BostonPocketPC

T-Mobile USA has finally launched its much awaited third-generation wireless network in the U.S., is now live in New York City. However there are currently only 4 phones that can use this new service: the Nokia 3555 and 6263 and the Samsung t819 and t639.

These 4 UMTS devices running on the 1.7 and 2.1 MHz band, provide data speeds between 200 Kbps -300 Kbps. T-Mobile plans to introduce phones later this year taking full advantage of their 3G network running HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access)devices later in the year, which will offer data speeds of 600 Kbps to 1 Mbps.

T-Mobile plans to offer 3G service in 20 to 25 markets (like Los Angeles, Detroit, San Diego, Austin, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Miami) deployed by the end of 2008. There is also mention of the possibility of 3G cellular PC data cards later this year or in early 2009 as well.

If you are in the New York City area, T-Moble has a beta program for their new 3G service.

You need to be a T-Mobile subscriber, have minimum 600 talk minutes, a data plan and live/work in the NYC area.

I asked the company providing the beta if I could post up the link to apply and they said it is a public offer. So if you are interested you can apply for the beta here.

Here is T-Mobile USA's Official Press Release:

T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced that the company has taken the first commercial step in the rollout of its third-generation (3G) wireless network by launching its UMTS/HSDPA network in New York City. T-Mobile plans to continue the rollout of its 3G network across major metropolitan markets through the year. By year’s end, T-Mobile expects its high-speed data network will be available in those cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services.

“The launch of our 3G network comes at a time when 3G phones and services are more affordable, capable and appealing to our consumer marketplace than ever before,” said Cole Brodman, chief development officer, T-Mobile USA. “We benefit not only from the economic scale of 3G, but also from the extensive commercial experience of 3G in our European markets. Today, T-Mobile USA customers already have among the highest adoption of data and messaging services in the industry. Through our 3G network, we look forward to delivering a rich portfolio of new and meaningful services to enrich our customers’ lives.”

T-Mobile’s 3G network supports voice and data services consistent with available service and handset offerings. The company today offers multiple phones that are able to operate on the UMTS network. The phones are designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide the great call quality and rich communication services customers expect from T-Mobile.

Customers using a 3G-capable handset from T-Mobile will also experience faster data speeds when accessing the Web, or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal, for example.

In the coming months, T-Mobile plans to offer its first HSDPA device, along with new and compelling data-centric, all-in-one devices that help make the most of T-Mobile’s high-speed data network.

The launch of the 3G network also enables T-Mobile to accommodate and serve more customers more efficiently through the use of its AWS spectrum, effectively doubling T-Mobile USA’s spectrum position, and laying the foundation for the company’s future growth. T-Mobile and the U.S. government, namely the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, continue to work closely and effectively together to make available AWS spectrum that will give consumers access to the 3G network.

As the 3G service rolls out in targeted major markets, T-Mobile will continue to build upon its T-Mobile^® HotSpot Wi-Fi network — its wireless high-speed Internet offering that launched in 2003 — and its nationwide voice and data network, to empower customers to effortlessly stay connected using the best available network.

T-Mobile International is following a common technology path across all of its markets in Europe and the United States, from GSM/GPRS/EDGE to UMTS/HSDPA. T-Mobile USA greatly benefits from

T-Mobile International’s 3G experiences in Europe, where adoption of non-messaging mobile data is growing dynamically; and with more than 120 million customers worldwide, T-Mobile International is able to generate significant global procurement synergies.