G feel free to ask in here and they will be answered. I'll keep the thread updated as new popular questions arise and any answers change. Rumors will not constitute a change, only well sourced facts.
 
There was someone here who said they have an unlocked BOLD. I'm not sure if he said 3G is working for him or not. I don't remember, but he was on T-Mobile. Anyway, if 3G doesn't work for an unlocked BOLD on T-Mobile then what's the point of even getting an unlocked BOLD if you do have T-Mobile? My whole reason to get an unlocked BOLD is to have 3G, but since that wont work out then Javelin it is.

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T-Mobile Curve 8320 - 4.5.0.69 OS Beta!
[[email protected]]

--HeavyC.

~via BB (wap.rabroad.com)~
 
I may be picking up an unlocked Bold next week even though I'm on Tmo. Basically my reasons are it's a solid device, has wifi + gps and 1gb of on board memory. I won't be stuck having to use a gps puck anymore with my 8320, I'll get to enjoy 4.6 OS instead of waiting who knows how long for it to arrive on the Curve, I'll have a new toy and I have the disposable income to burn, lol. My top reason though: RIM has a nasty habit of delaying releases quite a bit. The Curve, The Bold and most likely the Javelin. It is slated for release mid of 2009 but that could become 3rd or 4th quarter of '09. I don't feel like waiting.
 
Good question. In theory it SHOULD work, since RIM has started having OS support for it in their WiFi devices since 4.2 and I doubt they'd purposely take it out, but my Bold is coming late next week sometime (maybe early the following week). I'll test and get back to you.
 
T-Mobile just announced that it will be launching 3G in the New England and Phoenix markets on September 11th and 12th. Hooray for 3G!!~via BB (wap.rabroad.com)~
 
OK, the $27MM questions still remaining:

Will the BOLD WiFi work with T-Mo's UMA/HotSpot calling plan?

Anyone know and/or tested this? I would assume you woudl need the correct service book and/or certificates?
 
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