First LTE 4G Network in the US Launched by... MetroPCS?
First LTE 4G Network in the US Launched by... MetroPCS?
Posted 09/21/2010 at 2:45pm
| by Ryan Whitwam
3
Comments
Print
They said they were going to do it, and MetroPCS has beaten the big boys to the punch and launched the first 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular network in the US. Customers will be able to get the Samsung Craft, the first LTE handset for $300 after rebate. MetroPCS is a prepaid carrier, so no subsidies are available, but the monthly cost is only $55 per month for unlimited calls, texts, and data.
The LTE service is currently only available in Las Vegas, but MetroPCS expects to expand into 18 markets in 2011. Users outside LTE areas will step down to 2G, as MetroPCS doesn't have a 3G network. While they may be first, MetroPCS will probably be eclipsed by Verizon when the larger carrier's LTE network goes live late this year.
This is a nice bonus for current users of MetroPCS, but it isn't likely to attract new users in droves. Even if the service we more widely available, the Samsung Craft is just a glorified feature phone with a keyboard and touchscreen. It may be nice PR for the carrier, but we'll wait for a better option.
More like this
3
Comments
Comments are closed on this article
bigm0ney13
September 23, 2010 at 7:38am
You don't like the article topic, skip it and move on. I can't stand when people take their time to bash an article that they have no supposed interest in. Why waste so much finger energy that comes with being a hata'.
Walnut
September 21, 2010 at 9:47pm
Clearly you have never used a TI89. Damn, does that thing get me hot and bothered.
TheZomb
September 21, 2010 at 7:03pm
Cell phones are computers along with calculators and pretty much anything that can add numbers or process data. It doesn't matter anyways as the magazine's title is Maximum PC not Maximum Computer and it really is up to debate what exactly constitutes a personal computer. Cell phones are certainly both personal and computers, but so are Macs and for some reason people don't consider those PCs when they really are.
Don't get on MaxPC for keeping up to date, most market activity is in portable devices nowadays anyways and I'm sure they attract more readers with variety then they lose by offending the few "The Only Real PCs are Desktops" folks
Connect with MaximumPC
Featured Content
The gang discusses the GTX 690, Trinity, Ivy Bridge, Amazon, big-box stores, MMOs,...
This month's issue
Feature
Build a PC On Any Budget
Feature
Cloud Services Showdown
How-To
Encrypt Your External Drive
Build It
Upgrade an X58 Rig
Most Commented Articles
Latest Max PC Tweets
- maximumpc: Original RickRoll Video Returns to YouTube After 24-Hour Copyright Hiatus http://t.co/MaH9Sxyy1 day 10 hours ago
- maximumpc: Corsair has decided not to go forward with its $78 million IPO, citing weak equity market conditions http://t.co/A5a4DAzj1 day 10 hours ago
- maximumpc: Want to work at Maximum PC? Our Online Managing Editor, Alex, is moving away, so we need a new one. http://t.co/9Z7JCh0E3 days 8 hours ago
