MetroPCS Plans Dual-Mode CDMA/LTE Smartphone for 2010

Today MetroPCS announced the technology vendors that will be supplying its Long Term Evolution networking equipment. Ericsson will be supplying wireless network technology and Samsung will supply MetroPCS' first LTE handset. MetroPCS expects to launch a dual-mode CDMA/LTE smartphone in its major metropolitan markets near the end of 2010, which is when it is scheduled to initiate service on its LTE network. Neither MetroPCS nor Samsung said what operating system the CDMA/LTE smartphone would use. Further, MetroPCS confirmed for Phone Scoop that it plans to offer voice services over LTE via VoIP technology. MetroPCS said it is still working with vendors to arrange exactly how that will play out. MetroPCS also confirmed that it expects to use PCS, AWS and 700MHz spectrum in the future and possibly others, as needed, for roaming. MetroPCS did not say that it actually owns 700MHz spectrum.