Deutsche Telekom said it plans to build out its U.S. subsidiary, T-Mobile USA, with a 3G network by the end of 2006. The move is the latest salvo to quell long-running speculation that DT would sell the lagging carrier. Analysts say the timetable for 3G deployment is rather ambitious and likely to be delayed, but time is short for T-Mobile, especially since its competition have either already deployed 3G or plan to in short order. While the others try to figure out how to market the data services (mobile TV?), T-Mobile will still be undergoing construction. As some have noted, perhaps T-Mobile will learn from others and have a clear market strategy a year from now.
For more on T-Mobile USA's imminent 3G build-out:
- see this blog entry from Techdirt