On: Apple stores now selling iPhone 3G without a contract (US)

[craigbellot]

But they're easily unlocked. With Tmobile's inexpensive 3G data plans, it'll work out cheaper in the long run to unlock and switch providers.

[yellowbkpk → craigbellot]

In America, the iPhone's 3G modem only talks on AT&T's network. You'll be stuck with EDGE speeds on any other carrier.

[superchink → yellowbkpk]

Is this true? Does anyone have a link for verification? I'm not doubting you; I do remember hearing this... just looking for the details.

[madh → superchink]

This is true. The 3G (UMTS) networks of AT&T and T-Mobile operate on different frequencies. AT&T uses predominantly 1900 MHz (and 850 MHz), while T-Mobile US uses 1700 and 2100 MHz. In Europe 3G is at 2100 MHz. The 3G T-Mobile US network is one of very few 1700 MHz 3G networks in the world.

Presumably the current iPhone 3G is triband (850/1900/2100) as it is sold in Europe, Australia, South America, and North America. A quadband (850/1700/1900/2100) iPhone would work on T-Mobile in 3G, but there is little reason before 2010 for Apple to include 1700 MHz capability.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks#North_Ame...

[Brushfire → craigbellot]

Depending on where you are at, this may end up being more annoying than its worth. A couple friends with Android Phones on TMobile say their 3g coverage sucks 10x worse than AT&T.