AT&T Announces 4G LTE-Capable HTC Vivid and Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket

Telecom major AT&T announced that the HTC Vivid and Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, the two new Android smartphones, will soon be available on AT&T's 4G LTE network.

These two Android smartphones are the first to become AT&T 4G LTE-capable.

AT&T enables these smartphone users to utilize both LTE and HSPA+ 4G speeds, for a consistently fast connection in and out of LTE areas.

“The two LTE-powered superphones will be our 20th and 21st Android devices in 2011, adding to an outstanding year of Android success,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, in a statement.

On November 6, AT&T will expand 4G LTE network to 9 new markets, including Atlanta,Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. The telecom major plans to reach 15 markets and 70 million Americans by the end of 2011.

“We are thrilled to continue growing our relationship with AT&T and excited for the HTC Vivid to be one of the first LTE devices on AT&T for the holiday season,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of global sales and marketing, HTC.

AT&T is offering attractive LTE data plans to customers who can select from tiered data plans starting at $15 per month. All plans include access to AT&T's national Wi-Fi network of more than 29,000 hotspots.

“AT&T's LTE network allows for quicker access, smoother streaming and faster web experiences, especially when using the powerful Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket,” said Todd Pendleton, chief marketing officer, Samsung Telecommunications America.

Recently, HTC announced that it expects fourth-quarter revenues to hit a record high. HTC is expected to ship twice as many phones this year as compared to last year, as it meets booming demand for the next generation gadgets. HTC Q4 2011 revenue is forecast to reach T$100 billion (US$3.3 billion), with shipments expected to more than double to 9 million units.