It’s been talking about it for years, we’ve already heard rumors of testing underway, and as the first quarter of 2013 starts to come to a close, we’re getting word that T-Mobile is finally about to join the rest of the major US networks with the start of LTE service.

We’d been looking forward to the carrier launching LTE in 2013, and the only question was one of when. T-Mobile has LTE equipment installed in both Kansas City and Las Vegas, and before March is out, at least one, if not both of them should be bringing LTE service to subscribers.

What about LTE-capable hardware? We’ve known since last year that the T-Mobile version of the Galaxy Note II had a dormant LTE radio, and today an update is finally switching that feature on. The Note II will be joined by a new GS3 and the GS4 when it goes up for sale, as well as the new BlackBerry Z10. From here on out, we wouldn’t be surprised to see LTE-capable models quickly take over the ranks of T-Mobile’s device lineup.

When will T-Mobile LTE come to you? Right now it’s hard to say just where it’s headed next, but by the end of 2013, the carrier hopes to blanket 200 million people with its LTE coverage.

Source: The Verge