T-Mobile US preps for 3G with Nokia 6263

T-Mobile today gave more clues to the imminent launch of its third-generation wireless network with the introduction of the Nokia 6263. As confirmed in an FCC leak, the clamshell is the second phone after the Samsung t639 to support T-Mobile's future 1,700MHz UMTS network for 3G speeds. It also adds an unusually strong musical focus for its class with dedicated music controls on the outside as well as a bundled 512MB microSD card for storing AAC, MP3, and WMA tracks. Nokia also touts extended capacity for the card slot at up to 4GB versus the 2GB of most phones, and adds an FM radio for extra music.

Additional highlights are said to involve a 2.2-inch internal LCD that displays a far more vivid 16 million colors, the 1.3-megapixel camera, and Bluetooth with stereo audio support. 3G support is complemented by quad-band GSM with EDGE data for the carrier's existing network. The cost of the 6263 is not yet available, though both Nokia and T-Mobile say the handset should be available both online and in shops as of today. The 3G network is expected by early 2008.