14 DAY TRIAL // In a press release made available on T-Mobile's website, the company reveals that it plans to expand its wireless network, including the deployment of its third-generation (3G) wireless broadband service to 27 major markets in the United States by the end of 2008. Thus, the aim is to provide more than two thirds of T-Mobile's customers with 3G coverage, while a further expansion is expected to take place in 2009.
Until now, T-Mobile’s UMTS/HSDPA high-speed data network was available across 13 major metropolitan markets: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, New York (including northern New Jersey and Long Island), Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio and San Diego.
The recently revealed plans show that the company is set to expand the 3G coverage by mid-October to additional markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, Philadelphia, Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle. Six markets, meaning Birmingham, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis and Tampa, are expected to have the network available before the end of the year, thus increasing the number of markets with 3G network to 27.
Cole Brodman, chief development officer, T-Mobile USA said that, “With the faster data speeds delivered by our 3G network, T-Mobile looks forward to offering mobile products and services that place the full power of the Web in our customers’ hands.”
San Francisco had T-Mobile's 3G network turned on yesterday, Tuesday, September 30. The Bay Area is the 20th market to get 3G , so this means that T-Mobile only has to implement 3G in 7 more markets.
This is good news not only for all T-Mobile 3G users, but also for those that will order Google's Android phone. Hopefully, with the expanded network, the company will offer unlimited Internet access for the $35-fee, as it was initially announced.