Rumor Mill: T-Mobile to display unlocked iPhones in retail stores

To entice iPhone fans to bring their devices to T-Mobile USA's network, the company is preparing to display unlocked Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones running on T-Mobile's 1900 MHz HSPA+ network in its retail stores. According to TmoNews, T-Mobile is working to get store managers familiar with activating unlocked iPhones.

Further, TmoNews reported that at least some T-Mobile stores will introduce a "bring your own iPhone" demonstration area, where the company plans to encourage customers to pair their iPhone with T-Mobile's newly launched unlimited smartphone data plan. 

T-Mobile did not immediately respond to inquiries about the iPhone demonstration area.

The carrier today started selling its Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan for $20 per month when added to one of its postpaid "Value" voice and text plans (which do not include a smartphone subsidy) or $30 per month when added to one of its postpaid "Classic" voice and text plans (which do not include subsidized smartphones). According to MobileBurn, T-Mobile has lowered the price of select smartphones to encourage subscribers to switch to the new plans. For example, customers who purchase a new, two-year unlimited Nationwide 4G data plan can get a new HTC One S for free after a $50 mail-in rebate.   

As part of T-Mobile's $4 billion network modernization effort, the company is refarming its 1700 MHz AWS spectrum for LTE services and launching HSPA+ service in its 1900 MHz PCS band, and will launch a large number of markets by year-end. The move will make its network compatible with a broader range of devices, including the iPhone. T-Mobile even turned on HSPA+ services in its 1900 MHz spectrum at the Moscone Center in San Francisco during Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June.

For more:
- see this TmoNews article
- see this MobileBurn article

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