Since its first debut in April, Research In Motion (RIM) has released a number of versions and upgrades for its first tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook, including a WiFi (News - Alert) version and 3G enabled model as well as software updates that have been rolled out to each.  

Now, according to a recent report, after Sprint Nextel (News - Alert) Corp. stopped development of a 4G version, RIM has confirmed that it will work together with Dallas-based AT&T inc. and Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless to develop an LTE version of the PlayBook.

The LTE version of the tablet is now being tested, with hopes of anticipated certifications for the device by the fall, according to the report. This is not the first time Verizon has utilized LTE (News - Alert) as a 4G technology, however, AT&T will be adopting LTE for the first time within the next couple of months to support the tablet.  

Last month, RIM was one of the six companies to win Nortel Patents that will protect each company against lawsuits by utilizing cross licensing between the parties.

The sale includes more than 6,000 patents and patent applications spanning wireless, wireless 4G, data networking, optical, voice, internet, service provider, semiconductors and other patents. The extensive patent portfolio touches nearly every aspect of telecommunications and additional markets as well, including Internet search and social networking.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.