HTC ThunderBolt may launch on March 3rd or 4th; unlimited 4G LTE data for $29.99

By on Feb 24, 2011 at 11:12 AM
mobile February 24, 2011

With February 24th upon us and no storm clouds in sight, it’s a safe bet that we won’t be seeing the ThunderBolt make its highly anticipated debut today. The date was pretty firm and the device made appearances in Best Buy flyers from this week, so we have to say we’re a little sad to see the launch of Verizon Wireless’ 4G powerhouse slip back. According to an Android enthusiast forum member, however, we may not have to wait much longer. We have to remain skeptical since the source has no track record, but he claims to have attended an “exclusive event for VIP” last night, during which Verizon Wireless revealed some launch details. He claims the ThunderBolt will finally be released on either March 3rd or March 4th, though he believes the 4th to be more likely. Verizon typically releases devices on Thursdays, but at this point it probably just wants to get this particular phone out the door. The poster also says unlimited 4G LTE data will run $29.99 per month with the ThunderBolt, which would be pretty awesome, if true. He provided a few images to help support his claims, one of which shows yesterday’s date on the ThunderBolt’s display. Hit the break for another image of the ThunderBolt along with one of the supposed VIP event.

Thanks, dbgoolsby

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  • Anonymous

    I said yesterday that it wouldn’t launch today!!! :(

    By the time Verizon gets it out it will be obsolete from a technical standpoint, especially with the Galaxy Tab 2 4G LTE and iPhone 5 looming in the wings.

    • Eestubbs104

      Amen to that Papinyc

  • http://twitter.com/l_hop Pat Lussenhop

    Ugh…
    How does that 4g unlimited plan work if you don’t live in a 4g city?

    • Tee

      You’re kidding, right?

    • PandaBarr

      It’s for if you travel to a 4g area or a good way to lock yourself into the unlimited plan before it switches to tiered pricing.

    • Anonymous

      It’s 4G and 3G so you will just use 3G in your city. It’s still a smart thing to do so that a year later, when your city does get 4G, you will still be in a unlimited data plan whenever Verizon starts rolling out tiered data plans. Even better that it doesn’t cost more. :D

    • Rmadler

      You get 3g instead of 4g

    • Anonymous

      You can move or get an AT&T iPhone!

    • Anonymous

      You get unlimited 3G data, just like you do now.

  • Anonymous

    Most important thing of all, for me anyways, is will I be able to grandfather that $30 unlimited 4G after 2 years. This phone will be outdated in six months and I have no coverage just yet so that is the only real reason to get this phone, especially after all this bs.

    • http://twitter.com/BiggiePhat JG

      there it is. The EXACT reason im getting this phone. Im surrounded by 4g but its still needs to all converge on me before i get service (I think i never really tried by the website said i dont have it). Lock in that unlimited 4g, tether my wifi xoom whenever that comes out, touch myself.

  • Ckpeebles

    Android Central should have watermarked their photos

  • http://twitter.com/ChazClout ChazClout

    Carrier logos on handsets:
    Stupid. Ugly. Unnecessary.

    Why do they do it?By

    • http://twitter.com/dossa002 Andrew M. Dos Santos

      It’s so when someone calls Verizon and says “I want to activate an iPhone I bought off eBay”, they aren’t struggling to figure out whether it is the AT&T version or the Verizon version. Another example, customer buys an unlocked Verizon BB Bold off Craigslist and sticks their T-Mobile SIM in and calls T-Mobile to complain about why they can’t get 3G on it. Carrier logos are there because the sad truth is that people don’t always do their homework when it comes to cell phones.

      • Seriously

        Um you do realize that the iPhone doesn’t have any carrier markings on it right??? The only way to tell the difference externally is the placement of the little black breaks in the antennas. The back of the Verizon model also has less info on the lower back.

      • Anonymous

        You’re guessing, and you’re doing a poor job. This has nothing to do with making activation simpler. Instead, it’s all about advertising. You know a phone is on Verizon because of the logo, so you know where to go to get it,and which network you need. When you hear hooves, think “horses,” not “zebras.”

