T-Mobile 3G Reaches Phoenix In $127m Expansion Project

We always like to see more 3G coverage in the US, so it's good to hear that T-Mobile have further expanded their high-speed voice and data network to Phoenix.  Apparently on-track to cover at least 20 markets by the end of 2008, the Phoenix installation has apparently cost in excess of $127m, that figure spent on both infrastructure and spectrum.

Ironically, while the new network supports HSDPA for theoretical downloads at up to 7.2Mbps, T-Mobile does not currently offer any HSDPA devices.  It does, however, have plans to release such a handset (though no model or manufacturer has been suggested) as well as "new and compelling data-centric, all-in-one devices".

We're waiting to hear back from the network as to how much of Phoenix is actually covered by the new 3G network.  We'll update this post when we get confirmation.

Press Release:

T-Mobile USA Launches 3G Network in Phoenix

PHOENIX and BELLEVUE, Wash. – September 12, 2008– T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced today the continued expansion of its next-generation wireless network with the launch of 3G service in Phoenix. The company plans to expand its 3G network to at least 20 markets by the end of 2008.

T-Mobile has invested more than $127 million in infrastructure and spectrum to bring its 3G service to the Phoenix market, according to Neville Ray, senior vice president of engineering operations, T-Mobile USA. "Customers in Phoenix are already accustomed to reliable and robust service from T-Mobile, which gets even better with this additional network availability," Ray said. "This investment in today's 3G network also sets the foundation to help customers stay closer to their family and friends in new and exciting ways."

T-Mobile's 3G network in Phoenix supports voice and data services consistent with available service and handset offerings. The company today offers multiple phones that are able to operate on the UMTS network. These phones are designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide the great call quality and rich communication services customers expect from T-Mobile.

Customers using a 3G-capable handset from T-Mobile will also experience faster data speeds when accessing the Web, or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal, for example. T-Mobile plans to soon offer its first HSDPA device, along with new and compelling data-centric, all-in-one devices that help make the most of T-Mobile's high-speed data network. The launch of the 3G network in Phoenix also enables T-Mobile to accommodate and serve more customers more efficiently through the use of its AWS spectrum.

As the 3G service rolls out in targeted major markets, T-Mobile will continue to build upon its

T-Mobile® HotSpot Wi-Fi network — its wireless high-speed Internet offering that launched in 2003 — and its nationwide voice and data network, to empower customers to effortlessly stay connected using the best available network.