HTC announced that the One A9 will never get support for Verizon's network.
When the company launched the handset in October, it touted the unlocked One A9 as the first non-CDMA device that will run on Verizon's network. It also added that the handset's Verizon variant will be released in December.
According to the HTC site, the handset would be added with Verizon LTE compatibility through a software update.
"The HTC One A9 is the first CDMA-less device to support both voice and data services over LTE, providing individuals with the flexibility to use the same device on multiple carrier networks," said HTC. "To ensure the best experience for our customers on the Verizon network, we are conducting more extensive testing and certification. We expect availability to be delayed but we are actively working with Verizon to make it available as quickly as possible."
HTC started taking preorders for the One A9's unlocked version that is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile, and for the handset's carrier specific variants that would include AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.
Early in November 2015, Tech Times reported that orders for the One A9 in the United States will be delayed. Sprint subscribers had to wait until late November for the One A9's gray and silver variants and until mid-December for the gold and the red versions. T-Mobile and AT&T customers had to wait until late November to purchase the gold version and until early December for the red variant.
At the same time, HTC said that the One A9's Verizon compatibility would not be available in December, which no doubt negated previous expectations on the handset. HTC, however, promised to make the compatibility available as soon as possible.
Now, it seems like the unlocked One A9 will never have Verizon LTE support after all, based on the company's official statement obtained by Droid Life.
"HTC is committed to providing the best experience for all of our device owners," said HTC. "Following extensive testing, we are unable to support the Verizon network with the Unlocked HTC One A9."
The company further apologized for the inconvenience, and added that customers can contact HTC Care at 1-888-216-4736.
While it does seem like the announcement could disappoint Verizon customers, HTC wants to make up by offering a refund and a 20 percent discount on any of its handsets that are currently available or scheduled to launch within the year.
