We may have not been all that impressed by MetroPCS’s first LTE device, but that doesn’t mean Techcitement isn’t paying attention to the plucky provider. It’s hard not to, when executives actually have the stones to slam the iPhone in print. For those who don’t want to click away (thank you), COO Tom Keys is quoted as saying to FierceWireless:
“We are mindful of the handset roadmap that we have and the commitments that we have–not by quantity commitments but by commitments to future handsets and roadmaps., It would be harmful to MetroPCS to have to cut out part of our handset portfolio to accommodate one phone from one provider that the economics could be at risk.”
Considering the fiscal hit Sprint took investing in the iPhone, that’s not an unwise tactic for a smaller company to take. Let’s get back to that roadmap comment though. MetroPCS did something uncommon on Tuesday. Where most carriers hold their cards close to the vest regarding new devices, MetroPCS took the time out of a busy release event (more on that in a second) to show some future devices. Upcoming devices include the well-loved, high-end Samsung Galaxy S III (way, way down the road) as well as several Samsung, ZTE, LG, and Huawi handsets. Also in the list is the mysterious “Coolpad Quattro”, a 4″ LTE device with an unknown manufacturer and rumored low price. Keys also told FierceWireless that his company is strongly considering adding a Windows Phone 8 device to MetroPCS’s lineup and are testing with an unnamed handset manufacturer. Considering every other MetroPCS smartphone is Android, this could be a good thing for those who like a bit more variety.
If you don’t want to wait around though, MetroPCS already has a new Android device for you. The LG Motion 4G was announced alongside MetroPCS’s new “all you can eat” LTE plan ($55 for as much talk, text, and 4G as you like). While only sporting a 3.5″ screen, this is an Android 4 device (the first for the network) and has a dual-code processor along with HD video recording. The Motion has a few cute features, like the ability to take pictures via voice command. While the smartphone can’t compete with the latest from HTC and Samsung, it’s priced at an affordable $149 and comes with that aforementioned all-inclusive plan. Said plan is likely made possible by MetroPCS’s recent rollout of Voice Over LTE (VoLTE), which lets it use its bits of the spectrum more efficiently.
MetroPCS is a small carrier and not available in all markets (like the one I presently reside in), but it’s sure not acting like a small-time player with the attitude and the plans for the future. Keep your eyes peeled for these guys.
Comments are closed.