T-Mobile launches its first HSDPA handset

T-Mobile USA has begun selling its first HSDPA-capable device, a Sony Ericsson TM506 flip phone. The handset became available from T-Mobile on Friday.

T-Mobile, which activated its first UMTS/HSDPA network in May of this year, had yet to offer a phone for customers wanting the faster connectivity and applications and services HSDPA provides. The new UMTS/HSDPA handset sells for $79.99 with a two-year service agreement and a $50 mail-in rebate. The company says the device comes with a 2.0 megapixel camera, access to the My Album online photo storing and sharing service, as well as stereo Bluetooth and TeleNav maps.

T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA network, which launched first in New York City, now reaches to a handful of markets, including Dallas, Las Vegas, and Chicago. The company plans to have services deployed in 20 to 25 markets by the end of the year. It expects its HSDPA services to offer data speeds of 600 kbps to 1 Mbps.

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