        As for the iPhone, there’s no Verizon logo on it because Apple is strong enough to say no. Motorola Mobility, on the other hand, gets 28% of their revenue from Verizon, so they really have no choice but to be very attentive to Verizon’s wishes.

  • Yesterday_News

    I got mine yesterday, but it’s for AT&T. It’s called Atrix, and it seems pretty cool. I guess they call them different things on different carriers. The 4g is good, but I hear LTE is better, so I’ll probably switch this out when it comes out. I hope I can keep the laptop dock, though. It is really cool. Anyway, more competition for Apple is a good thing, I guess.

    • Dreedy Android

      The Atrix is a Motorola phone, the ThunderBolt is HTC. C’mon man!

      • http://twitter.com/rckymtnrfc Ryan Clayton

        And what are you going to do with a laptop dock if you don’t keep the Atrix? It’s not like every Android phone will work with it.

    • Anonymous

      Actually you still have 2G and, in some places, two tin cans and string.

    • Nasn55

      What’s the difference in 4g and LTE? I thought they were the same thing???

      • Hudie27

        LTE is the closes thing to true 4G and is what ATT plans to go to in a few years. What Tmobile and now ATT is calling a 4g is really an glorified 3g (HSPA+) and that is how they are able to claim they have nation wide overnight because it is technically their 4th generation network but not really 4g. It is great marketing with a play on words but to their defense still is pretty fast but is crushed by Verizon LTE and soon to be ATT’s LTE.

      • Anonymous

        There is a good Engadget article that explains every single thing about the evolution of wireless broadband, but in short:

        1) Neither of the technologies can today attain the (fairly unreasonable) 100Mbps to 1Gbps required by the 4G specification, so really none of them are actually “4G” in terms of real world performance.

        2) HSPA+, T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s “4G”, is more like “3.5G” because it is just an enhancement of an existing 3G technology. This is why they can claim to have the “largest 4G” networks because they don’t have to do too much to upgrade their existing networks to faster speeds.

        3) LTE/WiMAX are actually new technologies that can be justified as fourth generation or “4G” wireless data technology. They don’t get 4G speeds yet, but down the line they can be upgraded to be able to do so. HSPA+ on the other hand caps out at < 700Mbps max speed, 30% less than required by the 4G specifications.

        4) Because of the insanely high speed requirements by the 4G specification, we'll probably see LTE Advanced, the upgrade to LTE, be branded as 5G even though it will only be able to achieve 4G speeds.

      • Scorp

        LTE is 4G but 4G isn’t necessarily LTE. For instance WiMax is 4g.

    • Scorp

      You either do no know what you bought or do not know what the device is this article is about.

    • DJ <3

      this dude is joking right?

  • Trophynuts

    this is retarded. Talk about missing an chance to capitalize on the Buzz of a new device…..

    mehhhhhh….

    • http://twitter.com/rckymtnrfc Ryan Clayton

      Do you really think they are missing out? How many websites have you seen reporting again and again about the Thunderbolt? That’s buzz right there and they keep generating more of it.

      • Mpossoff

        Could be good marketing. Making the public thirst more for the device.

  • Professional Squirrel Herder

    Wait, you seriously link the claim of the 24th being “pretty firm” to something that originated from an unnamed “one of our sources”?!?

    The only thing that is “pretty firm” is any OFFICIAL statement from Verizon. Have they made any official statement other than Q1 2011?

    The only ones making this launch into a circus are the fansites, which keep showing the true quality of the supposed sources … then pawning off the “missed” dates as a problem at Verizon or HTC instead of the true issue: a problem with the sources.

    • DanDroid

      Although I agree to a certain extent. When I preordered my Thunderbolt on Superbowl Sunday…I asked the BB mobile employee what day they will be available, she went to her computer, brought up the thunderbolt screen and stated “my system shows a delivery date of 2-14, so we will have them that day”. That was info direct from a BB employee…not a fansite. Also, how would you explain the fact that the phone was in the BB sale paper last Sunday? The ad did not say “Coming Soon”.

