Downsides of unlocking G1 and using with another carrier

[cater]

I'm sure this question is brought up all of the time. I did a lot of searching and couldn't come up with a clear list of what the downsides to using a G1 on a service like AT&T rather than T-mobile.

For one I've heard you cannot use the Android marketplace via your phone.
I've also heard that some apps may not work correctly.

Anyone else know the downsides to using a G1 on a different carrier? I'm sure there are hundreds of people out there wondering the same thing because this phone is soo much better than the iPhone.

[ayo991]

No 3g on other carriers.

[Deathwish238]

I'm on att, the market works beautifully. I have only two downsides. No 3g obviously, and I havent been able to get aim to work. However the aim issue will be taken care of with a better I'm app as the built in one is very basic

[cater]

No 3g? I could have sworn AT&T had a 3g network; or is that only for AT&T specific phones?

What does this mean exactly? A bit less coverage in some areas and a bit slower connection to the internet?
Is this something I should actually consider when deciding G1 vs iPhone?

[ayo991]

3g is network specific. A phone designed to work on At&t 3g will not work on Tmobile 3g and vice versa.

[ghoonk]

Does Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger work on any other networks other than T-Mobile?

[Deathwish238]

No 3g? I could have sworn AT&T had a 3g network; or is that only for AT&T specific phones?

What does this mean exactly? A bit less coverage in some areas and a bit slower connection to the internet?
Is this something I should actually consider when deciding G1 vs iPhone?

AT&T has a great 3g network, however it's on a different frequency than what T-Mobile uses.

All it means is slower internet. I've only had issues with speed when I'm in class and my reception is bad, but in those situations I wouldn't have 3g reception anyways. I'm stuck with EDGE at best...which will do for now. I'm still able to stream Youtube w/o any hiccups...

I bought an iPhone and sold it so I could get a G1. I have a lot of faith in Android.


3g is network specific. A phone designed to work on At&t 3g will not work on Tmobile 3g and vice versa.

Which is sooo stupid. There should be a worldwide standard, I don't get why there isn't. There are so many good Eurpoean phones. Instead of making phones for one market, make them for the world!


Does Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger work on any other networks other than T-Mobile?

It's not a network issue, it's the application's issue. On my Nokia N75 I downloaded an app that worked with MSN Messenger just fine.

Soon enough we'll have an app on the G1 that's a lot better than the built in and it won't care what network you're on