It looks like AT&T’s 4G LTE network is primed for public use. The carrier has just announced the launch of its first 4G LTE devices which will go on sale next week. Just like Verizon, AT&T will be kickstarting its 4G network with the introduction of USB modems instead of smartphones or tablets straightaway. This would be a good way to wean users onto the network and to slowly test it out, lest the whole network slowdown that happened with the iPhone’s introduction happens again.
AT&T will be releasing the USBConnect Momentum 4G and Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G starting this Sunday, August 21st. Both of the devices will be able to connect to AT&T’s 4G LTE network and will fall back to HSPA+ in areas with no LTE coverage. No prices have been mentioned for the LTE dongles, but it will require users to pay $50/month for a 5GB plan.
Users who currently own the USBConnect Adrenaline will be able to upgrade it to support LTE’s network via a software update. Again, they will be charged $50/month for 5GB data plan. The Adrenaline update will be released online on August 26th on AT&T’s website.
AT&T’s LTE network will make its debut in five markets – Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio and plans to expand to at least 15 markets by the end of the year.