TmoNews is reporting that some unlocked iPhone users may be picking up T-Mobile's 3G network in small areas of the Pacific Northwest -- specifically limited pockets in Nevada, Utah and California -- due to spectrum reallocation under the 1900MHz band.

Most unlocked iPhone users are relegated to 2G due to most of the T-Mobile 3G network running on the AWS spectrum of 1700MHz/2100MHz. We're not exactly sure what they're reallocating the spectrum for, however, multiple reports have surfaced from Howard Forums detailing a jump in speeds and, more specifically, the 3G network indicator popping up in the statusbar on their unlocked iPhone.

It's possible that T-Mobile could be testing spectrum allocation for new devices or simply to expand their network range for existing devices that already support the 1900MHz band, but again, there's no concrete evidence on what precisely they're up to. If you're lucky enough, however, you may be able to hop onto their 3G network depending on the area you're in.

Source: TmoNews via Howard Forums 1, Howard Forums 2

Now that Apple is finally selling the unlocked iPhone 4 in the US, will you be buying one? If so, is it the lack of a contract, the easy SIM-swapping when traveling, or some other reason that makes it compelling? (Like scalping them overseas, maybe? You can tell me!) Or with iPhone 5 just around the corner, is there no way you're dropping $650-$750 on a 12 month old iPhone 4 at this point? Are you undecided, or decidedly no?

Both Rene and I bought unlocked iPhone 4s when they were first released in Canada, and while it was nice not to have to sign or renew a contract, the lack of subsidy made it really expensive. If I had to do it over again, I might just take the subsidy and save myself some cash.

Vote in the poll up top and let me know what you think in the comments!

Apple is sending out a mailing to international customers encouraging them to give the gift of an unlocked iPhone 4 this year.

iPhone 4 is everything they're wishing for—all in one gift. And it's unlocked and contract free, so it works with the carrier of their choice. Reserve iPhone 4 for pickup at the Apple Retail Store, or shop online and get free shipping.

Curiously, clicking on the "Reserve iPhone 4 for pickup" brings you to a page that tells you iPhone 4 isn't currently available for reservation and is instead first come, first served.

Obviously this doesn't apply to anyone in the US since iPhone is still locked to AT&T there, and may stay locked even if it goes to Verizon in 2011. (Bah, humbug!) Still, would you go with the $650 or $750 unlocked model if you could? Or is $199 or $299 on subsidy, along with some Jailbreak/Unlock help from TiPb, the limit of your Christmas cheer?

As previously announced, TiPb celebrates our one year anniversary on May 11, and as a giant thanks to you, our members, we're celebrating in style. Birthday Bash style! Starting tomorrow, we begin a slew of daily give-aways including iPhone accessories, promo codes for some of our favorite apps, iTunes gift cards, and... our biggest grand-prize so far:

• A factory unlocked 8GB iPhone 3G in your choice of 35 different color options courtesy of the awesome folks at ColorWare.

That's right. Your iPhone. Your way.

How can you win? Simple! Remember those daily give-aways we just mentioned? Enter them (this here Birthday Bash link will help you keep track!). Every time you enter one of the give-away contests, you are automagically entered to win the grand-prize.

Contests start tomorrow, May 7, 2009. Announcements will be here on the blog, but the contests themselves will take place on the TiPb iPhone Forums so if for some unimaginable reason you haven't yet -- register now!

Contest details after the break!

Them Details:

• Open to everybody who has a real shipping address in the United States (no international shipments, sorry!)
• Methods of entry will vary for the daily contests, but they'll always happen in the forums, so sign up!
• For each daily contest your enter, you will get one entry for the grand prize -- if the daily contest allows for multiple entries, that's still just one entry for the grand prize, capice?
• Contest will run starting Thursday, May 7, 2009 and end 12pm EDT, Tuesday, May 12, 2009.
• Winner will be announced on iPhone Live!, Wednesday, May 13, 2009 sometime after 8pm EDT at http://www.imore.com/live
• Not open to Smartphone Experts employees or contractors

Good luck everyone, and thank you for making TiPb something worth celebrating!

As the iPhone bandies around the world, many Wall Street analysts have been wondering when China Mobile would be invited to join the likes of O2, T-Mobile and Orange to the exclusive iPhone party.

Well, according to dBTechno, it might be sooner than we think.

As exciting as this news could be for Apple, what with 350 some odd million China Mobile customers helping reach Steve Jobs imposed 10 million iPhone goal, there are potential pitfalls that could stagnate the deal. For one, the price point might be out of reach for the average Chinese citizen who would have to make 2 month’s salary to even purchase an iPhone. And that’s not even counting foreign carrier’s exorbitant and limited data costs.

But with a reported 400,000 unlocked iPhones currently in use on China Mobile (not even counting all the knock-offs), there is undoubtedly a market for iPhones. And to imagine the possibilities of a real live, breathing, fingerprint free iPhone in the hands of 350 million ready-to-buy consumers has got to make Apple stockholders seeing green.