Those who unlocked their GSM iPhones and brought them over to T-Mobile before the carrier announced it would begin selling its own iPhones are receiving software updates today that make it possible for their devices to function on T-Mobile’s LTE network. T-Mobile posted a notice to its support forums on Friday (hat tip to TmoNews) outlining the carrier update’s purpose and benefits; the update will be available to devices over-the-air or via iTunes.
The main features gained by the update are HD Voice, the ability to use Visual Voicemail on T-Mobile’s network, access to the high-speed LTE network where it’s available, and access to the “4G” HSPA+ network. All of the above—save for Visual Voicemail—are only available to the T-Mobile or “officially unlocked” AT&T iPhone 5, though non-iPhone 5 users will also be able to receive Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) alerts on their devices after applying the update.
This update was not a surprise, but it’s still a pleasant turn of events for those subscribers who have been using their unlocked iPhones on T-Mobile’s network for years. Those devices functioned in a limited capacity on T-Mobile, and users were unable to take full advantage of the iPhone’s features. With the latest carrier update, however, T-Mobile is finally giving those users full support in preparation for its own iPhone rollout scheduled for April 12.
Update: We’ve been told that users have yet to receive this update.
via Unlocked iPhone users on T-Mobile can soon use LTE, Visual Voicemail | Ars Technica.