      • Professional Squirrel Herder

        That’s BB – not Verizon, and not an official launch date by any stretch. I’ve never relied upon retail site release dates for anything, and certainly won’t be starting now. While they are sometimes correct, they are equally as often just place-holder dates. As to their ads, you’ll note that the Xoom did list a launch date, because they had an official launch date available. The Thunderbolt, no date listed. As to why they listed it without having an official launch date – sounds more like a Best Buy snafu. So, I agree that BB is at least partly responsible for the fansite venting going on … but Verizon and HTC haven’t stated anything more specific that Q1 2011. Until something official comes from the manufacturer or the provider, it’s not a “pretty firm” release date.

      • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/VCBEBTYM2XLKT7WBH4OWJ5QUZ4 commonsenseplease

        I understand your point mostly…but really? Normally when something is placed in print, you know it’s pretty reliable. From the viewpoint of a consumer, it doesn’t matter which company said what, they’re in business to make money, and if we’re told one thing and something else happens people have a right to be peeved. And sorry, but Best Buy is not arbitrarily make up some fictional date and just throw it out there.

        Verizon has not been transparent with the release date of this phone, and since Best Buy is obviously a partner of Verizon, Verizon is directly responsible for not maintaining clear lines of communication.

        Done.

      • https://me.yahoo.com/a/J7Mg.aBrt_zUZAONR5KHn_om4dCMew--#37f81 indio7777

        I understand your point mostly…but really? Normally when something is placed in print, you know it’s pretty reliable. From the viewpoint of a consumer, it doesn’t matter which company said what, they’re in business to make money, and if we’re told one thing and something else happens people have a right to be peeved. And sorry, but Best Buy is not arbitrarily make up some fictional date and just throw it out there.

        Verizon has not been transparent with the release date of this phone, and since Best Buy is obviously a partner of Verizon, Verizon is directly responsible for not maintaining clear lines of communication.

        Done.

      • U R DUMB

        Actually Verizon CEO did say February for Thunderbolt release…

    • GLOCKMAMA

      I too pre-ordered mine on SB Sun as the doors open. BB employee gave me the date of the 14th that I could pick it up. & then when delayed BB manager told me the 24th. So may not b from Verizon, but it is from their exclusive retailer of the device, which should b reliable. But being pissed off by this mess I emaile Verizon’s President & CEO, Daniel Meade yesterday. Not that I thought he would ever even read it or care, but @ the moment it made me feel better. To my surprise his personal assistant called me, addressed all my complaints & ideas, & told me it would definately be out b4 the end of this month. A slight hint @ the 28th was made. She then asked if all my concerns had been addressed or would Iike 2 speak 2 Mr. Meade. Trust me I was
      shocked, but very impressed that I got any response, the most I expected was a form letter n my inbox. But, hopefully what they said is true. Either way they got a whole lot of points from me 4 makin that phone call & addressing my complaints as a real live customer, not just a number.

      • Blarghhhhhhhh

        WTF?

      • Sdouglas3673

        I stopped in at the best buy I ordered at today and lucky me the regional Verizon rep was there… she did confirm that the 14th, 24th and 28th were all planned release dates, but due to “technical reasons” the release date has not been announced. So I think BB was acting with the information they had at the time… just makes for a messy messy release.. and anxious customers!

  • Kevoskee

    I really hope this is true, looks legit

    • Kilt Biker

      Just checked the weather data for yesterday at 6 p.m. and the temps match Commerce, GA for the current temp and the high and close to the low temp on the Weather Channel

  • Cky__1414

    Did see a HTC ad for tbolt today

  • Sean76

    Vzw missed they’re chance! I’ll wait for the Bionic…better phone spec wise IMO.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7DQGQEWUZUANX4CRM3ZI3TXB6M Chirag

      But after using the Droid X, trust me you don’t want motoBlur. It can bring a great phone (specs wise) to a crawl.

  • http://twitter.com/DavisDarvish Davis Darvish

    Hmm.. VIP event in commerce, ca? weird… my OG Droid is DYING! Memory full, slow as fuck, 1/2 day of battery life… RELEASE THE PHONE!!!!!!!

