Will A Possible T-Mobile IPhone Play Nicely On AT&T? (Ask Maggie)

Rumor has it that Apple is formulation to sell its ultimate stand of iPhones not only to ATT and Verizon Wireless customers, but moreover to Sprint Nextel and presumably T-Mobile USA customers .

This is great headlines for millions of customers who have remained constant to these not as big operators. But a few consumers are heedful about shopping a new iPhone from T-Mobile when the firm is approaching to be purchased by ATT early next year. Will a T-Mobile iPhone even work on the ATT network? we answer this really subject in the mainstay below.

Also in this week’s Ask Maggie, we notify what we regard stream Sprint customers might design if the firm ditches its infinite information plan. and we offer a few recommendation either to setup antivirus program on a smartphone.

Ask Maggie is a weekly recommendation mainstay that answers readers’ wireless and broadband questions. If you’ve got a question, greatfully send me an e-mail at maggie dot reardon at cbs dot com. and greatfully put “Ask Maggie” in the subject header.

Dear Maggie,I am a T-Mobile customer, and I’d really similar to an iPhone. so we was really cheerful when we read that T-Mobile might obtain the iPhone 5 this fall. But we have a question. If we obtain the iPhone on T-Mobile and ATT buys T-Mobile will my iPhone work on ATT’s network? or will we have to purchase a new ATT iPhone anyway? we know that using an unbarred ATT iPhone on T-Mobile means you can’t obtain 3G service. just wondering if there are any stipulations going the other way?

Dear Travis, the partial answer to your subject is: yes, you will be able to use the T-Mobile iPhone, on ATT’s network after the merger. (Before we obtain too sufficient further, let me say that we are unaware for specific that a T-Mobile iPhone will be introduced. That’s the ultimate rumor. so the answer to this subject is quite hypothetical.)

ATT and T-Mobile USA use the same simple mobile phone technology well known as GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communications. and their modernized 3G technologies are the same as well, HSPA and HSPA+. most of the world uses this GSM technology, and it’s this commonality that allows you to barter SIM cards in and out of unbarred phones so they may be used on not similar networks around the world.

One of the reasons that ATT is shopping T-Mobile is since these network synergies. the network apparatus and the gadgets that use this network may be interchangeable, so it will make the formation of the networks sufficient simpler down the thoroughfare when the join up is completed.

But as you indicate out in your question, even even though the underlying technology is the same, an unbarred iPhone from ATT can’t obtain access to T-Mobile’s 3G network. But as we settled earlier, presumption Apple releases an iPhone for T-Mobile’s network, an unbarred T-Mobile iPhone will be able to access ATT’s 3G network.

Here’s why: T-Mobile users two sets of spectrum for its 2G and 3G services. the 850MHz and 1900MHz spectrum is used for 2G service. and the 1700MHz and 2100MHz spectrum frequencies are used is to 3G HSPA and HSPA+ service. meanwhile, ATT uses the same set of spectrum for both 2G and 3G and it happens to be the 850MHz and 1900MHz spectrum frequencies that T-Mobile uses for 2G.

So if Apple builds an iPhone for T-Mobile, it contingency add all the frequencies that T-Mobile supports on its network to ensure that consumers obtain limit coverage. and since T-Mobile uses the 850MHz and 1900MHz spectrum for its 2G service, it will be oven baked in to the phone along with the 3G magnitude so it can encouragement 3G service. and since those are the same frequencies that ATT uses for its 3G service, the phone should work on ATT’s 3G network together with T-Mobile’s 3G network.

Here’s a dupe of the spectrum bands supported:

So the bottom line for you is that if T-Mobile ends up getting its own chronicle of the iPhone, you should be great to go even after ATT acquires the company. You could keep the same phone and conceptually have access to both networks.

