That the Taiwan-based smartphone maker HTC Corp. has managed to build a reputation as one of the leading handset makers is evident from the fact that the company's EVO 4G handset, which launches on the Sprint Nextel network on June 4, will mark the company's association with leading three US four wireless carriers - T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint.

HTC's longest association has been with T-Mobile, on which it launched G1 in 2008. The company also has its `Incredible' handset running on Verizon; while the new EVO is coming on Sprint.

That only leaves one leading US carrier - AT&T - which is presently not involved with any HTC-manufactured handset. The key reason why HTC has no handset running on AT&T is that the carrier has an exclusivity deal for selling the Apple iPhone in the US.

Noting that HTC has become a top-tier handset maker in a span of 13 years, Lois Fagan, head of Sprint Nextel's phone selection, said: "Where there used to be nothing, now they're a force to be reckoned with."

Despite the fact that HTC will need to undertake notably more investments to become a household name in the US, there is little doubt that the company has established itself as an avid Android backer. In the words of Cole Brodman, T-Mobile's chief technology officer, HTC "has done more with Android than any other manufacturer in the world."