T-Mobile G1 Cell Phone Review - Connectivity
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Marianne Schultz Published on November 05, 2008 Comment on this |
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| As a quad-band GSM phone, the G1 offers the international traveler a lot of flexibility, allowing them to roam on other GSM networks around the world. T-Mobile states they will unlock the G1 upon request after a period time for qualified customers, and this would allow even greater versatility during international travel. Additionally, the G1 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, though with only 2 paltry Bluetooth profiles, you can't do anything with it beyond connecting to mono headsets and hands-free devices. | |
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Cellular Bands (8.0)
The G1 is a quad-band GSM phone that will operate on GSM networks around the world. GSM networks are more widespread globally than CDMA networks, so GSM phones offer more flexibility to the international traveler. The G1 is locked to T-Mobile, so a SIM card from another carrier won't work in it, but T-Mobile states that they will unlock the G1 upon request for customers meeting specific requirements after a specified period of time. Once unlocked, those traveling abroad can buy and use local SIM cards in the countries to which they travel, which will almost always offer better rates than roaming charges from the carrier in the home country.
Data Support Score (6.0)
The G1 has a dual-band 3G radio that operates on the 2100 MHz and 1700 MHz frequencies. T-Mobile's 3G network in the U.S. operates on the 1700 MHz frequency, and most 3G networks across Europe and other areas around the world operate on the 2100 MHz frequency. Given this, the G1 will be able to get 3G speeds in the U.S. and around the world. AT&T's 3G network in the U.S. operates on the 1900 MHz frequency, so even if you do have T-Mobile unlock the G1 for you, you won't be able to connect to AT&T's 3G network in the U.S. When a 3G network is not available, the G1 will step down to an available EDGE or GPRS connection.
Bluetooth (5.0)
The G1 incorporates Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate, but only includes 2 Bluetooth profiles: headset and hands-free. If you want to listen to your music in stereo via Bluetooth headphones, you are out of luck
with the G1, but it will at least connect to Bluetooth headsets and hands-free portable and car-based systems.
The G1's Bluetooth settings
Bluetooth settings are accessed via the main Settings menu, where it's straightforward to turn Bluetooth on and pair a device with the G1.
Wi-Fi (5.0)
The G1 has 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. This feature is becoming more and more common on smartphones these days since Wi-Fi networks are becoming available in so many public places. It offers faster speeds than 3G networks, and will allow you to take a break from using 3G since heavy use of this network can result in additional charges or other ramifications. Many carriers are placing bandwidth caps on 3G-network usage, even if your data plan is for unlimited use, so a word of caution to the data fiends out there.
The G1's Wi-Fi settings menu
Infrared (0.0)
The G1 does not have infrared.
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