T-Mobile 3G, why so long?

[sprint_fan]

Years after every other national carrier has launched 3G, including multiple regional carriers, T-Mobile finally launches their 3G, even after Sprint 4G. Why has it taken them so long just to roll out some 3G coverage, even for some of the larger cities? And after some of their 3G came out, they didn't have very many 3G phones, like at all. Why?

 

[ardoreal]

One thing to consider is that T-Mobile is a bit more of a "bargain carrier". They have some of the cheaper rates. I agree though, where is the 3G? I just suspect it has to do with their revenue stream and their capital expenditure budget reflecting as such.

They're sort of a growing carrier still. The only thing that gets me is their choice of 3G frequencies. Many other rural carriers, for example Union Wireless, use the same frequencies as AT&T. The whole 1700mhz thing w/T-Mobile never made much sense to me.

 

[TaeKwonDonkey]

Their cheap prices mean that they're not always going to have the best coverage or the newest and greatest gadgets. Yeah it sucks but those cheap plans mean that more people like me can have data without sacrificing and arm and a leg.