HSPA

T-Mobile revs up network for better iPhone service

T-Mobile USA has expanded the number of markets where unlocked iPhones can tap into its higher network speeds.

The carrier said yesterday in a blog post that 10 new metro areas would get its faster HSPA+ network on the 1900 megahertz band. That's important because the iPhone is compatible only with 1900MHz, meaning that in most other markets, it is stuck on the much slower 2G Edge network.

Part of the allure of the 1900MHz HSPA+ is it that allows unlocked AT&T devices to enjoy 4G speeds on T-Mobile's network.

In addition, other T-Mobile customers should … Read more

Google Nexus 7 on AT&T network sold out

The newest version of the Nexus 7 tablet is already sold out on Google's online store, Google Play.

The AT&T HSPA+ model, which went on sale Tuesday, marks the first time a Google tablet is being sold with 3G capability (or 4G, depending on how you define AT&T's HSPA+).

The $299 tablet comes with 32GB of storage, 1GB of memory, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and a 7-inch 1,280x800 display.

In the latest month of sales, the Nexus 7 sold at a clip of about 1 million per month, according to Asus, which … Read more

T-Mobile boosts 4G coverage in attempt to lure iPhone users

T-Mobile today added Baltimore, Houston, and Washington, D.C. to the list of U.S. cities served by 4G (HSPA+) on its faster 1900 network.

"As a part of our $4 billion plan to transform our network, T-Mobile continues to strengthen an already fast and competitive 4G experience in major metro areas across the country by installing new equipment and retuning our 4G airwaves to work with more devices," T-Mobile USA Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray said in a statement today.

One of the devices that the carrier specifically highlighted to get the faster 4G coverage is the … Read more

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G to hit T-Mobile in coming weeks

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G smartphone now has an official U.S. launch date, or rather a launch timeframe.

The Korean handset maker said today that the phone will appear on T-Mobile's network sometime in the coming weeks. T-Mobile subscribers will be able to order the phone through the carrier's retail outlets, certain third-party stores, and online through T-Mobile's site.

Initially known as the Galaxy S Blaze Q, the phone was rechristened with its current moniker last month. The Relay 4G was also allegedly supposed to reach consumers in August.

Sporting Android 4.0 Ice Cream … Read more

T-Mobile to offer iPhone-compatible '4G' at WWDC

During Apple's WWDC at Moscone West next week, T-Mobile has said that it will have an iPhone-compatible 4G network on hand for attendees, according to the Apple news blog 9to5Mac.

The carrier just announced last month that it's network would be compatible with the iPhone later this year, but few expected it to happen so soon.

Here's what a T-Mobile spokesperson told 9to5Mac:

While upgrading coverage inside the West side of the Moscone Center, T-Mobile has also deployed 4G HSPA+ service in the 1900 MHz band to test the live network on a small scale. As part … Read more

T-Mobile: iPhone network compatibility coming this year

NEW ORLEANS--T-Mobile's network will be compatible with the iPhone later this year -- even if it isn't selling it, the company said today.

The wireless carrier added that it had tapped Ericsson and Nokia-Siemens for its $4 billion 4G LTE deployment.

The moves will address the two biggest gaps at T-Mobile: the lack of the iPhone and a more advanced 4G LTE network. Bogged down by its failed merger attempt with AT&T last year, the company has more recently shifted gears in hopes of mounting a comeback in the wireless market. … Read more

Is the AT&T iPhone 4S a 4G phone or not?

If AT&T's marketing of the iPhone 4S as a 4G phone has left you scratching your head in confusion, you're not alone.

AT&T has ramped up its marketing efforts lately, airing commercials on TV that highlight the iPhone 4S as a 4G device. The TV ads emphasize that AT&T's version of the iPhone 4S can download Web content three times faster than its competitors because it's operating on AT&T's 4G network. While technically the iPhone 4S on AT&T may be faster than the same device … Read more

Best tablets with cell service

Subscribing for cellular service on your smartphone is a no-brainer, but having the option on your tablet can be just as useful and convenient. 4G tablet speeds are fast, if you live in available markets, but even if you don't you still have Web access.

We've gathered some of the best tablets with cellular service on the market. Some carriers offer options like shared data plans for multiple devices or long-term contracts that sometimes include discounts.

This post focuses on month-to-moth data plans. Some of the plans are prepaid, which help avoid pricey data overage fees, but most just offer the flexible commitment to a data plan without tying you down to a contract.

Pricing and availability depends on your location, so for more information on all data plans, visit your carrier's Web site or local store.… Read more

4G phones nab one-third of the smartphone market

4G handsets grabbed 35 percent of the smartphone market in the fourth quarter, up from just 6 percent a year earlier, NPD said yesterday.

Among the various 4G flavors, HSPA+ was the most prevalent, representing 22 percent of all smartphone sales. Deployed by AT&T and T-Mobile, HSPA+ got a huge boost in the fourth quarter from the iPhone 4S, which uses the high-speed technology on AT&T's network.

AT&T iPhone owners who updated to iOS 5.1 last week were surprised to see the setting next to the AT&T logo change from 3G to 4G. … Read more

The 404 1,008: Where does this look infected? (podcast)

The sun is starting to show itself to the East Coast, which means you probably won't see Jeff outside without a hat, sunglasses, and industrial-strength sunscreen.

Joseph Kaminski hangs out in the studio with us this morning and helps us with the rundown that includes rumors about the next Xbox, a review of Mass Effect 3, and homeless 4G hot spots at SWSW 2012.… Read more