US telco takes another step towards summer LTE service introduction; no LTE mobile phone yet.

AT&T on Tuesday took a step closer to LTE by unveiling two devices that will be available when the new network launches in the coming weeks.

The U.S. operator presented a USB dongle and portable mobile hotspot device, both of which will run on LTE; like many telcos in the early stages of LTE, AT&T has yet to announce an LTE-capable phone.

"As we begin to roll out our 4G LTE network this year, AT&T customers will be able to choose from several new LTE devices, starting with the AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G and AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president of devices at AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, in a statement.

Prices for the USB dongle will start at $49.99 and the mobile hotspot at $69.99, both with a two-year contract; both prices refer to the cost after redemption of a $50 rebate.

"AT&T expects both devices will be available this summer online and in company-owned retail stores," the telco said, without providing any further hints as to when it will launch its LTE network.

The company announced in May that it will light up its LTE network in five cities this summer: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. It aims to offer LTE in at least 15 markets covering a population of 70 million by the end of the year.

Also by end-2011 AT&T says it will have added 20 devices that it refers to as "4G" to its portfolio, although only some of these will be LTE-capable.