Report: T-Mobile finally set to roll out 3G in the U.S.

The carrier looks ready to launch its own high-speed data network as early as this week, according to the latest buzz—almost five years after the first U.S. 3G networks began springing up. Update: T-Mobile just confirmed the news; read on for the details.

RCR Wireless News reports that T-Mobile will probably make the launch official this week, and that New York will be among the first markets to get access to the new high-speed network, which will finally allow for such features as streaming video and full-track music downloads. The story also notes that T-Mobile's 3G launch will include both voice and data, despite some earlier reports that only voice would be supported.

Update: T-Mobile just made the launch official; New York City will indeed be the first 3G market, and T-Mobile's first HSDPA-enabled phone will arrive "in the coming months" (a few UMTS-ready handsets are already available in T-Mobile's lineup). No word yet on streaming video or music services.

Of course, speedy data access has been old news for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless chatters—indeed, Verizon launched its 3G EV-DO network way back in 2003, while AT&T, which launched its 3G HSDPA network in 2006, was a relative latecomer to the 3G party. (Click here if you need help with all these 3G acronyms.)

Why did T-Mobile fall behind in the race to 3G? Because until recently, it didn't have enough wireless spectrum available. As Wired News notes, T-Mobile bid for and won a large swath of wireless spectrum from the FCC in 2006, but the carrier had to sit back and wait until the FCC cleared the spectrum for use.

So, will your T-Mobile handset instantly start streaming video once the carrier turns on its 3G network? Well, not exactly—for starters, you'll need a 3G-enabled phone, such as the UMTS-enabled Nokia 3555 or the Samsung T639. Also, T-Mobile has yet to announce what kinds of services it'll be offering on its 3G network, so don't expect streaming TV or music downloads right off the bat.

Still, it's good news for anyone who's been toiling with T-Mobile's poky, 2.5G EDGE network. Oh, and if you're wondering when we'll finally see a 3G Sidekick, well...I haven't heard a peep, at least not yet.

So, who's ready for 3G on T-Mobile? Any particular phones or features you're looking for? Or have you been fine with EDGE and Wi-Fi?

Related:
T-Mobile USA to get rolling on 3G [RCR Wireless]