If
the Autobahn doesn't have a speed limit, why should unlimited internet plans
have bandwidth limits?
Granted, T-mobile does not have the fastest network. Regardless of this, it's not fair to the consumer to market your product as something that it's not.
Last time I checked, it was called fraudulent advertising. Verizon has already been slapped on the wrist for it and has hence updated their marketing. It doesn't seem to be as much as a concern with T-mobile though.
With the speeds you can currently get with them, you probably couldn't use it 'excessively'. You can blame that on their late 3G(pop-out) network rollout.
Their mobile broadband will be available at first in 25 to 30 markets. That's bit fewer than the 200 or more 3G wireless broadband markets of Verizon, Sprint and AT&T. Clearly, they are lagging behind. One benefit to that however, is lower pricing to stay competitive.
The current options for wireless internet users on their network are:
| Location | Connection Type | Speed (kilobits per sec) | Speed (kilobytes/s) |
| Partner Locations | WiFi | 3,000 - 16,777 Kbps | 375 KB/s - 2,048 KB/s |
| Urban Areas | 3G | Not yet available | Not yet available |
| Interstates | EDGE | 200 - 400 Kbps | 24.4 KB/s - 48.8 KB/s |
| Rural Areas | GPRS | 56 - 114 Kbps | 6.8 KB/s - 13.9 KB/s |
T-Mobile HotSpot WiFi (Partner Locations)
"T-Mobile HotSpot is supported by a full T1 connection to the Internet, enabling transmission speeds of up to 2 Mbps". These speeds are comparable to what's being offered on competitors 3G networks. Similar to others, you can expect to:
- Download email with ease
- Stream music
- Stream video
- Download individual songs
- Surf the internet
- Use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) such as Skype and Digital Phone Service
Don't expect to:
- Download movies
- Play online games
- Use BitTorrent or any P2P software (i.e. Limewire)
For the most part, it'll feel like you're using your cable or DSL connection at home. In EDGE and GPRS areas, however, the speed is most suited for viewing light web pages and email.
I've personally used T-Mobile's EDGE network to do limited Google mapping. It takes significantly longer but still gets the job done if you need directions and you're in a bind. Here's where you can find the T-Mobile coverage area for their EDGE and GPRS networks.
Based on what they currently have going on and what's in the works, they are below average when it comes to wireless broadband speed. This is mostly due to their hotspots and lack of a nationwide 3G network.
EDGE and GPRS, the
current technology they employ, are quickly falling behind the times. To make matters worse, their 3G coverage
isn't spectacular either. Fortunately, customer service may be their saving grace...
