T-Mobile LTE & Network Discussion

[maximus1987/lou99]

 

 

Haha. Nope. It's the CDMA version.

SCHR530RWBM

http://www.wirefly.com/product/metropcs/samsung/galaxy-s-iii

 

 

They're already selling T-Mo GSM version in Hartford, Vegas, Dallas officially, my local store already has it in stock, but not allowed to sell until the 14th.

So it's coming.

So is the $400 GS3 the CDMA/LTE version?

 

Is the Metro GSM GS3 the same price as the TMO GS3?

[maximus1987/lou99]

Thought of something else that makes it more likely for TMO to cover their entire native footprint with LTE:

 

"T-Mobile and MetroPCS hope to achieve $6 billion to $7 billion in post-deal "synergies.""

 

http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-confirms-job-cuts-hq-ahead-metropcs-merger/2013-04-01

 

Even if they only achieve half that, it should be enough to upgrade the rest of their network to LTE.

Right?

 

I think what they told the analysts about only upgrading a portion to LTE was the sane reason Hesse said he'd eventually raise prices: so the stock wouldn't be downgraded for "heavy capex".

[milan03]

So is the $400 GS3 the CDMA/LTE version?

 

Is the Metro GSM GS3 the same price as the TMO GS3?

No. MetroPCS GSM/WCDMA/LTE GS3 is also $399.

[maximus1987/lou99]

 

 

So is the $400 GS3 the CDMA/LTE version?

 

 

Is the Metro GSM GS3 the same price as the TMO GS3?

 

 

No. MetroPCS GSM/WCDMA/LTE GS3 is also $399.

 

I posted the model number and site listing its specs. It's CDMA.

[milan03]

I posted the model number and site listing its specs. It's CDMA.

I know, that's not the new (Blue) GSM model I'm talking about. It's only available through MetroPCS retail stores in Boston, Hartford, Vegas and Dallas for now. 

It's soon to be available nationwide.

[maximus1987/lou99]

 

 

I posted the model number and site listing its specs. It's CDMA.

 

 

I know, that's not the new (Blue) GSM model I'm talking about. It's only available through MetroPCS retail stores in Boston, Hartford, Vegas and Dallas for now.

It's soon to be available nationwide.

 

I just don't see why they would sell GS3 for $100 less on Metro AND have $10/month cheaper rates.

 

The other way it would make sense: phone is cheaper but $10/month x 24 months = net gain of $140.

 

Whatever.

[maxsilver]

I just don't see why they would sell GS3 for $100 less on Metro AND have $10/month cheaper rates.

 

The other way it would make sense: phone is cheaper but $10/month x 24 months = net gain of $140.

 

Whatever.

This doesn't seem that uncommon to me. Sprint does something very similar :

 

Sprint Galaxy S3 -> $100 to free (depending on the sale) + $79/month for 24 months = $1896 to $1996

 

Virgin Mobile Galaxy S3 -> $400 + $35/month for 24 months = $1240

 

It's obviously not identically to the MetroPCS - T-Mobile situation, but it doesn't seem unusual to me for the lower priced plans to get lower prices devices.

[maxsilver]

Just how much do you think the ghetto-PCS customers roam?

Seriously? "ghetto" MetroPCS customers?

 

Think of the places where there's no Tmobile roaming. It's so far from the metro areas where their target market is located that its irrelevant.

Sounds like you didn't read my post :

 

T-Mobile (and MetroPCS GSM) *does* allow roaming on AT&T in places "far" from metro areas.

 

T-Mobile (and MetroPCS GSM) **block** roaming in places near metro areas (the kind of areas that 'ghetto MetroPCS' CDMA customers often travel to).

 

Shouldn't TMO first concern itself with their lack of even 3G in rurals?

Ideally, yes, I would agree. But it takes a lot of time + money for them to build out rural coverage (tower leases, extra backhaul, new equipment, ect).

 

It would take 30 seconds to 'flip the switch' and let T-Mobile + Metro GSM roam on AT&T nationwide. And there is already fairly-strict limits, strictly enforced on how much those customers are allowed to roam (for example, there's a hard 50-100mb cap on roaming data)

[maximus1987/lou99]

T-Mobile (and MetroPCS GSM) *does* allow roaming on AT&T in places "far" from metro areas.

 

T-Mobile (and MetroPCS GSM) **block** roaming in places near metro areas (the kind of areas that 'ghetto MetroPCS' CDMA customers often travel to). 

 

Ideally, yes, I would agree. But it takes a lot of time + money for them to build out rural coverage (tower leases, extra backhaul, new equipment, ect).