But keep in thoughts that after ATT takes over T-Mobile, that is approaching in the early half of next year, there are still lots of things that contingency be completed to confederate the networks. so your T-Mobile iPhone will not be running on ATT’s network correct divided anyway. But as the companies merge their networks, you won’t have to fret about your iPhone being unsuitable with ATT’s network. by the way, this is true of any 3G smartphone on T-Mobile’s wireless network.

Dear Maggie, I’ve been with Sprint on a family outline for a small over a year and we have the infinite information plan. I’ve been deliberation switching to Verizon for a few months, because it has improved service in my area correct right away than Sprint. But we don’t wish to give up my infinite information plan. I’ve read that at a few indicate Sprint is going to have to give up infinite information and give in to tiered information plans. If they do this do you regard we will still be able to go on with my infinite outline as Verizon and ATT customers have been able to do?

Dear bsears2007, As I’ve mentioned several times before in this mainstay , we don’t regard that many people need an infinite information plan. so we wouldn’t suggest selecting a conduit solely formed on that. Instead, I’d suggest that you select the conduit with the most appropriate coverage and service in your area. because if you can’t access the network, it won’t matter how many voice mins or megabytes of information you can use in a month, you won’t be using your phone at all.

That said, we comprehend that people are trustworthy to their infinite information skeleton and they don’t wish to let them go. If that is the box with you, then I’d only cling to on to your Sprint plan. There’s a great luck that Sprint will obtain absolved of its infinite information outline , as my coworker Roger Cheng has written, notably if rumors are true and it gets the new iPhone this fall.

And for as long as you are beneath contract, you will still obtain that infinite information plan. after that, it’s hard to say what Sprint will do with its infinite information service for stream customers. my theory is that it won’t wish to spirit its stream patron bottom and send them make-up for ATT and Verizon. so we would design that the firm would grandfather in stream customers and enable them to keep their infinite information skeleton only as ATT and Verizon have done.

But at the same time, the reason that Sprint will likely pierce toward tiered pricing is because it is right away attracting information hogs journey ATT and Verizon. On median Sprint customers devour roughly twice as sufficient information as ATT and Verizon customers. and use has been flourishing on its network. so Sprint may have to do something to curb stream users’ information usage.

One thing the firm may ponder is throttling complicated users. T-Mobile already does this for its information customers. and ATT not long ago mentioned it would stifle or slack service for grandfathered infinite information customers who devour more than 2GB a month. the thought is that ATT wants to limit use of the small commission of customers using a disproportionately high amount of data.

I theory we’ll only have to wait for and see. If you aren’t beneath a stipulate now, it might be a great time to pointer up for one. that way you can close in your infinite outline at least until the finish of your contract.

I hope that helps and great luck!

Dear Maggie, I’ve been getting more information quite a bit not long ago about antivirus program for mobile devices, many notably Sprint partnering with McAfee to bring safety to Android devices. we don’t have any antivirus program on my Android phone. (I’ve had it right away for about 8 months.) so far, haven’t had any issues. Have mobile gadgets been targeted to the indicate that this has turn a dire issue, or is this only an opportunity for antivirus companies to make a few additional profit?

Dear Ben, Malware and viruses are increasingly apropos a hazard for smartphones. and sadly for you Android is targeted more than any other smartphone platform. Security program provider McAfee mentioned not long ago that malware targeting Android phones has jumped 76 percent in the final entertain .

Of course, as you indicate out, this information is forthcoming from a firm that provides safety products. But the reality is that Android’s open inlet and its flourishing recognition has made it a aim for hackers and others seeking to wreak devastation on your mobile life. But before you panic, keep in thoughts that the hazard is still not as bad as it is for an defenceless PC.

Still, you may wish to ponder a few antivirus program on your Android phone only to ensure you’re protected. the great headlines is that you don’t have to outlay any allowance to do this. CNET comparison bard and safety guru Elinor Mills says there are tons of giveaway antivirus program apps existing for Android devices. She is moreover an Android user, and she uses program from Lookout. Here’s a list of other giveaway antivirus program for smartphones from CNET Downloads.com

Comments

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply