Microsoft plans to launch Surface 2 SKU with LTE ‘early next year’

Microsoft this morning announced the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 devices, both successors to the company’s first foray into building its own computers. What Microsoft didn’t discuss, however, is that it’s planning to release an LTE version in early 2014.

Panos Panay, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Surface, revealed the tidbit this afternoon during an AMA on Reddit in response to the question “Why was LTE not included on neither Surface nor Surface Pro?”:

Great question. We didn’t talk about it today, but Surface 2 will be launching an awesome LTE SKU early next year! Nice catch on your part, no one else has asked this question…… what better way to tell people than through Reddit!! Panos

Reddit commenters of course wanted clarification on whether Panay is referring to the Surface 2 or the Surface 2 Pro, but unfortunately he didn’t deliver (at the time of publication anyway). It’s thus not clear if both, or just one of these tablet-laptop hybrids will be getting LTE support.

The addition will likely mean a higher price tag, though we don’t yet know by how much. Then again, if history repeats itself and sales don’t pick up, it’s possible there will be a price slash for the Surface line next year anyway.

Either way, Microsoft is clearly attempting to target every potential customer it can with the first Surface product refresh. We’ll be taking a closer look at the devices to figure out the company’s chances and we’ll let you know what we find.

You can read more questions and answers part of the Reddit AMA over here. If you missed the launch earlier today, check out the video of the event as well as our coverage below.

See also – Microsoft reveals new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2. Second time’s the charm? and Hands on with the Microsoft Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2

Top Image Credit: Timothy A. Clary/Getty