 

It would take 30 seconds to 'flip the switch' and let T-Mobile + Metro GSM roam on AT&T nationwide. And there is already fairly-strict limits, strictly enforced on how much those customers are allowed to roam (for example, there's a hard 50-100mb cap on roaming data)

 

If we're talking about locations near metro areas then doesn't Tmobile already have at least 2G voice in those areas?

Can you point out a specific location on the map, near metro areas, where Tmobile doesn't have voice coverage and doesn't allow roaming?

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-coverage

[maximus1987/lou99]

Ideally, yes, I would agree. But it takes a lot of time + money for them to build out rural coverage (tower leases, extra backhaul, new equipment, ect).

 

 

 

Yes but this is what they really need to do and for reasons specified in my post above, I think they're going to. 

That's what I really want people to comment on.

[maximus1987/lou99]

I think I've "figured out" whether Tmobile will expand LTE to more than their current 225 mil HSPA+: yes, it will.

 

Reason: competition.

a) Sprint - by mid 2013, they'll have 250 million or 277 million

http://s4gru.com/index.php?/files/download/13-sprint-network-vision-handout/

pg 16/21

So through their Boost and Virgin brands, they'll have an advertising advantage against Tmobile.

 

Virgin: $55 - unlimited talk, text, 2.5 GB full speed data

Tmobile: $50/60 - unlimited talk, text, 500MB/2.5GB full speed data

 

Whether it's gonna be 277 or 250 million final LTE coverage is gonna be big in terms of the "BOOM!" advertising factor but even if it's "only" 25 million it'll be hard for TMO to compete.

 

But if Tmobile won't expand because of Sprint's 250 or 277 mil advantage then they will expand their LTE because of the big dog

 

AIO wireless aka ATT - AIO is owned and operated by ATT and will have geographic access to ALL of ATT's network.

 

[I'm pretty sure this is relevant to this discussion cause we're talking about why or why not Tmobile will expand their LTE footprint]

 

AIO - $55 2GB full speed (and unlimited talk, text)

Your LTE speeds are limited to 8mbps even during the "full speed" portion

 

TMO - $50/60 500MB/2.5GB full speed (and unlimited talk, text)

 

 

BUT ATT's gonna have 270 million with LTE end of 2013 and 300 million end of 2014

 

Now, TMO can't do anything about that 300 million number until 600 MHz is available for activation but at the very least . . .

 

Look at its native map for data (which is the same as its prepaid data coverage)

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-coverage

 

TMO covers 225 mil with HSPA+ TODAY in the green areas - once you zoom in enough - then imagine how many people TMO covers today with its entire footprint i.e. when you include the 2G! 

 

If it simply upgrades ALL current towers to LTE, it'll have a fighting chance against AIO but if it doesn't . . . . then I can only assume that their strategy is to force the FCC/DOJ to let ATT or Sprint purchase them.

 

 

Thought of something else that makes it more likely for TMO to cover their entire native footprint with LTE:

 

"T-Mobile and MetroPCS hope to achieve $6 billion to $7 billion in post-deal "synergies.""

 

http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-confirms-job-cuts-hq-ahead-metropcs-merger/2013-04-01

 

Even if they only achieve half that, it should be enough to upgrade the rest of their network to LTE.

Right?

 

I think what they told the analysts about only upgrading a portion to LTE was the sane reason Hesse said he'd eventually raise prices: so the stock wouldn't be downgraded for "heavy capex".

 

Comments?

[maxsilver]

Can you point out a specific location on the map, near metro areas, where Tmobile doesn't have voice coverage and doesn't allow roaming?

Sure!

 

Grand Haven + Muskegon, Michigan. Population 500,000 people. MetroPCS CDMA has full LTE covering the entire region, and has for a few years now. Sprint has a few towers there as well (Sprint's rolling out some 3G + PCS LTE there now). T-Mobile GSM has no coverage in that region, and AT&T roaming is blocked there.

 

I'm not saying it's a huge epidemic or anything. A lot of the larger metro areas have better EDGE overlays around them (like NYC, Boston, Philidelphia, ect). But there are a few places where MetroPCS footprint is larger than T-Mobile's footprint.

 

I think I've "figured out" whether Tmobile will expand LTE to more than their current 225 mil HSPA+: yes, it will.

 

Comments?

I think there's a lot of speculation in your logic.

 

I'd love to see T-Mobile rollout LTE on every tower. (Or at least, "4G" HSPA+ on every tower).

 

But I don't think competition alone will *make* them do this. (Competition from Sprint 3G, or MetroPCS LTE, or AT&T / Verizon LTE has never made them to do this before). And John Legere's made some pretty silly remarks about 'cornfields' that make it look like his priories don't involve the EDGE network.

