T Mobile’s wireless broadband strategy: 3G and Wifi

Late to the 3G party and with no stated 4G plans, T Mobile may add a bit of real competiton to the wireless market leveraging new 3G networks combined with Wifi hotspots. Soon to be released devices will functrion on both networks.

While rivals such as AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and Sprint Nextel have been talking recently about building new 4G wireless networks, T-Mobile–which will begin offering 3G wireless service this summer–is leveraging cheap, unlicensed Wi-Fi technology to bring true broadband speed over wireless networks to some of its subscribers today.

There’s no question Wi-Fi is far from perfect. Its use of unlicensed bandwidth can mean signal interference. And it’s a short-range radio technology that will never be able to provide ubiquitous coverage. But when Wi-Fi is combined with a new 3G wireless network using phones that T-Mobile claims switch seamlessly between the two networks, it becomes an interesting story. (Cnet)

Could it be that cheap, proven technology can be a contender against thehigh dollar cutting edge? Time will tell. A little more competition in the closed wireless business is always welcome.