MetroPCS to Launch 4G Phone Before Verizon

MetroPCS, a wireless carrier catering to those of modest means, is set to be the first to introduce a phone with a brand new network technology that provides faster data access. That means it's beating Verizon Wireless, the country's largest carrier.

Samsung Electronics Co. said Wednesday that it's supplying a phone for MetroPCS Communications Inc.'s rollout of a network technology known as Long Term Evolution, or LTE, starting with cities including Las Vegas in the second half of this year.

Both MetroPCS and Verizon are planning use LTE, a so-called fourth-generation, or "4G" wireless technology. Verizon estimates that it will provide data speeds roughly ten times faster than today's "3G" networks. But Verizon isn't planning to introduce LTE phones until next year.