Let me start by saying that I like Tmobile. I had great customer service and the only reason I left was that I felt the coverage I was getting didn't justify what I was paying....
I also realize this phone has yet to be released and Tmobile could get everything squared away on Day 1, so this whole thing could be a non-issue. Consequently, I don't want to rag on them. However, and I admit I may be ignorant and not fully comprehend the situation, this feels similar to the stuff Verizon pulled with the Nexus 6 and Nexus 7.
It had the right hardware, but Verizon insisted that it had to go through their certification process before it could be officially activated. Verizon dragged their feet for months and was rightly criticized for it. (This video is pretty funny IMO)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqT-F-7sEps
Now, I understand Tmobile would open themselves up to heavy fines from the FCC if they allowed a phone on their network to connect to a tower, yet be unable to make phone calls. Theoretically, someone could be in need of 911 and be in serious jeopardy if band 12 was enabled and Tmobile hadn't certified it for VoLTE.
I'm just concerned because I am excited about this phone and would like to recommend it to friends, but I can't until this gets resolved for everyone I may know that has Tmobile. Their coverage could be adversely affected by not have band 12 access.
I don't want to judge TMO until the device is officially released, but this seems like it should be a foregone conclusion that this device will get certified and certified quickly. However, just the fact that some people are already expressing doubts and canceling preorders has me concerned.
I want them to avoid the same criticism that Verizon got when they dragged their feet with previous devices.
Maybe I am completely off base, but for those that have Tmobile now, if they fail to enable VoLTE and band 12 support quickly, do you feel the comparisons with Verizon and the Nexus 6 and 7 fiasco are appropriate and justified?