MetroPCS working with ZTE on LTE-based smartphone

It's still pretty wild to think that scrappy lil' MetroPCS -- a carrier known better for ultra-cheap phones, regional coverage, and no contracts than it is for high-speed data -- intends to roll out its first LTE markets in the same year as Verizon, but hey, we definitely like their moxie. Of course, live LTE networks require LTE hardware, and it turns out that the company is hooking up with ZTE to make that happen. MetroPCS already enjoys a healthy relationship with the Chinese manufacturer, but the LTE tie-up should serve to strengthen the bond -- not to mention the fact that they're looking to move upmarket by introducing a smartphone with "a large screen and an HTML-compatible browser" according to Forbes. Sure, on paper, you might say that you'd rather have an HTC device, a Pre, or an iPhone -- but how's your willpower going to be treating you when MetroPCS is offering 50Mbps tethering?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2009 9:30PM]

well lets see LTE will be lunch by big red... more than likely metro will pay verizon to be able to piggyback ride on the new network
lol verizon cust will get priority ofcourse and metro maybe 3rd i really doubt the have the capital to build a LTE network
special sence verizon is staring the new network by next year

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2009 9:41PM]

Verizon already has it up in markets. It's being tested and on Jan 1st will become live. This will be in many markets by Jan 1st. More than Sprints WiMax service.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2009 9:47PM]

This is crazy!!! If this is unlimited bandwidth, no cap, no throttling, I might seriously get rid of my current ISP just for Metropcs. I might as well use the cellphone like a landline too since I refuse to ditch my GSM network, lol.

[SParklingCYaNide Posted Apr 30th 2009 9:53PM]

This is an EXciting Time coming up!!! I'm so Happy that Almost all Major US Carrier's are On Board for LTE!!! I have one Question will all LTE phones be Compatible with each others Network or is it Dependent on the Frequency also like this Generation?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2009 11:56PM]

I do hope it's not frequency related, or at least the whole world would use the same frequency. Like I said before, I'm actually more interested in it's tethering services.