AT&T, Verizon test 4G LTE Nokia Lumia phone

From CNET News.com: Behind the scenes, Nokia is making some headway with the big two carriers in the U.S.

The Finnish handset vendor, eager for a comeback, is testing a 4G LTE version of its Lumia 800 smartphone, CNET has learned. That's despite the fact that the Windows Phone operating system powering the Lumia doesn't yet officially support LTE.

The lack of LTE support has been seen as a critical issue for the U.S. carriers, which are increasingly focusing on 4G devices and services. As a result, anyone supporting Windows Phone, including Nokia, faces hurdles getting approval. But Nokia has been running a 4G LTE version of the Lumia 800 in an effort to get the ball rolling on carrier approval, according to several people familiar with the situation.

Carriers, however, test many devices, including some they have no plans to take to market, the people warned. Still, that Nokia is moving aggressively with the major carriers bodes well for its prospects in the U.S.

AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel, Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Brenda Raney, and Nokia spokesman Keith Nowak all declined to comment.

Getting back into the U.S. market is an important component of Nokia's comeback plans. The former handset powerhouse is already scheduled to throw a press conference with T-Mobile USA on Wednesday. The announcement is widely expected to be the Lumia 710, the more budget-friendly, and lower-end, of its two offerings.

Although T-Mobile marks a step in the right direction, analysts believe Nokia will need to get the support of the big two carriers to have a real shot at the U.S. market.

View: Article @ Source Site