T-Mobile seems to be the last to make any sort of announcement regarding future plans and devices. After looking at the press release, I can see why. Not much going on over at T-Mo other than an expanded 4G network, an enhanced Bobsled messaging service, and another Samsung Galaxy variant. But hey, let’s not hang them out to dry, stay tuned for a few of the specifics after the break.

T-Mobile has announced the expansion of their 4G (HSPA+ 42) network to an additional 12 markets, now covering a total of 184 million Americans in 175 markets. They’ve also expanded their nationwide 4G (HSPA+ 21) network to nine additional markets, now covering more than 200 million people in 217 markets. Chief technology officer Neville Ray had this to say about their expanding network:

“Our 4G network is better than ever heading into 2012, HSPA+ will continue to deliver a competitive mobile broadband experience for our customers in the coming years as we evaluate our options for continued investment and evolution of our 4G network.”

To compliment their 4G expansion, T-Mobile was proud to announce its third smartphone to take advantage of 4G HSPA+ 42, the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G. The Blaze 4G is a 4G Android smartphone featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 processor with 1.5 GHz dual CPUs and a brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen. No other information was given on the Blaze 4G other than what you see from the photo above, an “expected to be available later this year,” and a new landing page.

Next up on the list of announcements was the newly enhanced Bobsled messaging service. Bobsled is a universal way to communicate for free across devices, countries, social networks, operating systems, and all mobile carriers. Using your data connection, Bobsled allows you to call or message friends for free from practically any device anywhere in the world. Today T-Mobile announced enhancements to the service, including free unlimited messaging to Android users worldwide. Visit Bobsled by T-Mobile for more information on how the Bobsled messaging service works and how to get it.

That’s the gist of it, but if you’d like to read the full press release, we have it for you below. Cheers!

T-Mobile Expands America’s Largest 4G Network
And Showcases 4G Experiences at 2012 CES
T-Mobile Unveils Samsung Galaxy S® Blaze™ 4G
and Launches New Bobsled™ Messaging Application
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Jan. 10, 2012 — Today, at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), T-Mobile USA executives, including CEO and President Philipp Humm, outlined the company’s ongoing efforts to drive consumer adoption of mobile data through the continued expansion of America’s Largest 4G Network®, rate plans that make mobile data more affordable, and new devices and services that take advantage of the company’s faster 4G network.

“Last year, T-Mobile made solid progress during uncertain times, doubling our 4G network speeds and launching 25 new 4G devices,” said Philipp Humm, CEO and President, T-Mobile USA. “We are here, in fighting shape, and we will compete aggressively to win and retain customers by delivering compelling 4G services — all at a great value.”

The company also announced the expansion of its 4G network; unveiled its next 4G smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G; and demonstrated free, premium services built into smartphones and tablets that bring amazing 4G experiences to life for customers.

T-Mobile also announced an extension of its Bobsled™ by T-Mobile® platform, which launches today. The new IP-based group messaging application, Bobsled Messaging, is another example of T-Mobile bringing simple, affordable branded communication solutions to other platforms, beyond traditional wireless services, and to consumers who aren’t currently T-Mobile subscribers.

Strengthening America’s Largest 4G Network:
T-Mobile announced the company has doubled the speed of its 4G network in 12 additional markets, offering faster 4G (HSPA+ 42) to 184 million Americans in 175 markets. In addition, T-Mobile expanded the reach of its nationwide 4G (HSPA+ 21) network to nine additional markets, now covering 217 markets across the country and reaching more than 200 million people.
The AT&T breakup concessions give T-Mobile valuable spectrum. T-Mobile will receive, pending regulatory approval, a large package of AWS mobile spectrum in 128 Cellular Market Areas (CMAs), including 12 of the top 20 markets.

“Our 4G network is better than ever heading into 2012,” said Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile USA. “HSPA+ will continue to deliver a competitive mobile broadband experience for our customers in the coming years as we evaluate our options for continued investment and evolution of our 4G network.”

Expanding T-Mobile’s 4G Device Portfolio with Two New 4G Smartphones:
T-Mobile continues to expand its 4G product portfolio, today announcing the upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy S® Blaze™ 4G and celebrating the January 11th retail availability of the 4G-capable Nokia Lumia 710.

The Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G will be the third smartphone to take advantage of 4G HSPA+ 42 technology running on America’s Largest 4G Network™. Featuring a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S3 processor with 1.5 GHz dual CPUs, a brilliant Super AMOLED™ touch screen and a variety of pre-loaded entertainment, the Galaxy S Blaze 4G provides fast access to the things consumers want most. The Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G is expected to be available later this year. Additional details will be revealed closer to availability. For more information, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/GalaxySBLAZE4G.

While Android powers the majority of T-Mobile smartphones, the company expects Windows Phone to also play an important role in its 2012 portfolio, beginning with the Nokia Lumia 710. The first Windows Phone from Nokia in the U.S., the Lumia 710 will be available starting tomorrow, Jan. 11, at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and retailers nationwide, and online at https://www.t-mobile.com.The Nokia Lumia 710 is expected to cost $49.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan. For more information, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/lumia.

Bringing Amazing Service Experiences to Life, Introducing Bobsled Messaging:
T-Mobile is making mobile data approachable, particularly for first-time smartphone users, by offering additional value, making it simple for customers to find, try, and buy compelling applications and services. T-Mobile estimates that customers purchasing a data plan get over $150 worth of free applications, content and services on select devices. T-Mobile customers can choose to use free apps or upgrade to a premium experience anytime. On many devices, customers can easily access this content out of the box directly through the Bonus Apps widget, or by accessing the T-Mobile Mall, our mobile digital storefront. T-Mobile TV, GameBase, MobileLife Album and MobileLife Family Organizer, Bonus Apps, Zinio, Google Music, among others, are part of the “freemium” experience.

“Our goal is to deliver amazing 4G experiences at a great price. We deliver these compelling and optimized 4G experiences by bringing together a fast network, smart devices and leading innovative applications and services,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president, T-Mobile USA. “Our ‘freemium’ approach to applications, content and services provides our customers with a great out-of-the-box experience at a value unmatched by our leading competitors.”

T-Mobile has seen the rapid adoption of certain services, noting that adoption of its T-Mobile TV premium service has increased over 700% with T-Mobile customers using tablets twice as likely to upgrade from the free to paid service.

In addition to mobile applications, T-Mobile discussed its latest cloud-based services, promoting partner solutions and T-Mobile branded services that provide a seamless customer experience, regardless of where or how they’re connecting. T-Mobile demonstrated its enhanced MobileLife Album service that offers customers a way to automatically upload, backup and store for free on a private website the photos and videos they take on their smartphone or tablet.

At CES, T-Mobile announced expanded messaging and enhanced calling functionality for its Bobsled™ by T-Mobile® service, which provides consumers with effortless communication for free across devices, countries, social networks and mobile carriers. Available today through the Android Market™, Bobsled Messaging is a free, all-in-one, cloud-based messaging application that allows users to send and receive free individual and group messages with friends and family from any Android™-powered smartphone or tablet, and any web connected, browser-enabled device. Also starting today, T-Mobile enhanced its Bobsled Calling service enabling users to make free phone calls from their mobile (standard data rates apply) and WiFi-enabled devices including Android-powered smartphones and tablets as well as iPad®, iPhone® and iPod Touch® devices. For more information, please visit https://www.bobsled.com.