Sprint surprising HTC EVO 4G LTE buyers with gifts to apologize for the launch delay

[Master Devwi]

Did you pre-order an HTC EVO 4G LTE from Sprint, only to have your excitement crushed when the phone’s May 18 release date was delayed due to patent infringements? If so, there’s a good chance that UPS will be delivering a package soon. Don’t expect it to be the EVO 4G LTE itself—although they have slowly started to pass through US Customs—but it’s the next best thing: a free accessory.

Fellow CrowdGather site Good and EVO has had reports from readers who have received these free gifts, often in the form of a gel case. It’s an awfully nice thing for Sprint to do, especially since the carrier isn’t the one responsible for the launch delay. An ITC judge ruled that HTC had infringed on Apple’s patents, and Sprint never even factored into the equation. What Sprint is doing is a great way to encourage customer loyalty. If you’re not a fan of the case’s color, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to exchange it at your local Sprint store too.

Sprint hasn’t released an official statement, so it’s impossible to know whether these gifts are being sent out to everyone who pre-ordered the HTC EVO 4G LTE, or just a select few. If you’re one of the people affected by the launch delay, we recommend checking your front doorstep.

[Good and EVO]