Sprint Windows 8 Phone: Samsung And HTC Tapped For LTE Handsets

Sprint has announced that it wants both HTC and Samsung to create Windows Phone 8 handsets for their unlimited LTE data plan.

Both smartphone manufacturers are expected to bring Windows 8 devices to market with Sprint by sometime this summer, and make them capable of running on Sprint's unlimited 4G LTE data plan.

Sprint's offered its support to the Windows Phone 8 platform in a statement released earlier in January, which announced the move:

"Sprint has had a strong relationship with Microsoft for many years so we are excited to reinforce our commitment to the Windows 8 platform by sharing the details and timing for our first Windows Phone 8 smartphones," said Fared Adib, Sprint senior vice president, product development and operations. "These smartphones combine a robust new operating platform with the benefit of Sprint's unlimited data plans. There is no doubt these phones will quickly become an extension of your PC experience right in the palm of your hand."

"Windows Phone 8 offers a truly personal phone experience, connecting Sprint customers to the people and information that matters most to them. With a similar look and feel, the same technology core, and the same built-in SkyDrive cloud service, Windows Phone 8 is built to work seamlessly with Windows 8 PCs, Microsoft Surface devices and the Xbox 360 console," said Sprint in the statement.

No details of possible specs are given, but Sprint promised impressive handsets from both HTC and Samsung for their LTE network:

"Both the Samsung and HTC smartphones will offer Sprint 3G and 4G LTE and impressive lists of features including dual cameras enabling video chat, dual-core processors for enhanced internal speed between applications and support for expandable external memory. Additional device details, including pricing, will be shared closer to their availability dates."

The mobile carrier announced its unlimited data plan on its LTE network - the "Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime" - in July of last year, and now it plans on expanding its LTE coverage in the coming months.