Samsung Craft - the first commercially available 4G LTE mobile phone. (Photo: MetroPCS)
Two days ago, MetroPCS announced launching the nation's first 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) service, putting it second in the race to fast mobile broadband after Sprint and its subsidiary Clearwire (which use the WiMAX standard for their 4G network). Known for their pre-paid wireless plans, MetroPCS's LTE service plans for unlimited data, text, and talking start at $55 and LTE availability is only in Las Vegas for now, with a few other markets to be added this year. The Samsung Craft, the first commercially available 4G LTE enabled handset, was also announced at the same time, and will be $300 after rebate according to Brighthand.
Being first to provide a 4G (fourth generation) high-speed mobile alternative to Sprint's WiMAX is an achievement. After all, Sprint has been leveraging being first with its 4G network in its "First" marketing campaigns showcasing the Android-based HTC EVO, and Sprint's early 4G entry help set it apart from the other wireless providers.
What about those other mobile providers?
Well, Verizon announced a year ago today, actually, that their plans for 4G include launching in 25 to 30 markets this year, covering 100 million people, and full nationwide LTE coverage in 2013. So we should expect 4G on Verizon soon.
AT&T's 4G LTE network, meanwhile, is almost a whole year away and T-Mobile is eschewing LTE and WiMax altogether, with its HSPA+ (faster 3G) network (Laptop Magazine has an interesting comparison of speeds from Sprint vs. Clear vs. T-Mobile mobile broadband, as tested in Philadelphia earlier this year).
Having access to mobile high speed data (over 10 Mbps) will definitely positively affect mobile users. 4G would support faster video and multimedia streaming, faster mobile Web browsing, support for mobile video conferencing ... pretty much enabling all kinds of work (and play) on the go. We're getting there...
More: Confused about the mobile broadband terms? You're not alone. About's Guide to Wireless/Networking has good explanation of the differences between WiMax vs LTE. For a look at 3G vs. 4G and the kinds of devices and plans offered, check out Mobile Broadband Features and Benefits.
Comments