T-Mobile USA: Understanding network compatibility of an unlocked iPhone 5

Any GSM iPhone 5 model A1428 will support T-Mobile's LTE network and HSPA+ speeds of up to 21 Mbps. To experience DC-HSDPA up to 42 Mbps on T-Mobile, you need an iPhone 5 GSM model that supports T-Mobile's AWS band (1700/2100).

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To find out if your iPhone 5 supports AWS band (1700/2100), follow these steps:

  1. Identify your iPhone model number. You need to have iPhone 5 model number A1428.
  2. Tap Settings > General > About and check if your serial number ends with any of these four-digit combinations:
    • FH19
    • FH1C
    • FH1D
    • FH1F
    • FH1G
    • FH1H

Note: You can also locate your iPhone 5 box and verify that the label includes "1700/2100" under the UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA bands.

If your iPhone meets both of the above criteria, then it supports AWS band (1700/2100). When using a T-Mobile SIM card, you will be able to access T-Mobile DC-HSDPA speeds up to 42 Mbps (depending on availability).

Any iPhone 5 model A1428 includes full support of T-Mobile's LTE bands at the same speeds if it is unlocked. iPhone 5 model A1429 does not support T-Mobile's LTE bands.

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Notes:

  • Starting with T-Mobile availability, you can purchase iPhone 5 models that support AWS band (1700/2100).
  • If you have one of the iPhone 5 models that supports AWS band (1700/2100) and are experiencing any cellular-connectivity issues, see this article.

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