
Although not selling the iPhone directly, a reportedly leaked employee memo reveals that T-Mobile will begin to offer official support for subscribers using unlocked versions of Apple’s popular handset on its network. The memo, originally published on TmoNews, notifies current T-Mobile employees that starting January 30, it will be initiating a support program for the carrier’s estimated one million customers who currently use an unlocked iPhone on the network.
The coverage of the new “iPhone Scope of Support” is not comprehensive but it does include help with the common procedures, information regarding handset features, and specifications along with “other basic device questions.” Currently the iPhone information on T-Mobile’s support page is a bit lacking and mainly focused on getting unlocked handset users up and running on the carrier’s network.
T-Mobile isn’t an official carrier partner and operates on a wireless spectrum that isn’t supported by the iPhone. According to a report in December, it had been mentioned that the Deutsche Telekom holding company had been “reframing” its AWS 3G spectrum in a move that granted compatibility for unlocked versions of the device. You guys probably already know that contract-free iPhones are unsubsidized and therefore cost significantly more than the AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon offerings. Unfortunately, it’s the only option for some users though.
T-Mobile’s CEO, Phillip Humm said that the company’s wireless operating frequency was the key reason as to why it doesn’t yet sell the iPhone. Since the merger between AT&T and T-Mobile failed, AT&T must also pay T-Mobile $3 billion in cash to fulfill the deal’s pre-negotiated terms. Apple’s smartphone is a major hit for any network that supports it and carriers who don’t have it have blamed poor customer sign-up rates due to not having access to the device.
All in all, it seems like good news for iPhone users on T-Mobile. Are any of you excited?
Source: TmoNews







vBulletin Message