I have a Google Nexus (The one that uses the frequencies for T-Mobile) and I noticed that among the frequencies was the AWS type, which I used Wikipedia and this standard can use both 3G and 4G technology it said. But apparently T-Mobile has decided to use it for 3G.
My question is: If T-Mobile decided to broadcast 4G over this frequency instead, would handsets capable of picking up the AWS frequency be able to use the 4G network? Or would it require new hardware and the like, which would require a brand new phone capable of receiving the new 4G?
My second part of the question. I noticed that T-Mobile is continuing to upgrade their 3G coverage to a potential 30Mbps download speed. Now when AT&T made their latest 3G iteration HSDPA capable of downloading at 7.2 Mbps, only those who had HSDPA capable handsets were able to take advantage of the fast 3G, while everyone else could only use the regular 3G. If T-Mobile improved their 3G, would it follow this same concept, or would we be able to use the same handset hardware since it will be broadcasted over the AWS channel?
My question is: If T-Mobile decided to broadcast 4G over this frequency instead, would handsets capable of picking up the AWS frequency be able to use the 4G network? Or would it require new hardware and the like, which would require a brand new phone capable of receiving the new 4G?
My second part of the question. I noticed that T-Mobile is continuing to upgrade their 3G coverage to a potential 30Mbps download speed. Now when AT&T made their latest 3G iteration HSDPA capable of downloading at 7.2 Mbps, only those who had HSDPA capable handsets were able to take advantage of the fast 3G, while everyone else could only use the regular 3G. If T-Mobile improved their 3G, would it follow this same concept, or would we be able to use the same handset hardware since it will be broadcasted over the AWS channel?