MetroPCS LTE Network Arriving 2H 2010 With Samsung SCH-R900

All eyes may be on WiMAX and the HTC EVO 4G for Sprint right now, but they won't have the 4G focus for long.  MetroPCS have announced that they and Samsung will be rolling out the US' first commercially-availabile LTE network this year, with the first handset being the multimode CDMA/LTE Samsung SCH-r900.

While consumers will get to play with the SCH-r900, MetroPCS will have to get to grips with Samsung Mobile's infrastructure and IP multimedia subsystem tech, which will form the backbone of the new LTE network.  That adds up to real-time streaming video-on-demand and super-fast browsing speeds.

The MetroPCS LTE network should begin to roll out in the second half of 2010, though so far while the carrier has said it plans to cover "several" metropolitan markets, it has only named the Las Vegas metropolitan area.  We've still yet to catch sight of the SCH-r900 itself, too, though we'll be keeping our eyes peeled at CTIA Wireless; the photo above is of an unnamed Samsung LTE device spotted all the way back at CTIA Wireless 2009 by PC Mag.

Press Release:

Samsung Mobile Announces Commercial LTE 4G Infrastructure and Handset at CTIA Wireless

LTE Infrastructure and Handset to Launch Commercial Service in the Second Half of 2010 for the MetroPCS Las Vegas Metropolitan Area

LAS VEGAS, Mar 24, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)(1), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.( 2), introduced today at International CTIA Wireless 2010 in Las Vegas one of the first commercially available LTE network infrastructures and LTE-enabled, multi-mode, CDMA, 4G handset, the Samsung SCH-r900.

Samsung Mobile's advanced commercial LTE network products will allow wireless operators like MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (PCS 7.12, -0.08, -1.11%) , the nation's leading provider of unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract wireless communications service, to provide advanced services using LTE compatible handsets as well as new and innovative network solutions. LTE makes possible services such as real-time streaming video on demand (VOD), music downloads, enhanced Web browsing capabilities at high download speeds, and utilizing voice communications to increase productivity and access downloadable applications. MetroPCS plans to initially deploy a commercial LTE network in various metropolitan markets, including the Las Vegas metropolitan area where Samsung Mobile LTE network products will be used, in the second half of 2010.

Samsung Mobile's commercial LTE network products leverage years of 4G orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) commercial network experience and have flexible bandwidth support of 1.4 to 20 MHz standards. Samsung Mobile's network infrastructure supports a wide portfolio of enhanced node B (eNB) products, including rack types, remote radio heads, picocells and distributed antenna system (DAS) hosts.

Samsung Mobile's network solutions feature a scalable, single rack, enhanced packet core (EPC) along with IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) products, to support rapid deployment and end-to-end quality control through devices.

Samsung Mobile's infrastructure network products also feature an open architecture which supports multi-vendor inter-operation through initiatives such as the LTE Strategic Test Initiative (LSTI). Samsung Mobile's network infrastructure will incorporate high efficiency multimode amplifiers and energy saving mode.

The Samsung SCH-r900 will be one of the first commercially available LTE-enabled, multi-mode, CDMA, 4G handsets in the United States when MetroPCS launches the handset in the second half of 2010. The introduction of the Samsung SCH-r900 is part of Samsung Mobile's collaboration with MetroPCS to deliver advanced LTE handsets, services and infrastructure.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsunwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.7 billion. Employing approximately 157,700 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of seven independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT- LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.

Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (PCS 7.12, -0.08, -1.11%) is a provider of unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate with no signed contract. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served and has access to licenses covering a population of approximately 144 million people in many of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. As of December 31, 2009, MetroPCS had over 6.6 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.

(1)Samsung Mobile is proud to provide ENERGY STAR-qualified power adapters with its mobile phones and accessories. ENERGY STAR qualified products use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.

(2)Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S. claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics Q4 2009 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Report.