Motorola's Z10 slider could be one of the first phones to launch alongside T-Mobile USA's 3G network, say reports from Howard Forums. Initially billed as supporting only European 3G networks, an updated version will purportedly add the 1,700MHz frequency support needed to use the faster UMTS-based access on T-Mobile's network. The 3.2-megapixel camera, support for microSDHC 32GB cards, and more would translate directly from the original, which works in the US but only for calling and 2G Internet access.

If accurate, the claim has the Z10 launching with T-Mobile between the spring and summer, coming just ahead of the network itself. Carrier chief Hamid Akhavan recently said he expected the higher-speed US network to launch by the summer, while several 1,700MHz 3G phones are already in service at T-Mobile and should simply require the provider to activate the network for the increased speeds to surface.

Smaller carriers such as Cricket and MetroPCS have already launched 1,700MHz services, but are helped by their use of smaller networks.