In the US, the carriers don't actually make network equipment, but commission to have it made by others. Thus HTC, Novatel, Samsung, LG and others are the names behind the products seen at Sprint, ATT and Verizon. The real irony is that none of the design firms make the chips that are used inside... these are often made by Qualcomm and TI, and others none of which make the end products...

Rather interesting relationships here... Sprint may put out a request for some device they believe the market wants; several companies bid to build the device and negotiate the actual specifications. Perhaps two are chosen by Sprint; the device is then designed by any of the above mentioned firms. (I do design work) The design firms work closely with the chip firms such as Qualcomm, TI, Broadcom and others. Ultimately Sprint and the FCC tests "golden samples" from the design firms, and the accepted device is likely mass produced by any number of contract manufactures in China. No one company controls the devices from concept to consumer... In fact, perhaps you ultimately buy the device from Radio Shack or Best Buy.

Ever wonder why things sometimes seem just strange... especially if you go back and talk to your service provider about why a feature just doesn't work the way you think it should... and the service provider seems clueless? Lots and lots of hand holding and marketeers making promises... all while trying to get the darn thing out the door before the next guy.