MetroPCS plans Android-based 4G phone in early 2011
updated 04:40 pm EST, Mon December 6, 2010
Android LTE phone, five more due at MetroPCS
Regional wireless provider MetroPCS will launch its first Android-powered smartphone that supports its LTE network in the first quarter of 2011. The company already offers Samsung's Craft LTE handset, having launched it along with the network back in September. News of the Android handset came from MetroPCS CEO Roger Linquist during an investor call.
The unnamed Android device will be the first of about six LTE handsets from the company due for release by the middle of next year, Linquist said. No specifics on these devices were revealed, but voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology will be used for any Android handsets to quickly move customers from CDMA to the LTE network. The app will be preloaded on all LTE Android phones from MetroPCS and allow users to access other VoIP apps.
Linquist expects his company's LTE-based smartphones to range in price from $199 to about $400 or $500. [via FierceWireless]
