It appears Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. will soon launch its quad-band, quad-mode SCH-A790 phone, a device that will allow Verizon Wireless CDMA users to travel to Europe and use the same phone over Vodafone’s GSM network.
Reports of the planned device surfaced months ago, but it seems the device is nearing commercial release as the Federal Communications Commission recently posted details of the phone on its Web site. The FCC must approve all radio communications devices.
According to the FCC filing, the phone will work over CDMA 800 and 1900 MHz bands, as well as Europe’s GSM 900 and 1800 MHz bands. The clamshell phone will feature an integrated camera and support for Verizon’s BREW-based application download service.
Samsung officials declined to comment on the phone.
That Verizon will sell the phone is notable as it more closely ties the carrier to its European parent. Industry watchers have wondered whether Vodafone would sell its stake in the U.S. carrier.
