Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows
Home > Mobile > Windows Phone > Exclusive: Microsoft's LTE Plans for Windows Phone

Exclusive: Microsoft's LTE Plans for Windows Phone

Dec. 29, 2011 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows
Since other sites are starting to leak glimpses of what Microsoft is doing with Windows Phone and LTE in 2012, I've decided to simply reveal what's happening. And as you might expect, Microsoft and its Windows Phone partners do indeed intend to release a number of LTE devices in the coming half-year, all on AT&T.

The information I have relates to the US market only. These plans will be officially revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month.

Three LTE-based Windows Phone handsets--the Nokia ACE, HTC Radiant, and Samsung Mendel--will ship on AT&T Wireless before the middle of 2012. The ACE is due March 18, 2012. 

What's unclear is whether these LTE based devices will be accompanied by a software update of some kind. You may recall that the rumored "Tango" release, supposedly due in early 2012, is about low-end phones. So it's unclear how that jives with LTE, which is obviously a high-end feature. This explains my confusion over the supposed Windows Phone roadmap leak yesterday.

Also, the Nokia Lumia 710 will ship on Verizon Wireless in April 2012. This is not an LTE device, and it's not clear when/if we'll see an LTE Windows Phone on Verizon. The Lumia 710 is codenamed "Sword" and will be available in April 2012. (The T-Mobile version of the Lumia 710 will be available for purchase on January 11, 2012, giving the company three months of exclusivity before the device hits Verizon.)

Discuss this Article 12

Webdev511
on Dec 29, 2011
Wow, I kind of expected more. How much more exceptionally weak can WP7 get with "amazing" upgrades and devices like the Nokia 710? If AT&T didn't = no coverage in the SF Bay area, I'd be tempted to switch just to get a better device. That's not to say I'm displeased with my HTC Trophy, but with no LTE devices coming to Verizon, I can't say that the temptation isn't present.
kappalouie
on Dec 29, 2011
Dang, AT&T is making real hard to stay at Sprint. (it's taking me 10 minutes to register and post this) this is one of the hardest comments I've ever had to make.
qquidd
on Dec 29, 2011
Paul, do you know if there are any plans to release unlocked versions of these phones?
JstewsMole
on Dec 29, 2011
Could it get any worse for Verizon and MS? I'm trying to force my wife to hold out for WP7 over an iPhone...but seriously..how can I do that when the best thing she has to look forward to is the Nokia 710. WTF!
nilrats
on Dec 29, 2011
Paul, Remember that your friend MJF said that there will be Tango 1 and Tango 2 so that can explain thing a littler bit
primortal
on Dec 29, 2011
I thought VZW didn't want any WP7 phones that didn't have LTE. Is VZW backpedaling? And why a low end device?
JimmyFal
on Dec 29, 2011
Funny how people are scrambling to find out why WinPho isn't doing as well as it should, and all you really need to do is read a couple of these posts. Pretty freaking obvious isn't it. No rush but jeeez it wouldn't hurt.
JeffinLondon
on Dec 29, 2011
Too little, too late.
Hoomgar
on Dec 29, 2011
We are already under contract with T-Mo so I'm actually thinking about snapping up one of the 710s just to get a Windows Phone in my hand. I'm still using my old Nokia E73 so this would be a nice upgrade even if it isn't one of the "hottest" models slated to come out next year. We just got my wife the HTC Radar with WP7.5 and she loves it. I'm thinking the Nokia 710 looks to be a bit better than that so why not? It figures T-Mobile would be one of the first to get one of the new Nokias but end up with the floor model. Go figure :|
Hoomgar
on Dec 29, 2011
We are already under contract with T-Mo so I'm actually thinking about snapping up one of the 710s just to get a Windows Phone in my hand. I'm still using my old Nokia E73 so this would be a nice upgrade even if it isn't one of the "hottest" models slated to come out next year. We just got my wife the HTC Radar with WP7.5 and she loves it. I'm thinking the Nokia 710 looks to be a bit better than that so why not? It figures T-Mobile would be one of the first to get one of the new Nokias but end up with the floor model. Go figure :|
Hoomgar
on Dec 29, 2011
We are already under contract with T-Mo so I'm actually thinking about snapping up one of the 710s just to get a Windows Phone in my hand. I'm still using my old Nokia E73 so this would be a nice upgrade even if it isn't one of the "hottest" models slated to come out next year. We just got my wife the HTC Radar with WP7.5 and she loves it. I'm thinking the Nokia 710 looks to be a bit better than that so why not? It figures T-Mobile would be one of the first to get one of the new Nokias but end up with the floor model. Go figure :|
drv
on Dec 30, 2011
Much like Shawn, I've been holding out for a good Windows Phone from Verizon for over a year now. Someone at either MS or VZW must really be screwed up. They are hurting themselves by not releasing a good LTE phone like the Nokia 800 ASAP. I'm going to give MS and Verizon only a couple of more months and then I'm afraid I'm going to Android. I have a rooted Nook Color tablet so Android would be a good match. I'd really like to go with Windows Phone but these guys are really going out of their way to tell Verizon customers to go somewhere else. WTF, indeed!

Please or Register to post comments.

Related Articles

IT/Dev Connections

Las Vegas
September 30th - October 4th

Paul ThurottYou'll have the opportunity to experience:
• 120 Technical
Sessions
• Networking with Peers
• Expert Speakers


Come See Paul Thurrott & Mary Jo Foley in Person!

Register Now

Office 365 InfoCenter

Get the latest insight and info from Paul

Read Now!

What I Use
Apr. 18, 2013
Article

What I Use: On the Road 21

Every so often, I publish an updated version of my “What I Use” document, which details the technology products and services I actually use day-to-day. Since I’m currently on my third business trip in five weeks, this is perhaps an ideal time to discuss the technology products I rely on when I travel and a few related points....More
Mar. 6, 2013
Article

What I Use: March 2013 33

Lots of changes since November, including a new PC-based home server running Windows 8, several new smart phones, new PCs and tablets, new cloud backup, Office 365 Home Premium and a nice doubling of my Internet speeds courtesy of Verizon FIOS....More
WinSuperSite.com
Related Penton Sites
Copyright © 2013 Penton Media, Inc