LG Viewty at FCC suggests EDGE-only T-Mobile version
updated 02:35 pm EDT, Fri March 28, 2008
LG Viewty T-Mobile at FCC
T-Mobile USA may get its first LG touchscreen phone without some of the features seen on others, if a new FCC filing proves accurate. Spotted as the KE990, the device bears initial similarity to the Viewty in its original KU990 form but makes unusual tradeoffs that suggest a release for the specific American carrier: while it supports US calling frequencies, 3G access has been removed entirely in favor of slower EDGE, which is T-Mobile's only option until its 1,700MHz access becomes active later this year.
Whether or not the phone will sport additional changes is unknown from the early leak, though the Viewty is primarily billed as a cameraphone and is likely to keep its 5-megapixel sensor, flash, and 120FPS video capture abilities in any conversion for the US. LG doesn't provide clues as to the Stateside release date of the KE990 but has asked for much of the test information to remain secret for roughly 6 months, hinting that a release is more likely towards the end of 2008. [via Unwired View]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
Unwise business decision.
HSPA is a global standard when referring to fast internet access and video calling on GSM phones. By T-Mobile asking the manufacturer to cripple the device so as to only allow EDGE will lessen the features offered by their competitors such as AT&T. Don't the Executives at T-Mobile realize that the phone would still work in EDGE coverage areas just not allow video calling unless in a HSPA coverage area?