MetroPCS follows Cricket's lead, launches Huawei's Ascend budget Android phone
Huawei's really starting to make a splash in the American smartphone market, breaking into the Big Four with the launch of the T-Mobile Comet not long ago -- but it's the budget regionals where these guys might have a chance to dominate. MetroPCS has taken a cue from archrival Cricket in launching Huawei's Ascend today, offering a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 3.2 megapixel camera, and microSD memory expansion to 16GB atop Android 2.1. The $179 they're asking seems a bit steep for the specs until you remember that MetroPCS offers its hardware contract-free -- and it'll save you a dime or two over the carrier's name-brand Android offering, the Optimus M from LG. It's available today; follow the break for the full press release.
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MetroPCS Adds to Its Handset Lineup With Affordable Android Phone
New Huawei Ascend Android smartphone arrives just in time for the holidays
DALLAS, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) today launched a new handset sure to entice last-minute holiday shoppers who are looking for the latest technology at an incredible value. The Huawei Ascend™ is available today in MetroPCS stores and online at www.metropcs.com.
An entry-level smartphone powered by the Android 2.1 (Eclair) operating system (OS), the Huawei Ascend is a perfect match for consumers wanting to move from a feature phone to a smartphone. The intuitive OS and nine customizable home screens make it easy to organize and get quick access to widgets, shortcuts, apps and social networks, and users can update their Facebook status or Tweet from the home screen. With smartphone plans starting at $50 per month with no annual contract, the Huawei Ascend is priced at $179-a great value for an Android device offering key features such as:
* Access to more than 100,000 apps in the Android Market™, in addition to games, ringtones and wallpapers available through the @metro App Store™
* A 3.5-inch HVGA auto-rotate touchscreen with onscreen QWERTY keyboard for easy text input
* 3.2 MP camera and camcorder to shoot and share images and video with friends and family
* Easy Wi-Fi® connectivity – automatically connect to Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide
"Our customers desire more choices and are looking for the latest handsets and services that fit their personalities, lifestyles and budgets," said Tom Keys, chief operating officer of MetroPCS. "With the addition of this device, we are again expanding our portfolio to provide our customers with a chance to experience the latest technology with the value of affordable, flexible and predictable no annual contract wireless services."
MetroPCS customers can also enjoy Metro USA(SM) with nationwide unlimited talk, text and web services and no annual contract service plans with taxes and regulatory fees included.
For more information, please visit:
Details on rate plans and service features: www.metropcs.com/plans
Press resources: www.metropcs.com/presscenter
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About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. is a provider of unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate with no annual contract. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With MetroUSA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their services in areas throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million people. As of September 30, 2010, MetroPCS had approximately 7.9 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.
MetroPCS related brands, product names, company names, trademarks, service marks, images, symbols, copyrighted material, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties of MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. and its subsidiaries, parent companies, and affiliates. Copyright ©2010 MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.
