Modifying APN settings on an iPhone 3GS

02/10.2011 | GopsterinMA

[GOPsterinMA]

Hello FReepers,

Would anyone mind giving a step-by-step on how to edit the APN (or any other settings) on an iPhone (3GS w/iOS 4.1) to run on TMobile's network? The phone has been jailbroken and unlocked; I talk on it and can get on the internet with it via WiFi. Being a TMobile customer, it won't run 3G, so I need to run it with EDGE, which I want to set up.

Thank you very much!

[mnehring]

While EDGE (Enhanced GPRS) is a GSM standard, you would need a complete chipset replacement.

[GOPsterinMA]

Really? So, essentially outside of WiFi, the phone's useless (barring your solution) for internet?

[mnehring]

Just to clarify the prior post, the iPhone 3G runs on 1900 mhz, Tmobile uses 1700 and 2100mhz.

[mnehring]

From everything I can find, you basically have an iPod Touch. I quickly scanned all the phone hacking forums I frequent and they all point out the same thing, different frequency chipsets.

[GOPsterinMA]

Right. I scanned forums, Google searches, etc. and folks claim they are running their iPhones on TMobile with EDGE connection.

3G on an iPhone with TMobile is out of the question.

I don't want to go to a TMobile store because they will make me sign up for a smartphone data plan. Although the iPhone is a smartphone, since it won't run at smartphone speeds, I see no need to spend $20+ per month for than when their Web2Go EDGE plan is $5 to $10 per month.

[mnehring]

Were those who claimed that in Europe? It seems in Europe, T-Mobile uses the 1900/2100 mhz frequency instead of the 1700/2100 in the States. Voice and upload runs on the first frequency, download on the second frequency.

[Wayne07]

It will totally work. Try the settings on this page:

http://forums.t-mobile.com/t5/Non-T-Mobile-Phones/How-to-Configure-Iphone-Internet-to-Work-on-T-mobile/td-p/66349

[Wayne07]

TMO uses 1700/2100 for their 3G network in the US, but they also have a large 1900 network that the iPhone can use (edge only). Slower, but works.

[GOPsterinMA]

Thank you very much MrShoop!

I'll be da*ned, the info's right there from TMobile themselves.

I'll swap the SIM into a dumphone and call TMobile to get EDGE turned on and after it's turned on, swap out the SIM try out the iPhone.

Thanks again!

[GOPsterinMA]

No, here in the USA. T-Mobile has the iPhone in Europe, only in the USA is it an issue.

[Dr. Sivana]

But T-Mobile girl would rather you use a MyTouch 4G

[GOPsterinMA]

Sure she would, but the cheap bastard in me isn’t paying $20+ a month for a data plan or getting locked into a contract.

[PA Engineer]

I'll be da*ned, the info's right there from TMobile themselves.

Your battery will last longer on Edge. I became disgusted with the ATT 3G net where I live and shut down 3G. Battery life went from about a day to 4 days. YMMV.

[GOPsterinMA]

That’s a bummer. So you’re running on EDGE then?

Thanks for the info on battery life.

[PA Engineer]

So you’re running on EDGE then?

Yep. Generally I have wifi, but sometimes while traveling (if I find 4+bars) I'll switch on the 3G. I was surprised at the difference in battery life.

[GOPsterinMA]

Gotcha!

3G isn't an option for me, unfortunately.

I wonder if I was to get an iPad if that would run on WiFi/EDGE too?

[GOPsterinMA]

Thanks again MrShoop! Works great!