We’ve all seen the announcements where AT&T claimed the Inspire would be on of the first 4G (HSPA+) devices coming this year. Well, apparently they put the 4G name on it but forgot the network to go with it.

According to customers, the new Inspire 4G doesn’t even feature full compatibility with the “4G” HSPA+ AT&T network. While they told everyone at CES it will in fact be a 4G device, this has been proven wrong. Several users noticed instantly that while download speeds were on par with other HSDPA-enabled AT&T smartphones, upload speeds seemed a bit slow.

This could be because of two different reasons: HTC’s Inspire 4G either doesn’t feature compatibility with AT&T’s HSUPA service, something they forgot to check, or the carrier has disabled it in the phone’s firmware. If disabled, doesn’t this defeat the purpose of even purchasing a 4G device? Let us know what you think!

UPDATE: Looks like AT&T just didn’t let customers know this service is turned off by default. The phones seem to need a ‘rooting’ before you can unlock the faster 4G speeds. Is that what customers want? I don’t think so. Let us know what you think.

Source: BGR

Are you one of AT&T’s customers who have been waiting on more information about the HTC Inspire 4G? Remember, this was the phone very similar to the HTC EVO. Well the official announcement has finally been made and the release date is set for February 13, 2011. Not too far down the road! The price AT&T announced was $99.99 with a new two year agreement. Not too bad is it? Are you getting one?

Here are some of the features we can expect:

• 4.3″ SLCD screen
• Android 2.2
• 1GHz processor
• 8 megapixel camera with HD video & Dual LED flash
• AT&T Hotspot
• 4 GB internal memory, up to 32 GB microSD card (8GB included)
• 1230 mAh battery
• 4G HSPA+ speeds (available in limited areas)
• Bluetooth 2.1 EDR A2DP
• Pre-loaded apps: AT&T Code Scanner, MYWireless, Navigation, Family Map, and UVerse. HTC Hub, YPMobile, and Mobile TV.

Take a look at AT&T’s announcement:

AT&T is the leader in smartphones and expects to widen that lead in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to an industry-leading Android portfolio in the U.S. in 2011 and said it plans to offer two 4G smartphones in the first quarter. The HTC Inspire 4G is the first of more than 20 4G devices AT&T plans to deliver in 2011. AT&T has completed the deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul.

HTC Inspire 4G

The HTC Inspire4G will be the first 4G smartphone in AT&T stores and will have the largest screen of any AT&T smartphone, with a 4.3-inch super LCD display, and will offer an 8-megapixel camera with HD video recording. Running on the Android 2.2 platform, the HTC Inspire 4G will be the first smartphone in the U.S. to feature the next-generation HTC Sense experience with cloud services. The HTC Inspire 4G will also be the first to introduce AT&T Mobile Hotspot service built into the smartphone, allowing users to connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

Exclusively available to AT&T customers for $99.99 after a two-year agreement, the HTC Inspire 4G will include a 1 GHz processor, Dolby^® Mobile and SRS WOW HD sound, and a premium, aluminum unibody design. HTC Inspire 4G comes preloaded with a Blockbuster and eReader application to keep users entertained on the go. For more information, visit www.att.com/inspire4G.

With the next-generation of HTC Sense, the HTC Inspire 4G offers even more ways to stay connected, including FriendStream, which delivers Facebook, Twitter and Flickr updates in a consolidated view. The HTC Inspire 4G also offers customers the ability to pinpoint the location of a lost phone on a map and send a command to make the phone sound an alert – even while on “silent” mode – through the htcsense.com website. If needed, owners can also remotely wipe all of the phone’s data with a single command in addition to forwarding calls and text messages to a different number.

Quotes

“We are  kicking off an exciting year for AT&T’s smartphone portfolio, and leading off with our first 4G phone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With its iconic design, 4G speeds and awesome features, Inspire 4G is going to please a lot of AT&T customers.”

”With a 4.3 inch screen, latest version of the HTC Sense experience and a sleek unibody aluminum design, the HTC Inspire 4G is the first true superphone to launch at under $100, bringing unparalleled power to more people than ever before,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas.

1: Mobile broadband coverage is not available in all areas. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Will be available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Learn more at att.com/network.

2: Limited time offer. Two-year contract required. Qualified customers only. Early Termination Fee up to $325. HTC Inspire 4G requires a minimum data service starting at $15/mo.

3: Mobile Hotspots requires a DataPro Tethering Plan. Devices connected to your Mobile Hotspot use data from your DataPro Tethering Plan. DataPro Tethering Plans are not unlimited and significant charges may be incurred if the included data allowance is exceeded. Performance may vary depending on the number of devices connected and other factors.

*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.

Will you be getting one? Let us know what you think, whether you will get one or not. We want to hear your thoughts. Leave comments in the box below.

Source: Androinica and AT&T