A cell site disguised as a cactus. Image from T-Mobile USA.
T-Mobile USA is continuing its attempts to lure Apple iPhone users from rival carriers, announcing that it has expanded support for its HSPA+ services in the 1.9 GHz band to 10 new markets. The network enhancements are part of the carrier’s previously announced $4 billion investment that will see the operator transition its current 3G services from the 1.7/2.1 GHz band to its 1.9 GHz spectrum holdings in order to free up the former band for the rollout of LTE.
The recently converted markets include San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Stockton and Modesto, Calif.; Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa, Ariz.; and Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The announcement brings T-Mobile USA’s converted markets to a total of 15, with the carrier expecting to launch additional markets by the end of the year.
In a blog post on the carrier’s website, T-Mobile USA CTO Neville Ray reminded users that they can bring unlocked AT&T Mobility smartphones to T-Mobile ISA, including references to greater speeds being seen from iPhones. The expanded coverage and ability to use AT&T Mobility devices are part of T-Mobile USA’s strategy to snag customers from its larger rival and former suitor; however, T-Mobile USA has had recent struggles with churn.
Meanwhile, Verizon Wireless has recently announced expanded LTE coverage in New York, Arizona, Virginia, and the Midwest. Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility in particular have been busily pushing out their LTE coverage in the last few months.
