To understand my frustration with T-Mobile and their stupidity, you first have to understand how GSM cell phones work. All North American and South American GSM cell phones first try to connect with the GSM primary band of frequencies of 1900 Mhz. If and when there is no more bandwidth left on the 1900 band then the phones in NA and SA switch over to the 850 Mhz secondary (or back-up) band of frequencies. This is why it makes sense to sell phones in NA and SA with dual bands of 850 / 1900. In Yurrup and Africa the primary band of GSM frequencies is 900 Mhz and the secondary (or back-up) band is 1800 Mhz. Therefore, it makes sense to sell phones in Yurrup and Africa that are dual banded with 900 / 1800. Some GSM phones are marketed as "world phones" and are therefore quad banded with coverage on 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900. This makes perfect sense, since all primary and secondary frequencies are covered no matter where you are. Two years ago I knew nothing about this, so like an idiot I signed up with T-Mobile with a new Samsung SGH-X475 phone. This phone is dual banded with 900 / 1900. So this phone is intended for worldwide marketing, but with only the primary frequencies (to reduce the cost of the cell phone). What this means is that instead of being switched over to the secondary frequencies, you are going to get lots of breaking up and disconnects, because there is no "back-up" to switch to. The T-Mobile coverage in all of Glasgow, KY is very bad, even with a 850 / 1900 phone. Add to this the fact that I can only connect at 1900, and this makes things even worse. Do not get T-Mobile ! Even if T-Mobile is great in your immediate area ! (T-Mobile is great in Bowling Green, KY for example where there is lots and lots of 1900 bandwidth.) Once you get to an area where the 1900 bandwidth is constantly getting maxed out then you will be $hit out of luck with T-Mobile ! Like an idiot, I have been paying $30 / mo to T-Mobile for over two years of worthless service. This is $1,000 of my hard earned money going to an outfit that does not know how to compete in the marketplace. Do not get T-Mobile ! / Rant off
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