HTC Teases 4G LTE Plans

HTC vowed to be the first phone manufacturer to 4G. It achieved that goal when it launched the HTC EVO 4G through Sprint as well as the myTouch 4G and G2 for T-Mobile. Now it appears HTC is at it again. HTC's site doesn't provide many details about its next 4G phone, simply saying "On January 6th, HTC will be the first to 4G. Again."

Although no details can be confirmed until the announcement, we're guessing HTC is hinting at a 4G LTE phone for Verizon Wireless. Rumor has it the phone will be known as the HTC Thunderbolt. This phone is said to have a 4.3-inch touchscreen and run on Android. Although few details are available at the moment, comparisons are already being drawn between the HTC Thunderbolt and Sprint's HTC EVO 4G. Rumored photos have suggested the HTC Thunderbolt will have a built-in rear kickstand, front and back cameras, and four mechanical buttons below the touchscreen.

Even though HTC hopes to be the first to 4G again, it won't be the only carrier to launch with Verizon's 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless COO John Stratton recently told The Wall Street Journal that "Motorola will be right there" when the wireless carrier announces the first 4G LTE phones for its wireless network on January 6 at CES.

Verizon, along with manufacturers such as HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and LG, are expected to launch six LTE phones at CES. The new phones are likely to be revealed during Irving Seidenberg's keynote address at CES on Jan. 6. Seidenberg is the CEO of Verizon Communications. Verizon Wireless also has a press conference scheduled for the same afternoon with three top Verizon Wireless executives.