T-Mobile Getting Shut Out of New iPhone Release

[Michael Essany]

It's going to be a rough September for T-Mobile, and the carrier knows it. As it now appears that T-Mobile will be effectively shut out of the late September market introduction of the 6th generation Apple iPhone, the carrier is said to be making plans to cope with the smartphone frenzy anticipated elsewhere in the smartphone business.

This week, a memo leaked from inside T-Mobile indicates that the carrier's plan is to prepare all employees to "sell against" the iPhone beginning September 21st. This effectively confirms that T-Mobile will be left out of the iPhone launch and the circle of carriers that will offer the device.

The company memo, which was leaked to TmoNews, suggests that T-Mobile has no higher priority than damage control as we approach the sales bonanza that will benefit AT&T, Verizon, Sprint (and a handful of smaller carriers) while leaving T-Mobile out in the cold.

As MMi has frequently reported in the past, T-Mobile and Apple are rumored to have engaged in talks on multiple occasions about bringing the iPhone to the carrier's network. But it appears that no formal deal with regard to the iPhone 5 has been reached as of this point in time.

Source: TmoNews from Engadget

[ratbrain]

terrible news....

[thazsar]

I just don't understand why they keep getting passed for getting the iPhone. It doesn't make sense unless TMo is not willing to accept Apples terms which doesn't seem to be any issue w/ the other carriers. Just weird...

[Senyaichiya]

Aren't they always left out?

[Tucnepo]

T-mobile is going down

[The6uest]

terrible news....

Indeed. I was really hoping they would get the iPhone since they are supposed to be bringing back a truly unlimited plan next month. That would have been great with the new iPhone! Maybe that is why they are doing that to try and get more customers for their plan instead of the iPhone.

[Mrinfame]

Maybe theres some kind of grudge between them because bringing the iphone to t mobile would only make the iphone that much more available and increase profits...oh well im not switching i have an ipodtouch 4g and the apps are the same on the iphone sooo samsung galaxy s3 here i come lol

[Micturition]

This wouldve been the easiest addition to apple seeing as t-mobile has the same tech as AT&T (GSM) the original iphone carrier. People just get a gevey sim and be content with that

[fanboyfanboy]

From what I've read, T-Mobile gets shut out because network range can't support the iPhone unless on 2G connection, it doesn't support the 3G range the iPhone uses, along with the 4G LTE the "new" iPad uses

[thazsar]

I hope T-Mobile BURNS IN HELL!!!!










Just kidding (!)...I genuinely feel bad for them. :-(

[tridley68]

This wouldve been the easiest addition to apple seeing as t-mobile has the same tech as AT&T (GSM) the original iphone carrier. People just get a gevey sim and be content with that

T-Mobile has the worst coverage why disgrace the i phone that way.

i would give up my cellphone if i had to use T-mobile.

[ATBsky]

The iphone doesnt have the 3G bandwidth that tmobile USA is using. Maybe apple is trying to rip them off for implementing that bandwidth so tmobile can fully support the iPhone.

[dannyrocket]

T-Mobile has the worst coverage why disgrace the i phone that way.

i would give up my cellphone if i had to use T-mobile.

Why would you do that? Makes no sense. FYI I have had the first 3 iPhones unlocked using tmobile and never ever had an issue with anything! I'm currently using my 4 on the pre paid tmobile and it's great, 100x better than AT&T which my girl uses an half the time can't even get a signal. Same thing with sprint. Verizon I don't know about.
The only thing that sucks is the edge data,but since 90% of my data is off wifi, that doesn't bother me one bit!

[subywrex]

Why would you do that? Makes no sense. FYI I have had the first 3 iPhones unlocked using tmobile and never ever had an issue with anything! I'm currently using my 4 on the pre paid tmobile and it's great, 100x better than AT&T which my girl uses an half the time can't even get a signal. Same thing with sprint. Verizon I don't know about.
The only thing that sucks is the edge data,but since 90% of my data is off wifi, that doesn't bother me one bit!

isnt the iphone on tmo 2g speeds only? i know thats the way it was back in the day, not sure about any of the phones after the iphone 3gs

[n80r]

isn't t-mobile upgrading its towers soon from the at&t merger settlement? maybe they'll get the new iphone then when they can provide 3g services to the iphone

[blkcadi]

From what I've read, T-Mobile gets shut out because network range can't support the iPhone unless on 2G connection, it doesn't support the 3G range the iPhone uses, along with the 4G LTE the "new" iPad uses

isn't t-mobile upgrading its towers soon from the at&t merger settlement? maybe they'll get the new iphone then when they can provide 3g services to the iphone

Both correct, T_mobile is updating their 1900 mhz spectrum which will be compatible with the iPhone, they are re-farming their entire nationwide network which is reported to be complete by the end of this year.
I live in Phoenix AZ and we have been receiving 3G signal (T-Mobile user) for the last month on and off as they are testing the system.
So hang in there, soon come.

Article.

[dannyrocket]

isnt the iphone on tmo 2g speeds only? i know thats the way it was back in the day, not sure about any of the phones after the iphone 3gs

Yes it is on Edge which is 2g speed.
Doesn't bother me since most of my data usage is on wifi.

[redapex]

From what I've read, T-Mobile gets shut out because network range can't support the iPhone unless on 2G connection, it doesn't support the 3G range the iPhone uses, along with the 4G LTE the "new" iPad uses

The iPhone does not support the 3g bands used by T-Mobile. Why they dont add these bands I do not know but I hope they have a good reason for it. Unless ATT struck a deal with Apple to be the only GSM iPhone provider in the US...

[hogcia]

I just don't understand why they keep getting passed for getting the iPhone. It doesn't make sense unless TMo is not willing to accept Apples terms which doesn't seem to be any issue w/ the other carriers. Just weird...

That's because Apple's terms are insane, they want millions. It's going to be at least two more years before Sprint makes a dime off the iPhone.

[ghulamsameer]

I think T-Mobile is doing the right thing. They know the iPhone is a major selling point, but frankly, they don't want to be in the same situation as Sprint and lose money for most iPhone sales. What T-Mobile is doing now is receiving unlockers with open hands, restructuring their HSPA+ network to be compatible with 3G speeds for the iPhone. And, they are starting to build their LTE network. T-Mobile can survive another year, and I predict that the seventh-generation iPhone will include T-Mobile as an official carrier. It'll be close though.