A Verizon-compatible HTC One A9 won’t happen, says the Taiwanese company

In the somewhat troubled downhill path it entered a couple of years ago, HTC decided to change things up towards the end of last year, introducing a somewhat controversial new mid-range phone, the A9. Despite the lack of its signature front-facing speakers, the phone stood out. With a new, heavily iPhone-inspired design but a nonetheless solid build and decent specs, the Taiwanese company seemed to be onto something. There was even a promise of out of the box compatibility with AT&T and T-Mobile as well as Sprint.

HTC went a step further, however, saying that it would do everything in its power to provide support for Verizon, too, with a future software update. Unfortunately, as the company announced today, plans to make the device compatible with the Big Red’s network have been abandoned after a long period of testing…

HTC’s initial commitment was considerable, as its effort to bring a CDMA network’s (Verizon) compatibility to a non-CDMA phone was something that we don’t see often, to use an euphemism. The modem included in the A9, however, initially seemed to be able to make it a reality.

To make up for its missed promise, however, HTC is making A9 customers that were waiting for the update eligible for a refund, and extending a 20% discount on any HTC phone to be released before the end of the year.

Here’s the company’s full statement:

HTC is committed to providing the best experience for all of our device owners. Following extensive testing, we are unable to support the Verizon network with the Unlocked HTC One A9. For individuals on the Verizon network that ordered the Unlocked HTC One A9 on HTC.com, we will refund his/her order and provide a 20% discount on any current HTC phone or future phones launching through Dec. 31, 2016. Individuals may contact HTC Care at 1-888-216-4736. We regret any inconvenience.

(via Droid-Life)