MetroPCS names Ericsson LTE network vendor, Samsung handset supplier

CDMA operator MetroPCS has selected Ericsson as its primary infrastructure vendor for its LTE network. The operator also named Samsung as the supplier of its first LTE handset. The operator, known for its flat-rate pricing, is planning to offer LTE services in its major markets in 2010, offering a dual-model LTE/CDMA handset initially from Samsung.

MetroPCS' announcement gives more definition to the LTE landscape among U.S. carriers. AT&T Mobility has said it will begin LTE trials in 2010, with deployments in 2011. Verizon Wireless has already reported successful LTE trials in Seattle and Boston over its 700 MHz spectrum, and plans to have 30 commercial LTE markets up and running in 2010. Verizon said it expects its nationwide buildout to be completed in late 2013 or early 2014. A MetroPCS spokeswoman was not immediately available to answer questions about the specifics about the carrier's planned buildout, including how many markets would be covered and what spectrum would be used.

This is Ericsson's second major LTE vendor win in the U.S. market after winning a deal earlier this year with Verizon Wireless, which also granted a contract to Alcatel-Lucent.

For more:
- see this release [1]

Related articles:
Rumor Mill: Did AT&T pick Ericsson, Alca-Lu, Huawei for LTE trial? [2]
MetroPCS vows independence, may make acquisitions [3]
MetroPCS to lean on ZTE for its LTE phones [4]
MetroPCS [5] to launch LTE in 2010
Verizon's Dick Lynch reveals LTE equipment vendors [6]
Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson win Verizon [7] LTE deal