T-Mobile has outlined its plan to have its 4G LTE network up and running by the end of 2013, the Unofficial Apple Weblog reports, which is good news for iPhone users who've switched from AT&T.
“We're making great progress on our four billion dollar 4G network transformation," Neville Ray, chief technology officer for T-Mobile USA, said in a press release. “With these partners on board and the AT&T AWS spectrum secured, we're on track to enhance our 4G experience this year and deliver nationwide LTE in 2013.”
The mobile operator has already been upgrading its network starting in 2012, entering an agreement with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens to install 37,000 new Release 10-capable cell sites in the company's current 4G network.
T-Mobile secured licenses for the AWS spectrum from AT&T last week after a proposed merger between the two companies was scuttled by the U.S. government.
The carrier plans to launch HSPA+ service in the 1900mhz band to more markets later this year. The improvements yielded a 33-percent increase in data speeds. T-Mobile already offers HSPA+ service to over 220 million people in 229 markets – the same band the iPhone uses.
T-Mobile is also taking advantage of its parent company Deutsche Telekom's expertise in building LTE networks.
T-Mobile boasts a high number of smartphone subscribers compared to other operators. “In contrast to our competitors, nearly half of T-Mobile's postpaid smartphone customers are using a 4G device," said Ray. "Not only are we delivering a fast 4G experience to a higher percentage of our customers; we're also making it more affordable to step up to 4G. Whether you're purchasing one of our latest 4G superphones – or bringing your own device, you can get better value with T-Mobile.”
The carrier has also recently introduced new 4G service to Little Rock, Ark., Lake Charles, La., and Springfield
Edited by
Braden Becker 
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