--Coverage--


http://compass.t-mobile.com/default.aspx (Just hit no when it asks whether or not you are a representative.)


--Free Unlocking--
How to request an unlock code for your TMobile handset:
To receive your unlock request, you must meet the following criteria and this criterion can not be waived.

* The account must have been active for 90 days (unless the customer paid full retail for the handset), and a refill on the account if the request is made by a prepaid customer.
** Please note that some prepaid customers have reported receiving an unlock request without adding a refill to their account.

* You must have a TMobile phone number.

* Only one unlock code will be issued per active line within a 90 day period.

* The account must be current, with no outstanding balance on it.

* The IMEI number must be provided directly from the customers handset (IMEI number can be obtained by pressing *#06# on your handset).

* Handsets that were purchased from eBay, pawnshops, garage sales, or other sources must still meet these requirements.

To obtain the unlockcode for your handset send the following information via email to: customercare@t-mobilesupport.com, or call customer care directly at 1-800-937-8997. ** When calling you are still required to provide all of the information listed below.

Information needed for unlock code:

* Account holders name (required). xxxxxxxx

* IMEI number (required) *#06# on the mobile handset.

* Account password or the last four of the account holders social security number (required). For prepaid customers this can be the last four of your TMobile To Go pin code number. xxxx

* Customer contact number or email address. xxx-xxx-xxxx, or xxx@msn.com.

* Make and model of the mobile handset. (ie: Nokia 6030)

* The name of the wireless carrier if the handset is from another carrier. ie: at&t. (Please not that TMobile is not required to provide unlock requests from other carriers, but has been reported to do so by a few of their customers.)

* Reason for the unlock request. (ie: Going on a trip abroad, or giving the phone to a friend on another network.)

*** Please note that in some cases it may take up to 14 days for TMobile to fulfill your unlock request.

--What to do if you have a poor signal--
Thanks to Chookay for this:

ANSWER TO: "Help! I get poor/no signal inside my house, but don't want to leave T-Mobile!"


Lately there have been SO MANY PEOPLE are asking this same question, so I have decided to compile some "answer(s)" below that can solve this problem. (NOTE: ALL "answers" may NOT work in ALL situations, and some "answers" MAY work better than others in certain situations! Please keep this in mind and use what's BEST FOR YOU!)


1) HOTSPOT@HOME

Pros:
==> Can work in areas with NO signal at all inside AND outside. (WiFi calling does NOT depend on T-Mobile's GSM tower coverage.)
==> Works with ANY T-Mobile HotSpot WiFi signal, ANY existing unsecured WiFi network, and ANY existing secured WiFi network that you have the Key to (WPA/WEP).
==> Unlimited calling within the U.S. IF you subscribe to a HotSpot@Home Add-On ($9.99/mo - $19.99/mo).
==> Unlimited INTERNATIONAL WIFI calls TO U.S. from foreign countries IF subscribed to a HotSpot@Home Add-On (otherwise it will just use your Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W, or Unlimited M2M just like a "normal" domestic call would... with NO INTERNATIONAL ROAMING CHARGES!).
==> Multiple people can use HotSpot@Home simultaneously (although in theory the voice quality will degrade if too many people make calls simultaneously).

Cons:
==> You MUST purchase/use a T-Mobile HotSpot@Home compatible handset from T-Mobile (ie: Nokia 6086, Samsung t409, or Blackberry Curve). (T-Mobile HotSpot@Home router is optional, but gives you better battery life and prioritizes your voice calls over other network data for clearer calls.)
==> You MUST have a fast enough broadband connection to make/get clear WiFi calls (dial-up will NOT cut it).
==> Battery life for WiFi calls will be noticeably shorter than GSM calls (so keep a charger handy if you use your phone a lot).
==> If you're using HotSpot@Home where the surrounding areas have ZERO SIGNAL, then your call will drop once you exceed the range of your WiFi network. (But if you're in an area with coverage outside, then your call will seemlessly handoff to GSM.)
==> Works with T-Mobile cell phone service ONLY!


2) CELLULAR REPEATER / SIGNAL AMPLIFIER

Pros:
==> You can use the same cell phone you are using right now! (In fact, you can use ANY T-Mobile or unbranded GSM phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's network!)
==> Your battery life will be noticeably better (because your phone won't have to work as hard to transmit/receive from the tower... just to the repeater/amplifier).
==> Multiple people can use multiple cell phones at the same time (but there may be a maximum limit on the number of active calls, depending on the repeater/amplifier being used). If your repeater/amplifier is compatible with other GSM/CDMA bands, then other people using other carriers can also use your repeater as well (ie: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon).

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for repeater/amplifier to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST purchase/use a powerful enough repeater/amplifier with at least a 1900MHz band (preferably dual 850/1900MHz bands, which can cost $200+ for a decent one).
==> It is best for repeaters/amplifiers to be set up in the best location to receive a signal indoors (which often means the attic or other elevated location near the roof or window).
==> Some repeaters/amplifiers may also be more difficult to install (ie: routing power cable through walls, bolting unit to roof, etc).
==> Your minutes are deducted from your normal Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W Minutes (if applicable), Unlimited M2M Minutes (if applicable) buckets.


3) DOCK-N-TALK, CELLSOCKET, ETC.

Pros:
==> Can set it up to make ALL landline phones in the house use your cell phone, or just an individual cordless/wired phone, or even a bluetooth headset/hands-free set (if your cell device has this ability).
==> Very easy installation (just plug into an existing phone jack, or into an individual cordless/wired phone base... or pair with your bluetooth headset/hands-free set if your cell device has this ability).
==> Very easy to use: just plug in your cell phone when you come home, and take your cell phone with you when you leave!
==> Some cell phone docking devices (like CellSocket) has an external antenna that MAY help boost signal reception in poor signal areas.
==> Some cell phone docking devices (like Dock-N-Talk) MAY be used with bluetooth headsets/hands-free sets if you don't like using a cordless/landline phone.

