it is not the sim card, that works fine in other areas/countries and it is the same issue with my wife's phone. it is also not a firmware issue, not all phones i have tried (samsung, apple, nokia) are outdated, they are on the newest firmware.
i agree that it has to be the coverage in my area, to bad since i really like t-mobile new plan but i can't have a phone that i can't use where i'm living.
anyway, thanks for everyones help and have a great day.