T-Mobile Opens New Markets on HSPA+ Network For iPhone Users
The HSPA+ Experience
T-Mobile Expands HSPA+ Network
T-Mobile USA announces that 10 new markets have access to its HSPA+ network when using unlocked iPhones. Users based in the metro areas have opportunity to subscribe to the carrier to get speeds that surpass 2G.
Details of the HSPA+ Update
The US areas that the service provider expands to include San Francisco, Miami, San Jose, Stockton, Fort Lauderdale, and Phoenix. Scott Webster writes on CNet that the enhancements to coverage are part of the carrier's efforts to "fill gaps as it deploys its LTE network next year."
By bringing the 1900-megahertz band of the HSPA+ network to those areas, people that use unlocked iPhones (which run on 1900 MHz) can use the carrier for high upload and download speeds.
While the service provider, with its base in Bellevue, Washington, does not sell iPhones, many of the Apple smartphones run on its network. Prior to the November announcement, unlocked iPhone users were only able to utilize 2G Edge services in those 10 markets. While Evolved HSPA mobile data transmission speed is not at LTE level, it is a natural upgrade from 2G.
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Implications of the T-Mobile Expansion
iPhone users in any of the new US areas have opportunity to upgrade their systems. As HSPA+ builds off 3G system technology, switching to HSPA+ gives mobile users higher speeds for both upload and download. Their mobile interactions can move more quickly too. iPhone users can open up Webpages faster than at 2G and shop online quickly.
People in the new markets that switch to the carrier can also their iPhones for data-intensive applications. For example, they can update their own Websites and upload podcasts more quickly by HSDA+ network than by Edge network on their mobiles. As well, the transfer of data from mobile to computer is faster on Evolved HSDA network than 2G variety.
The new opportunity lets small businesses that use unlocked iPhones get closer to a 4G network without needing a new radio interface. The 1900 MHz network enhances WCDMA technologies without requiring a switch to FDMA technologies on which LTE has its basis. While upload and download speeds of HSPA+ are slightly less than LTE, they are significantly faster than 2G.
T-Mobile USA offers iPhone consumers, whether individuals or small businesses, a new carrier option in ten more markets.
