T-Mobile USA is expected to turn on its 3G network sometime in the next week, according to several rumors, which is not exciting in itself since it’s pretty much the last carrier to do so—not to mention we’ve been hearing for months that it would launch this summer. But the interesting tidbit being reported today is that the fourth largest carrier only expects to use the high-speed data network for voice, according to an internal memo leaked to Boy Genius. It reads: “In this early phase of our network evolution, 3G is a new technology for carrying wireless voice calls and supporting existing data capabilities on our network. In future phases, this next generation network will power ‘high-speed’ (3G) products and services that connect customers in new and exciting ways...Inform customers who are interested in high-speed data that the first phase of our 3G roll out supports voice only.”

The 3G launch was initially expected halfway through 2007 with most markets going live by this year. T-Mobile has said the delay was due to issues it was having with the spectrum, which it bought in 2006 for $4.2 billion. Another reason people may be unexcited about the launch is that T-Mobile initially said it will use UMTS, a slower version than what most GSM carriers are using today. Even still, it will be interesting to see what applications T-Mobile will roll out to promote the new network. Its strategy has been anything less than status quo. It believes the phone is first a communication device and not an entertainment device and tries to come up with services that people are willing to pay for (think myFaves, not music downloads and TV).

UPDATE: T-Mobile’s Spokesman Peter Dobrow said that these reports are inaccurate, and when the 3G network launches next week, it will support voice and data. When you dig down further, there might be a logical reason for this disparity—T-Mobile doesn’t have any data-centric devices. It currently sells four 3G phones, but no 3G Qwerty devices or smartphones, so in reality it won’t be selling any data products, like the memo says. Since next week’s launch is limited to New York City, it makes sense to wait and start selling a data device when the network is more widespread. And, at that point, T-Mobile might as well wait for the Android phone which is expected later this year...We’ll likely hear more before Thursday when Deutsche Telekom (NYSE: DT) and T-Mobile report earnings. 

• More Than A Year Late, But T-Mobile USA Will Roll Out 3G By Summer