T-Mobile USA hits the gas on its 3G rollout: Carrier aims for 27 markets by the end of the year

T-Mobile USA Inc. said it’s adding seven cities to its list of 3G markets in the next few weeks. And the industry’s No. 4 player said it plans to offer its UMTS/HSDPA-based service, which uses its recently acquired AWS spectrum, in 27 markets by the end of the year.
The new markets set to receive 3G coverage by the end of October include Atlanta; Chicago; Los Angeles; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif.; and Seattle. The carrier expects further expansion into Birmingham, Ala.; Denver; Detroit; Kansas City; Memphis, Tenn.; and Tampa, Fla., by the end of the year. The service is currently available in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Boston; Las Vegas; Miami; Minneapolis; New York; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; and San Diego.
The announcement comes just before the carrier’s expected preview of its forthcoming Android phone. According to the Wall Street Journal, the phone will feature Google Inc.’s logo and operating system, will be dubbed the “Dream,” and will sell for $200.
The expansion of T-Mobile USA’s 3G network is an important competitive move for the carrier as its larger rivals all currently offer high-speed wireless services across most major markets.