US: Is T-Mobile Expanding their Coverage?

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E Jones - 02 Aug 2005 16:14 GMT

There has been talk in the news lately that T-Mobile may not be ready to
make the investment to upgrade their network to a third-generation
technology. OK, but what about just expanding the GSM coverage area in the
US so that it is not so weak compared to some others?

I just joined T-Mobile, and while their coverage is decent in the area where
I live, I recently traveled to a part of the state (Ohio) where there was NO
GSM coverage at all!

- ESJ

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Dan - 03 Aug 2005 04:40 GMT

They are starting to allow roaming on 850 mhz networks for people with 850
mhz capable phones. That will help, but hopefully they will expand the basic
gsm/gprs coverage soon.

Locally around my house, they have added 3 towners (verified via compass)
and are adding another 1-2 more in the next few months to fix local issues.
(westmont/downers grove illinois area.)

> There has been talk in the news lately that T-Mobile may not be ready to
> make the investment to upgrade their network to a third-generation
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> - ESJ

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John Phillips - 06 Aug 2005 08:12 GMT

> I just joined T-Mobile, and while their coverage is decent in the area where
> I live, I recently traveled to a part of the state (Ohio) where there was NO
> GSM coverage at all!

There may have been GSM coverage there, but perhaps not by T-Mobile?

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Joseph - 06 Aug 2005 17:04 GMT

>> I just joined T-Mobile, and while their coverage is decent in the area where
>> I live, I recently traveled to a part of the state (Ohio) where there was NO
>> GSM coverage at all!
>
>There may have been GSM coverage there, but perhaps not by T-Mobile?

And how do *you* know this? It also makes a difference what
manufacturer's phone you're using. Nokia will just show a blank
screen while others will show you "emergency use only" if there is GSM
coverage but you're not allowed to access the networks that are
available.
- -

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John Phillips - 07 Aug 2005 01:34 GMT

>>There may have been GSM coverage there, but perhaps not by T-Mobile?

> And how do *you* know this?

And how do ~you~ know there isn't?

Only way to find out is to do a network search on the phone, which should
show up all available GSM networks, but no guarantee of course that logging
in to them will be permitted. Depends all on any roaming agreements.

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John Navas - 07 Aug 2005 15:17 GMT

>>>There may have been GSM coverage there, but perhaps not by T-Mobile?
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>show up all available GSM networks, but no guarantee of course that logging
>in to them will be permitted. Depends all on any roaming agreements.

The ability to even do a network search depends on the phone and the SIM.

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Dan - 09 Aug 2005 23:58 GMT

> The ability to even do a network search depends on the phone and the SIM.

T-mobile doesn't block the ability to do a network search on their sims or
on their phones. I believe Cingular does though. (orange)

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E Jones - 09 Aug 2005 02:10 GMT

> >> I just joined T-Mobile, and while their coverage is decent in the area where
> >> I live, I recently traveled to a part of the state (Ohio) where there was NO
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> available.
> - -

In my home area, my phone (Mot V188) shows three "available networks" (T-Mob
plus 2 others). In the area I mentioned, the same menu on the phone was
blank.

From that, I drew the inference that there was no GSM coverage. Am I wrong
here?

- ESJ

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Joseph - 09 Aug 2005 14:30 GMT

>In my home area, my phone (Mot V188) shows three "available networks" (T-Mob
>plus 2 others). In the area I mentioned, the same menu on the phone was
>blank.
>
>From that, I drew the inference that there was no GSM coverage. Am I wrong
>here?

If you went to choose networks and none were listed I would assume
that there's no GSM carrier at all (who uses the frequencies that the
handset can use.)

- -

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Mike Schumann - 14 Aug 2005 05:15 GMT

I have been with T-Mobile since the Aerial days (pretty much the beginning
of GSM in the US). The coverage has been expanding steadily over the years.
Just in the last year or so, I now have coverage in Rochester NY, Ft. Myers
FL, along I-94 between Chicago and Mpls, and at my cabin near Luck, WI. In
addition, we now have the ability to roam on Dobson (if you have an 850
phone), which covers most of northern MN and WI.

In addition, I can roam in Europe for $0.29/min (that is a grandfathered
deal).

Yes, I occaisionally don't have coverage, but the areas I travel are now 95%
covered.

I would much rather see T-Mobile save their money on expensive data
services, and expand coverage and keep their prices low. This has been a
winning strategy for them, and I'd hate to see them change it (I love my
$39/month, 1,000 minutes plus free weekends plan).

Mike Schumann

> There has been talk in the news lately that T-Mobile may not be ready to
> make the investment to upgrade their network to a third-generation
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> - ESJ

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