Sprint is a little behind Verizon and AT&T when it comes to building its LTE 4G data network, but that lag may not bother users so much with Sprint saying its unlimited data offering will apply to LTE 4G phones, just as it is for the company's other phones.
"Sprint has no current plans to change our commitment to provide new and existing customers with unlimited data with the arrival of LTE smartphone devices this year," said a company spokeswoman when queried by msnbc.com.
Sprint has announced the first six markets to receive 4G LTE by mid-year: Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio.
Both Verizon Wireless and AT&T have their fourth-generation mobile broadband networks in place in about 200 markets now, and plan to be in twice that many by the end of the year.
Sprint also has 4G service via WiMax technology in many markets around the country, but is shifting to LTE, considered by many to be a superior technology.
Last fall, Sprint ended its unlimited 4G data offering for customers who use mobile broadband devices like tablets, netbooks, USB cards or mobile hotspot devices, but not smartphones.
For sure, Sprint, which now carries the iPhone, could see more customers gravitate to the carrier when the next version of the iPhone, likely to be 4G, is out. The iPhone remains the top seller at Sprint, as well as at Verizon and AT&T.
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