T-Mobile Warns G1 Users that Apps Can Incur Roaming Charges

T-Mobile has responded to last week's reports that its G1 Android-based smartphone can't be taken out of the U.S. without incurring data roaming charges.

The carrier has released a statement warning users that it's possible for third-party applications to access the Internet, even if the user has data roaming turned off.

T-Mobile's statement says:

T-Mobile is committed to delivering the best experience in wireless to our customers.  If a T-Mobile customer would like to use their T-Mobile G1 while outside the country, they should contact Customer Care before they leave to ask that the WorldClass feature be added to their service at no additional charge.  If they choose, customers can also disable data roaming on the G1.  This can be done by going through the following steps: Home Screen > Menu > Settings > Wireless Controls > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming.

Some third party applications available for download on Android Market require access to the internet and have the ability to turn on data roaming when in use. Customers are informed whether an application will use this feature prior to downloading, but should also be aware when traveling outside the country.

T-Mobile did not indicate that it and Google were going to do the obvious: modify the G1 so that if data roaming is turned off third-party applications can't access the Internet when the device is roaming.

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