 

- - -

 

AIO wireless is interesting, and their pricing looks like it's targeting T-Mobile specifically. (Especially the 7GB LTE for $70 plan, which seems like a clear shot at T-Mobile's "Unlimited LTE" plan).

 

I do find it interesting that AIO is only targeting places where T-Mobile is fairly strong and not places where AT&T is strong and T-Mobile is comparatively weaker. AIO seems to only serve areas where AT&T and T-Mobile are close to parity in network quality (areas they might feel real heat from T-Mobile.)

[bigsnake49]

Sure!

 

Grand Haven + Muskegon, Michigan. Population 500,000 people. MetroPCS CDMA has full LTE covering the entire region, and has for a few years now. Sprint has a few towers there as well (Sprint's rolling out some 3G + PCS LTE there now). T-Mobile GSM has no coverage in that region, and AT&T roaming is blocked there.

 

I'm not saying it's a huge epidemic or anything. A lot of the larger metro areas have better EDGE overlays around them (like NYC, Boston, Philidelphia, ect). But there are a few places where MetroPCS footprint is larger than T-Mobile's footprint.

 

 

I think there's a lot of speculation in your logic.

 

I'd love to see T-Mobile rollout LTE on every tower. (Or at least, "4G" HSPA+ on every tower).

 

But I don't think competition alone will *make* them do this. (Competition from Sprint 3G, or MetroPCS LTE, or AT&T / Verizon LTE has never made them to do this before). And John Legere's made some pretty silly remarks about 'cornfields' that make it look like his priories don't involve the EDGE network.

 

- - -

 

AIO wireless is interesting, and their pricing looks like it's targeting T-Mobile specifically. (Especially the 7GB LTE for $70 plan, which seems like a clear shot at T-Mobile's "Unlimited LTE" plan).

 

I do find it interesting that AIO is only targeting places where T-Mobile is fairly strong and not places where AT&T is strong and T-Mobile is comparatively weaker. AIO seems to only serve areas where AT&T and T-Mobile are close to parity in network quality (areas they might feel real heat from T-Mobile.)

 You mean Florida, where AT&T has at least 50% and T-Mobile has 11%?

[maximus1987/lou99]

I think there's a lot of speculation in your logic.

 

I'd love to see T-Mobile rollout LTE on every tower. (Or at least, "4G" HSPA+ on every tower).

 

But I don't think competition alone will *make* them do this. (Competition from Sprint 3G, or MetroPCS LTE, or AT&T / Verizon LTE has never made them to do this before). And John Legere's made some pretty silly remarks about 'cornfields' that make it look like his priories don't involve the EDGE network.

 

 

It's different now. With Sprint, and their associated prepaid brands, soon having access to 250mil (or 277 mil) LTE coverage, I'm not sure Deutsche Telekom can afford to be too stingy with their upgrading.

 

 

AIO wireless is interesting, and their pricing looks like it's targeting T-Mobile specifically. (Especially the 7GB LTE for $70 plan, which seems like a clear shot at T-Mobile's "Unlimited LTE" plan).

 

I do find it interesting that AIO is only targeting places where T-Mobile is fairly strong and not places where AT&T is strong and T-Mobile is comparatively weaker. AIO seems to only serve areas where AT&T and T-Mobile are close to parity in network quality (areas they might feel real heat from T-Mobile.)

 

What do you mean "only targeting"? 

Their coverage is nationwide, though they're only allow you to buy service if you're in one of 3-4 areas.

 

In any case, ATT can use AIO to crush TMO. 

[maximus1987/lou99]

This is why I hope TMO survives: the advantages (to us) of having 4 national competitors.

 

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[wyatt:-)]

If we're talking about locations near metro areas then doesn't Tmobile already have at least 2G voice in those areas?

Can you point out a specific location on the map, near metro areas, where Tmobile doesn't have voice coverage and doesn't allow roaming?

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-coverage

 

Big Sur, CA. MetroPCS roams on Verizon. Even though AT&T has some service there, T-Mobile blocks roaming. Not cool.

 

North of San Francisco Metro covers Ukiah and Redwood Valley with LTE. T-Mobile provides only 2G.

[bigsnake49]

 

It's different now. With Sprint, and their associated prepaid brands, soon having access to 250mil (or 277 mil) LTE coverage, I'm not sure Deutsche Telekom can afford to be too stingy with their upgrading.

 

 

 

What do you mean "only targeting"? 

Their coverage is nationwide, though they're only allow you to buy service if you're in one of 3-4 areas.

 

In any case, ATT can use AIO to crush TMO. 

 

 

I just set up my friend with his first smartphone (an old iPhone 3G of mine) on aio ($55 for 2GB data and unlimited text, and voice). 