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for cell phone to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST purchase/use the Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device.
==> You MUST keep the Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device in a location that can at least hold a signal (probably near a window).
==> You MUST use your cordless/landline phone (or bluetooth headset if applicable) for voice calls when connected to Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device (which makes it less convenient when you want to user your cell phone's phonebook).
==> IF you are using a bluetooth headset/hands-free set with your cell phone docking device, bluetooth has a maximum range of 30 feet under ideal conditions (cordless phone have a longer range, depending on the frequency and environmental conditions).
==> SMS/MMS messages do NOT forward with cell phone docking devices! You must still use your original cell phone to receive SMS/MMS messages.
==> Your minutes are deducted from your normal Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W Minutes (if applicable), Unlimited M2M Minutes (if applicable) buckets.


4) UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING

Pros:
==> NO additional equipment necessary! Works straight from your phone!
==> Forwards straight to your forwarded number WITHOUT ringing your cell phone.
==> You can use it ANYWHERE you go.

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for cell phone to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST have another phone number to forward your cell phone calls to (either landline or another cell phone will work).
==> You MUST keep your phone in a location that can at least hold a signal (probably near a window).
==> You MUST manually select/set your cell phone to conditionally forward all calls to your other phone number every time you want to use it (and remember to manually set it back when you leave your house/poor signal location).
==> SMS/MMS messages do NOT forward with call forwarding! You must still use your original cell phone to receive SMS/MMS messages.
==> Your minutes are deducted from your Anytime Minutes bucket.


5) CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING

Pros:
==> The SAME as UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING, except...
==> Every account gets 500 Minutes of FREE conditional forwarding (does NOT come out of your Anytime Minutes as long as you set up CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING correctly). That's like getting 500 more minutes per month FREE!

Cons:
==> The SAME as UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING, except...
==> Your cell phone MAY ring first before forwarding (depending on how you set your CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING).
==> Once you go over your 500 Conditional Forwarding Minutes, your minutes will start being deducted from your Anytime Minutes bucket!


That's all I can think of for right now. If you can think of any more, let me know and I'll add it to this post!


DISCLAIMER: T-Mobile, T-Mobile USA, T-MobileSignal.com (NOT affiliated with T-Mobile or T-Mobile USA), and the Original Poster are NOT responsible NOR liable for the content or use of content from this thread! The information and links contained in this thread is for informational purposes only and does NOT reflect the opinions, views, or positions of T-Mobile, T-Mobile USA, T-MobileSignal.com (NOT affiliated with T-Mobile or T-Mobile USA) in any way, shape, or form. Readers are advised to exercise caution and use this information AT YOUR OWN RISK! NO ONE is responsible for YOUR use of this information and its respective consequences except for YOU!


T-Mobile-To-Go Info

T-Mobile to Go Prepaid Rates

T-Mobile to Go Coverage Maps

T-mobile Network Codes

Nationwide, T-Mobile operates on the network code 310-26 or 310-260. In some areas of Nevada and California, the Network code is 310-27 or 310-270. (need confirmation)

Contact T-mobile

You can contact T-Mobile Customer Service several ways:


E-mail: http://support.t-mobile.com/caseSubmitForm.html


Phone: 1-800-937-8997 24/7 611 - from your cell phone

[snaimon]

APPARENTLY they are less demanding with post-paid accounts. I had them unlock 2 phones within about 30 - 45 days of each other. No questions asked.

Stan

[chokaay]

Originally Posted by snaimon

APPARENTLY they are less demanding with post-paid accounts. I had them unlock 2 phones within about 30 - 45 days of each other. No questions asked.

Stan

Maybe or maybe not. I've had reps tell me they couldn't do it until 90 days later. I've had others that did it for me anyway. But it's always good to know the "official requirements", even if the T-mo CSR you get is nice enough to "bend the rules" a little to satisfy your request.

[Scooby214]

Originally Posted by snaimon

APPARENTLY they are less demanding with post-paid accounts. I had them unlock 2 phones within about 30 - 45 days of each other. No questions asked.

Stan

I tried to get a second phone unlocked about 30 days after having gotten one unlocked. They put in the request, but I received an email the next day saying that I had to wait until 90 days pass from my last unlock.

[christyxcore]

Great thread, thanks for the info

[cesarrri12]

thanks for info saves people 25 bucks for paying someone to unlocking

[~Evil~|~Steg~]

one thing that ive found out is that you do need to got the carrier to request the unlock code, if you goto the manufacturer, they will not give it out, they will tell you that you have to goto the carrier of the fone. i unlocked 2 fones through tmobile, and on the first fone i had to request the code 3 times, and on the 3rd time it worked, on the second fone the first code i requested worked. the first fone was a used razr v3 and i guess they had to make sure it wasnt stolen/blacklisted imei. but ive been using that fone ever since as my main fone. cs did tell me on requestingg the second fones code i would have to wait the full 90 days from the time i became a customer. but the razr they unlocked righ away because at the time i was gonna use it for another carrier,but eventually changed my mind. all in all i really had no major issues with requesting any unlock codes.

[tmobilefan]

Thanks for the info!

[Tom_in_AZ]

Does unlocking kill any features of the phone?

[~Evil~|~Steg~]

Originally Posted by Tom_in_AZ

Does unlocking kill any features of the phone?

that all depends, but if it does all u gotta do is re-add them i didnt loose any features on my 6030, but there really arnt any to loose, and on my razr i lost a few when i inserted a prepay sim in it, but i just re-added them via seem edit...