Sprint has been rolling out its 4G WiMax wireless network in various markets throughout the US since 2008, but thus far the carrier hasn’t released any phones to take advantage of the new technology. Now Forbes has word from Sprint that it is aiming to release 4G phones in the first half of 2010 — in other words, by this summer.
Sprint has released a variety of wireless modems and mobile hotspot-type 4G devices over the years, which allow for laptops and other computing devices to hop on the 4G network. According to Forbes, its 4G network currently serves 27 US markets, and covers more than 30 million people. Sprint is rolling out the next-gen mobile network in Houston within a few weeks, and it expects to cover major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Washington by the end of the year — by which point it will cover up to 120 million people.
Sprint says its 4G technology can reach speeds up to 10 times faster than current 3G tech — making it potentially faster than the broadband speeds many US consumers receive at home. Sprint didn’t offer any details on the 4G phone, but rumors suggest a touch-screen Android phone that will be able to switch between Sprint’s 3G and 4G networks on the fly.
If Sprint actually launches its first 4G phone by the summer, it would be several months earlier than expected and will give the carrier even more precious lead time with 4G. AT&T isn’t expected to roll out its 4G solution until 2011, and Verizon’s roll out will likely start sometime this year. Sprint is already way ahead of its competitors in terms of 4G network coverage, and launching a 4G phone so soon could make it the carrier of choice for speed-hungry mobile warriors.
