Samsung to make MetroPCS's initial LTE Handset, due next year

MetroPCS has announced that it has selected its infrastructure and initial handset vendors for its second half 2010 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) Broadband service launch. MetroPCS has selected Ericsson, a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators globally, as its infrastructure vendor for the launch of its LTE service. In addition, MetroPCS has selected Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) to provide the Company's initial LTE handset device.

"LTE represents the next generation of wireless technology, and we are proud to be working with two technology leaders in Ericsson and Samsung," said Roger D. Linquist, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. "As the Internet goes 'mobile' we are excited to be at the forefront of this wireless evolution with the building out of our 4G broadband data services. We anticipate to begin offering our 4G LTE services and a dual-mode LTE/CDMA smartphone in our major metropolitan markets in late 2010. When launched, our customers will benefit from our next generation, leading-edge network technology which will enable true high-speed Internet access in the palm of their hand. With the announcement of our LTE launch vendors, MetroPCS will move directly to 4G."

(source)