Orange/T-Mobile Sharing (UK)
 

So I have a Blackberry 8900 which is on T-Mobile, and saw an advert that I can use the Orange network when I don't have T-Mob reception. I saw this as a cheeky invite to pretty much exclusively use Orange so I can rinse the faster Data connection - as allegedly, T-Mob don't do edge (i've never been connected to it)

I understand that GPRS is 2G and Edge is 2.5g and 3g is 3g (not on Curve 8900). Am I miles off the mark with this, and does anyone know if it is the case if I can actually receive edge on the 8900 with Orange (it is originally an Orange handset, but I had it unlocked and put a T-Mobile sim in)?

Thanks for any help

I would interpret what they have said as you would be roaming on Orange towers.
Which may incur roaming data charges, I'm not sure.
But if you have a T-mobile tower next to you, it will always use that over an Orange tower. You can't force it to use the Orange tower.

But yes, GPRS is 2G and EDGE is effectively 2.5G.

using GSM world as a reference, Orange is not listed.

GSM Coverage Maps | United Kingdom | T-Mobile (UK) Limited | Roaming Partners

Orange and T-mobile have merged in the UK, hence the idea that you could use their towers when you have a t-mobile sim, in the UK.
Which I guess wouldn't be considered roaming, so the first part of my original statement is erroneous. But the second part still stands [ can't force to use orange tower].

With the merger, Orange and T-Mobile customers shouldn't pay roaming charges to use the combined company's towers.

*Thread Moved*

I have manually forced the phone to use the Orange network as we are both in the UK, the roaming charges do not apply (from the FAQ on the t-mob website).

I guess I was surprised to find that the Orange 'EDGE' coverage in London was so bad. I thought being in the capital that I would have it everywhere, but so far just once on the train from Victoria to Clapham Junction. So much for rinsing Orange!

Edge in the UK is patchy at best. - Vodafone seem to best for providing EDGE coverage.

just in case you were wondering, the merged company is going to be called Everything, Everywhere.

Everything Everywhere - Orange and T-Mobile

But they are still operating under their individual names.
Orange UK, is still Orange UK its just under a parent name of Everything Everywhere. Same with T-mobile UK.