    • Anonymous

      I’m right there with you. I’ve come close to just chucking my Droid out the window. My touchscreen has been crazy for over three months now. Phone is barely usable and I can’t wait to deep six it.

    • Kilt Biker

      I checked the temps and weather for Commerce, CA, Commerce, TX, Commerce, CO, and finally Commerce, GA. The only one that matched was Commerce, GA and it was a good match.

    • Tee

      My Droid is dying too… super slow… battery issues… but I at least solved the memory problem (for myself). Go to Settings, Applications, All, Sort by Size, and make sure Facebook and/or Twitter aren’t mammoth. They tend to get that way… if they are, clear data. You’ll have to log back in… but it opens up some memory. But otherwise, I spend a lot of time exiting even the most basic of applications, and staring at my wallpaper for a long time… sucks.

  • Davva360

    The most interesting thing in this article if accurate is the 4G data price. That would be a great move by Verizon to offer unlimited 4G for the same price as 3G.

    I have my doubts but here’s hoping.

  • Professional Stamp Licker

    Keeping a running tab; how many times BGR runs a “we’re sure the Thunderbolt will be released on X date” versus how many times Geller changes his picture.

  • MRPIKLZ1

    VIP EVENT???? HAHAHAHA I WAS THERE AND THERE WAS NOTHING VIP ABOUT IT!

  • Anonymous

    You mean to tell me that I have to pay an additional $29.99 on top of my regular bill for data service? Are you kidding me? Man verizon is tripping! With the way the economy is, you would think they would give their customers a good deal. I was thinking about switching from sprint to verizon but I changed my mind. They could stick the & phone & their high plans up their ass. Im gonna stay with sprint. Im paying only $10.00 extra for 4g service.

    • Giorivera81

      I’ll take his one everyone…… You are mistaken, there is no extra charge at all. Everyone is already paying that for data on VZW. It’s just the name of the data plan is called 4G for the same price. Read the rest of the comments for some clarity.

      • Anonymous

        The article does not say that specifically. If it is tho the world will be a better place. If not everyone getting their hopes up are in for a rude awakening. And unless the other people commenting are Verizon representatives I would take their explanations with a grain of salt

    • Mgurule80

      You misread the article… Verizon isn’t charging an additional $30 bucks. It’s staying the same (there’s no extra charge for 4G).

  • Anonymous

    If they offer unlimited 4G for the same price as the current 3G price then you can count me in. Especially if its an HTC handset ’cause you know that mutha’s getting hacked to offer WiFi hot-spot fo’ free!

  • MRPIKLZ1

    CELLUPHONE offices …..Commerce CA was the location… small event for a bunch of retailers nothing VIP… they just mentioned it being pushed back to march but no official date was given, as far as the data plan they mentioned keeping it at $29.99/unlimited for now but made sure to mention it could change… thats it

  • Cer

    They better launch it on March 4 or else the 14 day return period will overlap with CTIA.

  • http://twitter.com/rckymtnrfc Ryan Clayton

    I heard the delay was because there is a big red circle around the date on the homescreen that they are trying to fix. =)

  • Securitywiz

    The real question is, is the $29 on top of the data plan like Sprint charges $10 for their 4g service…

    • http://twitter.com/rckymtnrfc Ryan Clayton

      No way, they are reporting that the $29 we pay now for unlimited 3G data will also work with 4G…that isn’t confirmed by VZ but I there is no chance they would get $60 for data on 4G. (and yes, I understand VZ doesn’t define unlimited the same way the rest of the world does)

  • Anonymous

    Verizon won’t release the Thunderbolt until they sell at least 10 iPhones….. this could be a long wait.

  • Cer

    Many have waited for the Verizon #iPhone. Some looking for the #4G #LTE HTC #Thunderbolt. May be sooner than we expected!

  • Jreedk9

    I think your all wrong… look at how they have been releasing devices…. Iphone 4 Feb 10th, Xoom Feb 24th, Ipad 2 Mar 10th… every two weeks to cut down clogging up stores. Verizon is faily predictable, Mar 24th at this rate for the Thunderbolt.

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