LAS VEGAS – Signaling that it is indeed alive and kicking, T-Mobile USA used this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to outline its plans for 2012.
The carrier, which just a few weeks ago was still the target of an acquisition attempt by AT&T Mobility that seemed to have left it in limbo for most of 2011, said it plans to focus on continuing to expand its HSPA+-based “4G” network and remain aggressive on rate plans.
“Last year, T-Mobile made solid progress during uncertain times, doubling our 4G network speeds and launching 25 new 4G devices,” said Philipp Humm, CEO and President of T-Mobile USA, in a statement. “We are here, in fighting shape, and we will compete aggressively to win and retain customers by delivering compelling 4G services — all at a great value.”
As part of bolstering its network, T-Mobile USA said it has expanded coverage of the 42 megabit per second version of its HSPA+ technology to 12 new markets, pushing total coverage to 184 million potential customers in 175 markets. The technology provides theoretical download speeds of up to 42 Mbps, though actual speeds witnessed by consumers are considerably less.
The carrier also expanded its HSPA+ 21 Mbps offering to nine new markets, pushing that technology’s coverage to 217 markets and more than 200 million pops.
T-Mobile USA also noted that the breakup fee associated with AT&T finally dropping its planned acquisition attempt has provided it with additional spectrum assets in the 1.7/2.1 GHz spectrum band in 128 markets, including 12 of the nation’s 20 largest. While not saying exactly what it plans to do with those additional assets, most expect the carrier will continue to use that spectrum to bolster its current HSPA+ services.
T-Mobile USA has remained quiet on plans for LTE, though analysts have noted that the carrier’s current spectrum position will likely require it to seek a partnership in order to gain access to the assets needed to launch service.
“Our 4G network is better than ever heading into 2012,” said Neville Ray, T-Mobile USA’s CTO, in a statement. “HSPA+ will continue to deliver a competitive mobile broadband experience for our customers in the coming years as we evaluate our options for continued investment and evolution of our 4G network.”
New “4G” devices
In addition to its network initiatives, T-Mobile USA joined its larger rivals in rolling out new devices that were the theme for this year’s CES. Those new models included the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G and the launch this week of Nokia’s first Windows-powered smartphone for the United States, the Lumia 710.
The Samsung device is compatible with the carrier’s 42 Mbps HSPA+ network and includes a dual-core, 1.5 GHz Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm. The device is set to launch later this year at a to be revealed price point.
The Nokia device is more significant, at least for Nokia, as it’s the first domestic model taking advantage of its recent partnership with Microsoft. The Lumia 710 launched Jan. 11 at $50 with a two-year contract, sporting access to the carrier’s 3G HSPA network, 5-megapixel rear camera and powered by a 1.4 GHz Snapdragon processor.
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