Apr 30, 2011 10:12 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone carrier Verizon Wireless is gearing up to deliver a new software update for its first 4G LTE-capable Android smartphone on its airwaves, the HTC ThunderBolt, aimed at improving the handset's 3G connectivity, among other. In addition to enhancing the 3G capabilities of ThunderBolt on Verizon's network, the new software was also meant to fix some issues with the phone's GPS, and to add improvements for a series of applications available on it.

The new software update will get the ThunderBolt up to Build Number: 1.13.605.7, and is expected to start arriving in phases starting with May 3rd, some of the latest reports on the Internet point out.

“Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software update, Build Number: 1.13.605.7 Baseband: 1.16.00.0402w_1, for your ThunderBolt by HTC,” the wireless carrier announced via its support website.

The company also notes that users are encouraged to download and install the new software update on their devices, to enjoy the enhancements it has in store for them.

The release notes of the new software update include:

Web Browsing and Data Access - Enhanced data connectivity when accessing the Verizon 3G network.

Email and Messaging

- SMS and MMS messages are stored properly in the Messaging Application (Inbox, Sent, etc.).

Additional Device Features

- Timing for device activation has been improved. - “Backup Assistant” is correctly displayed in the Application menu. - Stability improvements for data centric applications such as Facebook, KAYAK, Yahoo! Mail, My Verizon and more. - Accurate location is displayed when accessing the Weather Widget. - Quickly load GPS updates for Google Maps and VZ Navigator.

Starting with next weeks, ThunderBolt by HTC users on Verizon Wireless' airwaves should start receiving notifications on the availability of the new software update for their devices.

There are no details available on how long it might take before the update process is completed for all ThunderBolt owners out there, but that should happen in a matter of weeks, or even faster. More info on the update can be found on Verizon's support website here.