Verizon (VZ) Readies 1st 4G Smartphone for Release

Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) announced it is ready to start selling its first 4G smartphone, the HTC Corp. ThunderBolt. The consumer-friendly phone will be offered for sale on Thursday on the fast mobile network of the company.

The Thunderbolt will sell for $249.99 with a two-year contract. Despite hints of a new pricing structure for Verizon's fourth-generation wireless service, the smartphone can be purchased with a standard monthly voice plan starting at $39.99 and unlimited data at $29.99.

Verizon Wireless is racing to catch up with Sprint (NYSE:S) in 4G phones.

The Thunderbolt marks the first product on Verizon's 4G network with mass appeal, important as the carrier looks to drive users onto its new network. While Verizon's 4G network has been running since late last year, the company previously only sold laptop air cards that often are used by corporate travelers. Such 4G services offer a faster connection than more widely available third-generation services.





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