AT&T to launch LG, Android smartphone in prepaid and postpaid flavors

mobile

Via a press release today, AT&T announced that it will be offering two, Android-based LG handsets in both the prepaid and postpaid variety. The postpaid Phoenix and prepaid Thrive both sport a 600MHz processor, 3.2-inch touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, aGPS, 3.2 megapixel rear-facing camera, microSD card slot, and 7.2Mbps HSDPA radio. Both smartphones, which run Froyo (Android 2.2) will be available on April 17th with the Phoenix retailing for $49.99 with a signed two-year agreement and the Thrive retailing for $179.99 contract-free. Prepaid customs that purchase a Thrive must sign-up for one of three new, prepaid data-plan offerings also announced: $25 for 500MB, $15 for 100MB, or $5 for 10MB. The full press release is after the break.

AT&T and LG Launch First Smartphone for GoPhone

LG Thrive™ and its post-paid version, LG Phoenix™ available on April 17 from LG Mobile Phones. Both Android 2.2 Devices Available In AT&T Stores Nationwide

Dallas, Texas, April 12, 2011

Key Facts

  • AT&T* will begin selling LG Thrive™ and LG Phoenix™ on April 17.
  • LG Thrive™ is AT&T’s first prepaid smartphone. GoPhone customers can choose from new data packages with no long-term commitment required.
  • Both smartphones will be available for purchase nationwide at AT&T company-owned retail stores and in select national retail locations.
  • Both feature a 3.2 inch color full-touch display, Android™ 2.2 platform, Exchange email support, unlimited Wi-Fi usage on the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network and a 3.2-megapixel camera.

Android Portfolio

AT&T is a pioneer in smartphones and devices, and expects to widen its portfolio in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to a robust Android portfolio, including more than 12 new Android devices this year. Delivering users on-the-go access to the growing Android Market™, LG Thrive™ will be the first Android smartphone available for GoPhone customers.

LG Thrive™ Data Packages and Voice Plans

In addition to providing access to applications and contacts, AT&T is introducing a new prepaid data package with the LG Thrive, offering 500 MB of data for $25. Each of the following options are available to customers who choose the Smartphone $0.10/min Plan or Smartphone $2/day Unlimited Talk and Text Plan. Prepaid customers who choose a smartphone like the LG Thrive must choose a data package in order to use data services.

  • NEW: $25 FOR 500MB
  • $5 for 10MB (previously $4.99 for 1MB)
  • $15 for 100MB (previously $19.99)

The above data packages include unlimited Wi-Fi usage at thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots from your smartphone.

AT&T is also adding value to data pay-per-use pricing for non-smartphone customers with five times the data for the same price. The new pricing is $0.01 per 5kb (previously $0.01 per kb).

LG Thrive ™ and LG Phoenix™

LG Thrive™ boasts the latest Android features, including robust HTML browsing, integrated synching of Google ™ account features, Facebook® and Twitter apps for social networking, flexible personalization with up to seven customizable home screens, and unlimited Wi-Fi usage at thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, included as part of the smartphone data plan required with either device.** LG Phoenix™ offers similar features to its prepaid counterpart as well as Mobile Hotspot and data tethering support which allows the sharing of the phone’s mobile broadband connection with other devices.***

Key Specifications

  • Android 2.2 platform
  • HSDPA 7.2 3G data speeds
  • 600MHz application processor
  • 3.2” 320 x 480 262k color full-touch display
  • Wi-Fi/aGPS capable
  • 160MB User Memory w/ microSD storage (up to 32GB)
  • 2GB microSD card installed
  • 3.2MP Auto-focus camera
  • Stereo Bluetooth
  • Quad-band GSM / Tri-band 3G (world capable)
  • 1500 mAh long-life battery
  • Text/Picture and Video Messaging support
  • POP3/IMAP/Gmail/EAS email support

On April 17, AT&T will begin selling LG Thrive™, in silver for $179.99. To use data services on the Thrive™, a GoPhone smartphone plan and data package are required.

The LG Phoenix™ will be available on the same day in dark blue for $49.99 and requires a two-year agreement.

Both devices will be sold in company-owned retail stores and in select national retail locations.

Learn more about the LG Thrive™ and LG Phoenix™ at http://www.att.com/mobilephones-news.

Quotes

“We are excited to add LG Thrive™, the first smartphone for GoPhone, to AT&T’s growing Android portfolio,” said Judy Cavalieri, vice president, Voice and Prepaid Products, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Thrive brings more choice and more value to our GoPhone customers by delivering the benefits of a smartphone, balanced with functionality and affordability.”

“The range of smartphones available at LG and AT&T is a tribute to our consumers,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president for marketing for LG Mobile Phones. “LG Thrive optimizes data capabilities and value with a fully customizable experience. We look to continue our history of AT&T firsts.”

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** Restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

*** Mobile Hotspots and Tethering require a DataPro 4 GB Plan. Devices connected to your Mobile Hotspot or by tethering use data from your DataPro 4 GB Plan. An overage rate of $10 per each 1 GB provided, applies if you exceed the included monthly data allowance. Performance may vary depending on the number of devices connected and other factors. If you do not use a password, others will be able to use your Mobile Hotspot connection. For more details on Data Plans, go to att.com/dataplans.

**** Prices may vary at independent retailers.

LG Phoenix: Limited time only. Qualified customers only. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T’s owned wireless network coverage area. Requires two year contract and new activation, and an eligible voice plan and eligible smartphone data plan starting at $15 a month. $36 activation fee. Early Termination Fee: Up to $325. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

Mobile Broadband Coverage not available in all areas.

Price and Availability****

8 Comments
  • Hashtag123

    So is the prepaid data month to month, or like voice, use the amount alloted before the user needs to refill?

    • Anonymous

      yeah, thats right! ;o)

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Johnathan-Timmons/1074131881 Johnathan Timmons

      Yeah this is what i was just thinking. My guess is because its at&t and they want money to pour out of every hole in their body, its going to be each month. Logic says it should be used till the user needs to refill.

  • Anonymous

    $25 for 500mb thats lame. Maybe 1gb. No one is going to do this. I know they want to protect their pre-paid market, but it seems like most of these devices will probably go unsold.

  • Anonymous

    $25 for 500mb thats lame. Maybe 1gb. No one is going to do this. I know they want to protect their pre-paid market, but it seems like most of these devices will probably go unsold.

  • nelnel21

    i wonder if i just buy the prepaid thrive or whatever it’s called and plug in my sim card from my quick messaging phone will my data and texting package still work until my contract runs out??

    • Anonymous

      They will sooner rather then later read the imei off the phone and change you to the correct plan, along with a text to your phone that they were going to do this.

      What would be interesting and to avoid the $325 ETF is to buy the $180 version of this phone, and use it like the others and go contract free, or to change to a new phone on a smartphone plan mid contract.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1583802471 Marcus Baker

    This is awesome, I’m glad to see AT&T get in on the smartphone prepaid market, even tough I have a iPhone 4, Motorola Atrix, and GSM Palm Pre 2, all on Ma Bell, I am definitely getting the prepaid one!

blog comments powered by Disqus