Galaxy Nexus Release Date: LTE Version to Release on U.S. Cellular Network?
As industry insiders proposed the Samsung Galaxy Nexus would release on other networks after its Verizon Wireless launch, a recent leak suggested the United States Cellular network will soon acquire the smartphone.
A source close to U.S. Cellular revealed to technology website Phandroid the network might soon be entering the 4G LTE arenas. A leaked document details the network will be establishing a 4G modem and portable Wi-Fi hotspot as well as getting a 4G smartphone and 4G tablets.
Phandroid deduced that the unnamed images on the document look strikingly similar to the Galaxy Nexus and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
The source suggested the smartphone and tablet would be available on the U.S. Cellular network during the first quarter of 2012 that begins in early 2012.
There has been no word from U.S. Cellular about its plans to launch a 4G LTE network; however, Phandroid notes if the carrier plans to release 4G LTE devices that it may soon begin revealing plans for implementing a 4G network.
Reports also indicate the 4G LTE Galaxy Nexus will release on the Verizon Wireless network in late November. After the exclusive Verizon launch, the device may be powered by major networks, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
The Galaxy Nexus is expected to power both 4G LTE and HSPA+ networks. This has led insiders to believe networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile, that power both 4G LTE and HSPA+, could eventually have an option for the Galaxy Nexus.
There is also speculation the phone could eventually be powered on Sprint's WiMAX network.
Insiders have compared the Galaxy Nexus to the Google Nexus S that was not expected to be on the Sprint network when it released in December 2010, but was eventually introduced to the network in May 2011. The phone initially launched by AT&T and T-Mobile.
U.S. Cellular is the seventh largest wireless network in the U.S., while Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Sprint are the top three largest networks respectively.