Here Comes ‘World’s First’ 4G LTE Phone
Wireless communications company MetroPCS Communications claims that it has become the first mobile operator to launch commercial 4G LTE services in the United States, offering talk, text and 4G Web access starting at $55 per month.
The company says it is also offering the world’s first commercially available 4G LTE enabled handset, the Samsung Craft.
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Service will initially be available in Las Vegas, Nev., with service expanding into the remaining MetroPCS cities throughout the year.
“The Internet is going mobile, and we are placing the true power of the Internet directly in our customers’ hands, when and where they need it,” said Roger D. Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS.
Consumers will be able to experience 4G LTE services by selecting one of two service plans – $55 or $60. In addition to offering talk, text and a faster 4G Web experience initially on an unlimited basis, MetroPCS is introducing new applications and features that take advantage of its 4G LTE network, including:
- MetroSTUDIO, powered by RealNetworks, is available on the $60 service plan. MetroSTUDIO is a new source of multimedia content, including access to full-track downloads, ringtones and ring-back tones, as well as video content from NBC Universal, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Univision, available on-demand and on-the-go from one easy-to-use application.
- A new social networking and instant messaging aggregation application, which harnesses notifications, friends and content from Facebook, MySpace and Twitter social networks and AIM, MSN and Yahoo! IM clients into a single interface that consumers can access with one click.
- Upgraded MetroNavigator feature with the addition of voice-activated GPS and turn-by-turn directions.
The company is initially offering the Samsung Craft in Las Vegas metropolitan area stores and online for $299, after $50 instant rebate, plus tax. As a multi-mode 4G LTE/CDMA handset, the Samsung Craft was created with Web and multimedia content in mind, delivering a better visual experience, says the company.
MetroPCS’ Las Vegas 4G LTE network, which was built through a partnership with Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), will cover the majority of MetroPCS’ existing CDMA network footprint in Las Vegas.
The 4G LTE network rollouts in the remaining MetroPCS markets are planned for later this year and early 2011.
The company plans to further expand 4G LTE coverage in 2011, along with the launch of additional devices to increase its portfolio of feature phones, touch screens, smartphones and 4G handsets.
