Expanded Coverage FAQs

As part of T-Mobile’s ongoing effort to provide our customers with more coverage, we want to let you know that we have expanded our national coverage in square miles by over 56% in 2005, primarily by adding 850MHz roaming coverage. Take a look at T-Mobile’s national coverage map.


This means you can make MORE calls from MORE places MORE conveniently. How can you enjoy T-Mobile’s expanded coverage? Check out the Q&A below for questions you may have:



topHow can I get more detailed coverage information in areas that matter to me most?
Coverage needs are personal, and T-Mobile lets you prove it for yourself with street level coverage details. Try out our Personal Coverage Check (PCC) tool online and see T-Mobile's coverage in places where you live, work, and play.
topWhich handsets do I need to enjoy the expanded coverage?
T-Mobile’s expanded coverage uses the 850MHz radio band/frequency. To enjoy the expanded coverage, you will need a handset that works on that frequency.
See our Handset/Data Device Band Capabilities ›
topWhat is 850MHz roaming?
850MHz roaming allows T-Mobile postpaid customers to access roaming service in areas that previously were not accessible. Currently 850MHz roaming is not available for T-Mobile Prepaid customers.
topWill my phone work in an 850MHz roaming area?
If you are a postpaid customer, you will need a handset that works on the 850MHz frequency. To find out if your phone is 850MHz capable see our Handset/Data Device Band Capabilities.
topDoes it cost more to use my phone in the expanded coverage area?
Absolutely not! With T-Mobile, you will always Get More from our service. Calls placed or received while roaming in the US on the 850MHz band will be billed as a normal part of your monthly rate plan. All calls placed or received within your plan’s domestic coverage area will be applied toward your plan’s monthly nationwide minutes’ allotment, and any overage charges incurred on these calls will be billed at your plan’s standard domestic coverage rate.
topWill all of my features work?
Because 850MHz band roaming is a new service, you will not yet be able to send or receive picture messages while you are roaming on the 850MHz band. We intend to add this feature in the near future, as we continue to expand 850MHz band coverage. Some coverage areas on the 850MHz band are not considered part of the T-Mobile USA digital coverage area; therefore the mobile-to-mobile service may not be available.
topWill I be able to use GPRS in an 850MHz coverage area in order to connect to t-zones?
The answer is yes in most of the domestic coverage areas on the 850MHz band. As T-Mobile expands its 850MHz domestic coverage areas, more domestic roaming partner networks will enable T-Mobile customers to use GPRS. These are the domestic roaming partner networks on which GPRS presently is accessible:
  • Centennial
  • Chariton Valley
  • Cingular
  • Dobson
  • Eastbrooke
  • Plateau
  • West Central Wireless

 With T-Mobile, you Get More® coverage where you live, work, and play.