Though there is obvious excitement about the likely unveiling of the iPhone 4G by Apple on Monday, Sprint Nextel’s HTC EVO 4G reportedly drew enthusiastic crowds outside Sprint stores when the device was launched last week. The EVO is the first handset in the US to run on the faster, fourth-generation (4G) wireless networks.

The consumer interest generated by the new EVO handset - manufactured by the Taiwan-based HTC -, quite like its late-April-launched HTC counterpart, the Droid Incredible on Verizon Wireless, practically resulted in overloading Sprint’s account-activation system and creating spot shortages.

Noting that Sprint, the US’ third-largest wireless carrier, probably underestimated demand for its HTC EVO 4G handset, spokeswoman Michelle Leff Mermelstein also pointed that the carrier is “somewhat inventory constrained” and witnessing spot outages of the handset.

The excitement surrounding the HTC EVO is yet another corroboration of the fact that HTC is on its way to become a popular name in the handset arena. An increasing number of reviewers are already of the opinion that the company is fast emerging as one of the most promising potential competitors for the Cupertino, California-based Apple, the iPhone maker.

Talking about the growing presence of HTC outside the wireless industry, and apparently voicing the opinion of several reviewers, Lois Fagan, who manages phone selection at Sprint, said: “Where there used to be nothing, now they (HTC) are a force to be reckoned with.”