In the long run, AT&T's SGSIII is better suited for TMO than TMO's SGSIII

**heybabyheybaby** · 07-01-2012, 11:18 AM

I wanted to point out an interesting tidbit about AT&T's version of the Samsung Galaxy S III vs. T-Mobile's version:

AT&T's version supports WCDMA/UMTS 850/1900/2100 and LTE700/1700

T-Mobile's version supports WCDMA/UMTS 850/1700/2100 without LTE.

Well, once T-Mobile's UMTS1900 network is lit-up, it would make more sense to own an unlocked AT&T on TMO than TMO's SGSIII since AT&T's version could then a. Do 3G on TMO, b. do LTE on TMO when TMO offers LTE and c. be able to roam on AT&T's LTE700 network if/when roaming agreements are signed for LTE.

The one drawback of the AT&T version is that it doesn't do DC-HSPA+ (i.e. HSPA42).

I have a feeling that T-Mobile will switch at some point to selling AT&T's version of the SGSIII (branded as a T-Mobile phone of course), perhaps by early next year.

**mrgodai** · 07-05-2012, 11:24 AM

by the time TMo rolls out LTE or supports UMTS1900, I would probably be on Galaxy S5

**mastarpete** · 07-07-2012, 10:48 AM

More than likely it won't be compatible, unless I've missed the article stating that T-mobile's LTE will share compatible frequencies.

Don't forget that ATT, VZW and Sprint's LTE networks already don't allow for interoperability due to slight frequency differences, and that wont change unless the FCC grows a pair and tells them to play nice.
So I really don't see the point in buying an ATT GSIII on the off chance their LTE will work with TMO.

Also dont forget TMO's network is already capable of competing with the other network's LTE, and by the time TMO's LTE is fully deployed and mature, people buying a GS3 now will be eligible for upgrades.

UMTS1900 support is already in the works and supposed to complete before or as LTE buildout starts.

**mikkej2k** · 07-18-2012, 10:57 AM

You make a valid point that I've raised in other posts: what are the transition plans for T-mobile USA as far as LTE? Take Sprint for example. Even though it is embarrassing that their LTE network was not ready yet , Sprint still offered the EVO and the SGSIII with LTE.
Is it that much of an issue for T-mobile USA to offer the recently released handsets with the upcoming LTE ability? As a customer , you will always want the latest , best technology , so if you buy a phone outright or subsidized , wouldn't you consider that phone (with LTE) over a non-LTE phone? I would , but when I bring this up the Kool-Aid drinkers just shout me down.
HSPA42 is wonderful and I have been a continuous customer of T-mobile/Voicestream for 11+ years , but it doesn't mean I don't look at what's going on. In this case , it looks like Sprint is doing the right thing with releasing phones that are FUTURE ready.

**Scottish Skyedance** · 07-19-2012, 08:56 PM

I am wondering who is gonna keep SGSIII for more than one year.
SGSIV will probably support AWS/PCS Cat 10 LTE as well as AWS/PCS HSPA+ and it will surely be released by T-Mobile Cat 10 LTE being in service.

**jarrodpd** · 07-23-2012, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by Scottish Skyedance

I am wondering who is gonna keep SGSIII for more than one year.
SGSIV will probably support AWS/PCS Cat 10 LTE as well as AWS/PCS HSPA+ and it will surely be released by T-Mobile Cat 10 LTE being in service.

I don't think it will have PCS LTE capability on the T-Mobile version unless they get a roaming agreement which could possibly happen seeing how sprint might have some capacity issues. Cat 10 LTE will be really nice, Im hoping Apple will get a more up to data radio for the iPhone with Cat 10 capability and keep the DC-Hspa+ so I'll be cruising at full speed on T-Mobile.