CNET News has a report on how T-Mobile is betting on a combination of Wi-Fi and (finally) a new 3G network this summer to gain market share. That's in contrast to the other three major carriers—AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint—all of whom have had 3G networks for several years, and who have their sights set on building new 4G wireless networks.

The report said that as the smallest nationwide carrier in the U.S. market, T-Mobile is using $4.2 billion worth of spectrum it bought in the Federal Communications Commission's 2006 Advanced Wireless Auction to build a 3G wireless network that operates in the nation's top markets.

"The service, expected to launch this summer, will be up and running in 80 percent of the top 20 markets by the end of the year," according to Joe Sims, vice president and general manager of broadband products and services for T-Mobile USA. The combination of its 3G network and Wi-Fi strategy could help the company compete more aggressively as mobile Internet and data become more important sources of revenue for wireless operators, the report said.

(Image credit: CNET News)