@ CTIA: T-Mobile USA fills out smartphone, data device portfolio

ORLANDO, Fla. – Following up on its plans for expanding HSPA+ enhancements across its network, T-Mobile USA Inc. also announced several new devices at this year’s CTIA event as well as provided more launch details on some already announced models.
The carrier showed off the latest “G” series smartphone powered by Google Inc.’s Android operating system with the HTC Corp. G2x. The device includes a dual-core 1 GHz Tegra 2 processor from Nvidia Corp., a four-inch screen and comes preloaded with the “Need For Speed Shift HD” mobile game. The “G” series of devices began with the G1 model that launched in late 2008 and was the first device in the United States to run Google’s mobile OS.
Launch information and pricing were not divulged.
T-Mobile USA did however provide pricing details on its previously announced Sidekick 4G device that is set to launch “this spring” at a fully subsidized price of $100 with an unlimited data plan or $150 with tiered data package. The new Sidekick model will replace the previous Danger/Microsoft Corp. OS for Android 2.2 and switch manufacturers from Sharp Corp. and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. to Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
On the tablet front, T-Mobile USA said its previously announced LG Electronics Co. Ltd. G-Slate will also launch “this spring” at a fully subsidized price of $530 with a required mobile broadband plan, two-year agreement, voice line and enrollment in the carrier’s EasyPay offering. The device will include Google’s Android 3.0 OS that is specifically designed for tablets.
For more data hungry customers, T-Mobile USA also unveiled the Rocket 3.0 USB modem that is the first device compatible with the carrier’s 42 megabit per second HSPA+ network. In addition, the carrier said it will deliver a pair of 21 Mbps-compatible HSPA+ modems with the Jet 2.1 the Rocket 4G for its prepaid offering. The carrier only released pricing for the Jet 2.0 model, which will retail beginning March 23 for free after a mail-in rebate card, qualifying mobile broadband plan on a two-year agreement, a voice line and enrollment in EasyPay.
T-Mobile USA is also set to dip its toe into the mobile hotspot space with the impending launch of the ZTE Corp. Sleek, which will be compatible with the carrier’s 21 Mbps network. Prices and dates were not provided.
Finally, T-Mobile USA said it will add Nokia Corp.’s Astound smartphone to its line up beginning April 6 for $80 after a $50 mail-in rebate card, two-year contract and qualifying voice and data plan.