[bigsnake49]

 

What do you mean "only targeting"? 

Their coverage is nationwide, though they're only allow you to buy service if you're in one of 3-4 areas.

 

In any case, ATT can use AIO to crush TMO. 

 

 

They're expanding their selling areas. 

[wyatt:-)]

I wish Sprint would update their pricing and no contract options. $150 a month is the cheapest smartphone plan available for 2 phones, while $100 will get me unlimited everything at T-Mobile. Sprint has a stronger network than T-Mo in LA and I'd totally come back to them if I could sign up without a contract.

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

 

[Bob Newhart]

AIO wireless is interesting, and their pricing looks like it's targeting T-Mobile specifically. (Especially the 7GB LTE for $70 plan, which seems like a clear shot at T-Mobile's "Unlimited LTE" plan).

 

 

Any idea if the AIO wireless plans allow for conditional call forwarding to allow the integration of Google Voice?

 

The T-Mobile pre-paid plans not allow for the Google voice integration.

[bigsnake49]

Any idea if the AIO wireless plans allow for conditional call forwarding to allow the integration of Google Voice?

 

The T-Mobile pre-paid plans not allow for the Google voice integration.

 

I have no idea. I might call them later on today.

[WiWavelength]

I wish Sprint would update their pricing and no contract options. $150 a month is the cheapest smartphone plan available for 2 phones, while $100 will get me unlimited everything at T-Mobile. Sprint has a stronger network than T-Mo in LA and I'd totally come back to them if I could sign up without a contract.

 

Where are you finding $100 for a T-Mobile two line family plan with unlimited everything?  I see $120.

 

Then, you have to realize that your unsubsidized device costs will be much higher -- unless you are content using cheap devices, buying used devices, and/or keeping devices several years past their prime.

 

Finally, you have to factor in roaming.  Sprint offers substantial roaming coverage with a 300 MB data allotment.  T-Mobile offers far more limited roaming coverage with only a 50 MB data allotment.  So, there will be many more places that T-Mobile offers no roaming coverage, and even if it does, the 50 MB quota comes quickly.

 

AJ

[maximus1987/lou99]

Where are you finding $100 for a T-Mobile two line family plan with unlimited everything? I see $120.

 

Then, you have to realize that your unsubsidized device costs will be much higher -- unless you are content using cheap devices, buying used devices, and/or keeping devices several years past their prime.

 

Finally, you have to factor in roaming. Sprint offers substantial roaming coverage with a 300 MB data allotment. T-Mobile offers far more limited roaming coverage with only a 50 MB data allotment. So, there will be many more places that T-Mobile offers no roaming coverage, and even if it does, the 50 MB quota comes quickly.

 

AJ

If you add costs of two phones (2x$20) it's $160. Sprint's unlimited everything for 2 lines is $210.

 

The roaming situation sucks but that's why I'm gonna keep my VZW iphone to use with Page Plus Cellular's 2 week plans when I go to Florida.

[WiWavelength]

If you add costs of two phones (2x$20) it's $160. Sprint's unlimited everything for 2 lines is $210.

 

You would also need to factor in two $100 down payments every 20 months if you would actually like to keep your devices up to date.  Still, compared to the equivalent Sprint plan, that T-Mobile plan comes out ahead -- minus its roaming deficiencies.

 

But who needs unlimited voice?  Really?  Honestly, I feel sorry for those people who need (or feel the need) to talk on the phone that much per month.  It indicates an unhealthy situation.

 

So, a better comparison for reasonable people is Sprint's two line, 1500 minute family plan.  At $150, which includes device subsidies, it trumps even T-Mobile's cut rate plan.

 

AJ

[maximus1987/lou99]

You would also need to factor in two $100 down payments every 20 months if you would actually like to keep your devices up to date.  Still, compared to the equivalent Sprint plan, that T-Mobile plan comes out ahead -- minus its roaming deficiencies.

 

But who needs unlimited voice?  Really?  Honestly, I feel sorry for those people who need (or feel the need) to talk on the phone that much per month.  It indicates an unhealthy situation.

 

So, a better comparison for reasonable people is Sprint's two line, 1500 minute family plan.  At $150, which includes device subsidies, it trumps even T-Mobile's cut rate plan.

 

AJ

 

My situation: two iphones, one texter.

 

TMO: 

50 + 30 + 10 = 90 for plan

20 + 20 + 5 = 45 for the phones

Total: $135

 

Sprint:

Everything Data Family 1500

$170

 

Too big of a difference.

Is it possible Sprint will give me a discount if I call and say "I'll pick you over Tmobile if you give me $20 discount"?