Most smartphones in 2010 used 3G networks that delivered a megabit or two in practice, enough for email, Facebook and a slow YouTube video. AT&T ended unlimited data for new iPhone customers in June (2 GB for $25), Sprint marketed WiMAX as 4G on the HTC Evo, and Verizon switched on its LTE network in December for laptop modems only.
- Type
- network
Details
| 3G | HSDPA up to 7.2 Mbps on paper; typically 0.5 to 2 Mbps |
|---|---|
| AT&T plans (June 2010) | DataPlus 200 MB for $15; DataPro 2 GB for $25 |
| 4G | Sprint WiMAX (Evo 4G, June); Verizon LTE (5 December, data cards only) |
| Texting | Unlimited texting plans; T9 on keypads; BBM and iMessage-style apps only for BlackBerry |
Related
- ProductVerified
HTC Evo 4G
The first 4G phone in America, on Sprint's WiMAX
Released on 4 June 2010, the HTC Evo 4G was the first US phone sold as 4G, using Sprint's WiMAX network, which existed in only a few dozen cities. Its 4.3-inch screen was enormous for the time, it...
- TechnologySupported
Home broadband in 2010
DSL or cable, a few megabits, and a router with WEP
About two-thirds of American adults had home broadband in 2010, according to Pew, mostly DSL or cable at speeds of a few megabits per second; the FCC's National Broadband Plan set a target of 4 Mbps...
- PhonesSupported
AT&T ends unlimited data plans for new smartphone customers
AT&T replaced its $30 unlimited iPhone data plan with 200 MB for $15 and 2 GB for $25, effective 7 June, the beginning of the end of unlimited mobile data in the US.
- PhonesVerified
Verizon switches on its 4G LTE network
Verizon launched LTE in 38 US cities for laptop modems, promising 5 to 12 Mbps; LTE phones followed in 2011.
