Galaxy Nexus Release Date: AT&T Offers Lower Prices on LTE Smartphones
Verizon is set to release some high-end Android powered LTE handsets soon, including the Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus, Motorola’s DROID RAZR and the HTC Resound.
The starting price for most LTE smartphones on the network is usually $299, an amount that seems somewhat reasonable when customers look at the capabilities of these handsets. However, AT&T seems to be undercutting Verizon significantly in the price department by offering LTE devices for as low as $199.
The carrier plans to launch two new LTE smartphones in the coming months including the HTC Vivid that will go for $199 and the Samsung Galaxy S2 SkyRocket that will be priced at $249.
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“What’s even more surprising is that both the HTC Vivid and Galaxy S2 Skyrocket not only match the hardware found on Verizon’s LTE devices but also feature ‘circuit-switch fallback’ technology which improves battery life when using 4G LTE,” said GizmoCrunch, a technology website.
Battery life is a problem for Verizon customers who own LTE devices. GizmoCrunch said Verizon’s LTE network is much larger than AT&T’s.
Verizon’s networks almost cover the entire United States, whereas AT&T currently covers just nine markets now. Having access to this network almost everywhere in America comes at a price for early LTE adopters. AT&T may follow suit as the company’s network continues to expand all over the country.
As the network grows, so will customers buying LTE devices. This could lead to the carrier charging much higher rates, because AT&T knows it will get the business for 4G.
