While it initially looked like Verizon was all set to let loose HTC’s Thunderbolt upon its LTE network, likely on February 14, a leaked internal Verizon screenshot now tells us a different story. The 4G phone is supposedly on hold, with no release date available.

It looks like HTC was all ready to go ahead for the planned release, as Verizon notes that the HTC launch materials are on their way out to stores. While they’re under strict instructions not to put any of this out where customers can see it, we’re optimistic that a wayward employee will manage to snap a few pics and get them online shortly after the gear arrives.

So, what’s the hold-up? As the Thunderbolt was all ready to be the first smartphone on Verizon’s LTE network, perhaps the company is getting cold feet about its ability to support the influx off new users, giving the LTE system a serious stress-test. While it’s possible that there’s a manufacturing delay, or Verizon is moving back the phone’s release for strategic business reasons, LTE still feels like the obvious culprit. Regardless, it looks like we’ll have to stick to buying chocolates and roses on February 14, and just keep hoping we see the Thunderbolt sooner rather than later.

Source: Droid Life

Via: Unwired View