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T-Mobile

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At a Glance

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Reviewed by: Kent German
Reviewed on 2/20/07    Editor's note: Because evaluating wireless coverage requires experience with the network in a wide variety of physical locations, CNET does not rate wireless carriers. We can, however, tell you everything you need to know about the major carriers. We invite your feedback and ratings in our user opinions section--the more input we get from around the U.S., the better our users can evaluate coverage at a national level.

The second-largest GSM carrier, T-Mobile, grew out of the former VoiceStream Wireless in 2001 when VoiceStream was acquired by Germany's Deutsche Telekom. T-Mobile operates one of the smaller U.S. networks of the big four carriers, but it has roaming agreements with AT&T and other smaller operators. Though different from AT&T's, T-Mobile's phone lineup is still quite varied and includes a number of smart phones.

Things you should know:

  • This carrier offers an unlimited calling plan.
  • T-Mobile's myFaves feature gives you unlimited calling minutes to any five numbers on any network, even landlines.
  • As a GSM carrier and a subsidiary of Germany's Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile has extensive international roaming and thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots in the United States and Europe.
  • Of the major carriers, T-Mobile received the highest customer service rating by J.D. Power and Associates for several consecutive years.
  • Offers mostly Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia phones. Does not feature LG handsets but is the exclusive provider of the Sidekick and the T-Mobile Dash smart phone.
  • T-Mobile's plans are some of the most competitively priced among the major carriers.
  • 3G high-speed data network still in development but it should launch a preliminary network in 2008.

Fast facts:

  • Subscribers: 28.7 million
  • Coverage: Though T-Mobile has network coverage in every state except Alaska, reception in rural areas can be spotty. Also, as with all carriers, reception will vary due to location. International coverage is available in more than 187 countries.
  • Technology: GSM, GPRS, EDGE
  • 3G network: No (scheduled rollout for 2008)
  • Streaming video service: No
  • Music download service: No
  • Push-to-talk: No
  • Analog roaming: No
  • Prepay plans: Yes
  • Family plans: Yes

  AT&T T-Mobile Sprint Nextel Verizon Wireless
Coverage map AT&T coverage map T-Mobile coverage map Sprint Nextel coverage map Verizon Wireless coverage map
Technology GSM; GPRS; EDGE GSM; GPRS: EDGE CDMA; 1xRTT; iDEN CDMA; 1xRTT
3G network Yes, UMTS, EV-DO No (coming in 2007) Yes, EV-DO Yes, EV-DO
Data plans Yes Yes Yes Yes
Streaming video network Yes, AT&T Video No Yes, Sprint Power Vision Yes, Verizon V Cast
Music download service Yes, AT&T Music No Yes, Sprint Music Store Yes, V Cast Wireless Music
Push-to-Talk Available, depending on phone model No Available, depending on phone model Available, depending on phone model
Analog roaming No No Yes Yes
Prepay plans Yes Yes No Yes
Family plans Yes Yes Yes Yes


  U.S. Cellular Alltel MetroPCS
Coverage map U.S. Cellular coverage map Alltel coverage map MetroPCS coverage map
Technology CDMA; 1xRTT CDMA; 1xRTT CDMA; 1xRTT
3G network No Yes, EV-DO No
Data plans Yes Yes No
Streaming video network No Yes No
Music download service No No No
Push-to-Talk Available, depending on phone model Available, depending on phone model No
Analog roaming Yes Yes Yes
Prepay plans Yes Yes No
Family plans Yes Yes No

Buying choices

for T-Mobile from online stores:
Please see CNET's Cell phone plan finder to purchase a phone with T-Mobile service.
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