T-Mobile has been hooting and hollering about its "4G" (actually 3.5, HSPA+) network for a long time.  While testing has shown it to be slower than true 4G networks like Verizon's LTE or Sprint's WiMAX, T-Mobile does offer HSPA+ phones, something that Verizon can't yet claim.  So in terms of data network speed, after Sprint, T-Mobile currently is the next best thing.

The carrier rubs in that fact with a pointed new commercial [video], which simultaneous disses the Apple iPhone, AT&T, and Verizon.  Clearly T-Mobile doesn't think users should be impressed with the fact that the iPhone has come to Big Red.

The ad spot features the ever-popular T-Mobile chick (better known as Carly Foulkes, a model also appearing in ads for Ralph Lauren Rugby line) poking fun at the iPhone dude (a clear parody of Justin Long's character) and his eternal attempts at being cool.

This time around the iPhone has brought two identical friends.  One friend is AT&T -- the other, the iPhone's new network Verizon.  T-Mobile's gal asks, "Who are your buddies?"

IPhone responds, "Oh that's AT&T, and that's Verizon?"

Verizon chimes in "Actually I'm Verizon."

And AT&T adds, "And I'm AT&T."

Indeed the two are the same actor, with everything the same, from his balding head, to his stodgy suit.  Everything that is, except for the tie.  AT&T's tie is, of course, blue, while Verizon's is red.  The T-Mobile lady, puzzled, asks, "How do you tell them apart?  Does one of them have nationwide 4G like me?"

IPhone mournfully replies, "Nope, I'm pretty much slow with either one."
Well, it's true that the iPhone can't yet handle HSPA+ or LTE/WiMAX for the matter.  We're guessing it will get the upgrade to HSPA+ sometime this summer, and maybe will see an LTE bump in summer 2012.