Will all the new cool phones be 4G?

[_33]

I want a new phone, but honestly, I don't want 4G. Unless the price is what 3G is now, I'm out.


I guess what I'm wondering is will all the new dual core phones be 4G only? My data use is sporadic. I may use 1gig this month and 7 next month. I really don't want to be forced into having a plan that I need to worry about my data use in order to have a new bad ass phone. I do want a new phone soon though.

 

[harrellj]

They can't make a phone 4G only since that is only available in select areas for now, so phones would be backwards compatible.

 

[_33]

So, if I buy a 4G phone, I don't have to move up to a 4G data plan? I could stay on 3G only?

 

[harrellj]

That part, I do not know and doubt anyone would know until the 4G phones are announced.

 

[Card]

I believe that is going to be dependant on carrier. For example, When signing up for a new contract on an iPhone with AT&T, they have a phone-specific plan associated with it. I believe the same holds true for Sprint with the new HTC Evo. I know Verizon has announced some info for people wanting to sign up for the new 4G LTE plan (which seems like a huge rip-off to me for what you get), but I haven't seen it be required for any new phones being released.

 

[avoltech]

I read somewhere that the 4G phones will require a sim card to get 4G service. Makes me wonder if you buy a 4G phone it can be used with a 3G data plan if you wish to do so.

 

[eNomineZerum]

If it is like Sprint, you have to pay an extra $10/mth for "premium data". I truly hope that is NOT the way it works out or I might seriously have to consider sticking to my Global.

By the name of Zero

Edit: the $10 is charged regardless of your access to the limted 4g in Sprint's case. A co-worker has the EVO and only our capital, over an hour away, has 4g in it. He never goes to said capital so he basically pays that extra money for nothing.

 

[kodiak799]

Prices or caps could be an issue, but otherwise I'd expect most new phones to be LTE since, as mentioned, they are backwards compatible.

And if prices don't change, you might think "bahhh, give me 3G now" and you'll be kicking yourself in 6-12months when LTE comes to your area.

 

[Martin030908]

I've heard the sim card for 4G as well... my guess is that the 4G phones will still be able to use 3G, you'll just need whatever additional service (or sim card) to access 4G.

... just a guess.