T-Mobile to launch US 3G in December with Euro bands?

The American branch of T-Mobile may launch its overdue third-generation cellular Internet access in early December, claim those asking the company. One subscriber from the Kirkland, Washington area appears to have confirmed an announcement for 3G access in his area on December 6th or earlier, providing the first concrete date for the technology beyond T-Mobile's own late 2007 window. An official document was used to confirm the launch, according to the report. The apparent leak does not explain how much of T-Mobile's network would gain the advanced speeds or whether data rates will change.

However, the network may also give T-Mobile an opportunity to bring previously Europe-only phones to the US with full Internet access, according to one report. Though the company has the option of using a 1,900MHz band similar to AT&T's HSPA network but could also use the 2,100MHz UMTS frequency found in Europe. This latter choice would lock out T-Mobile from roaming on AT&T's network without multi-band 3G but would also enable some direct imports of handsets. The American Nokia N95 and the N82 may be prime candidates for the higher-end offerings on the 3G network.

Previous reports have suggested that T-Mobile may choose a third 1,700MHz option that would render its phones incompatible with either AT&T or European providers, but may offer slightly improved range.