This week Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications has become the USA's first mobile operator to launch commercial '4G' LTE services. It's also offering the first commercially-available LTE mobile phone, the Samsung Craft.
Service is currently only available in Las Vegas, with other MetroPCS cities due to be added later this year and in early 2011. The monthly cost is from $55 per month plus $299 for the phone.
Roger D Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS, said "The Internet is going mobile, and we are placing the true power of the Internet directly in our customers’ hands, when and where they need it. By offering affordable, predictable and flexible 4G services on a no-contract basis, MetroPCS delivers immediate benefits to our customers and is positioned to meet their evolving needs well into the future. We are delivering a 4G LTE service that is unmatched in value and positions MetroPCS as a full-service broadband wireless provider – a giant step for our business."
As well as handling 4G LTE, the Samsung Craft also works on CDMA 3G networks. It has a 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen, a 3.2 megapixel camera and runs Samsung's own operating system with the TouchWiz interface.
