AT&T 520 on T-Mobile or T-Mobile MVNO's

[Shawn Magm]

I have a 520 from AT&T (Postpaid) and have been thinking of switching carriers (possibly MetroPCS). Between my wife's iPhone and mine, we can probably save $30-$35/month compared to AT&T by switching to MetroPCS. I have unlimited data, but looking over the last year, I rarely go over 300 MB, and sometimes use only 100 MB/month. I can get my phone unlocked, but read somewhere that the 520 may run only Edge speeds on T-Mobile networks, which MetroPCS uses as T-Mobile owns them. I did a search on the forum, but couldn't find where I read that blurb about 520's not playing well on T-mobile. I know that the 520 and 521 differ in the radios and band frequencies used. Has anyone had any experience using the 520 on T-Mobile or its MVNO's as far as data? If I were to switch, it may make better sense to sell the 520 and pick up a 521.

 

[Laura Knotek]

It all depends if your area has been refarmed by T-Mobile yet. If not, you'll only get EDGE.

 

[mogelijk]

As was mentioned, the 520 doesn't have the 1700/2100 Mhz bands that you need for 3G across T-Mobile's network, so it will only work in areas where T-Mobile has refarmed the 1900 Mhz band. There is a map of areas, reported by users, where 3G is working on the 1900 Mhz band here.

 

[Cornercurve]

I have a 520 from AT&T (Postpaid) and have been thinking of switching carriers (possibly MetroPCS). Between my wife's iPhone and mine, we can probably save $30-$35/month compared to AT&T by switching to MetroPCS. I have unlimited data, but looking over the last year, I rarely go over 300 MB, and sometimes use only 100 MB/month. I can get my phone unlocked, but read somewhere that the 520 may run only Edge speeds on T-Mobile networks, which MetroPCS uses as T-Mobile owns them. I did a search on the forum, but couldn't find where I read that blurb about 520's not playing well on T-mobile. I know that the 520 and 521 differ in the radios and band frequencies used. Has anyone had any experience using the 520 on T-Mobile or its MVNO's as far as data? If I were to switch, it may make better sense to sell the 520 and pick up a 521.

I have a T-Mobile 521 I got for a media device before they released the AT&T version. I'm on AT&T, so I bought a bit prematurely :smile:

If you go switch to T-Mobile, I'd be interested in swapping 520 for 521.

PM me if your interested.

Thanks!