The CDMA Development Group states that, as of May 2012, there are 329 operators <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_network_operator> in 121 countries offering CDMA2000 1X and/or 1xEV-DO service.[5]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDMA2000#cite_note-5> [edit<http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=CDMA2000&action=edit§ion=4> ]History The intended 4G <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G> successor to CDMA2000 was UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband)<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_Mobile_Broadband>; however, in November 2008, Qualcomm <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualcomm> announced it was ending development of the technology, favoring LTE<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3GPP_Long-Term_Evolution> instead. also see this document from Alcatel Lucent that suggests CDMA as a path to LTE, notably the image on page 4 http://www3.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/DocumentStreamerServlet?LMSG_CABINET=Docs... Searching Amazon for prices of unlocked LTE handsets, they weren't far from those of 3G devices. I'm sure Tecno can deliver better pricing in a couple of years. Does one stop construction of a road because cars are expensive? Awaiting more excuses as to why LTE is impossible.