Ad mix-up reveals Galaxy Nexus on new carrier

The Galaxy Nexus could be making its way to Sprint Nextel's upcoming 4G LTE network.

An advertisement that was accidentally published on one of CNET's Consumer Electronics Show pages showed off the Galaxy Nexus, currently only on Verizon Wireless, as a phone that will run on Sprint's 4G LTE network. To ensure no confusion with its current 4G WiMax service, the 4G LTE part of the line was highlighted.

A spokeswoman from Sprint declined to comment on the ad or the prospect of the Galaxy Nexus coming to Sprint.

But the Galaxy Nexus, or any 4G LTE phone, coming to Sprint in the next few months makes a lot of sense. Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse said today that the company plans to launch its 4G LTE network in 10 cities by the first half of the year, suggesting that devices will come as well. The company previously said devices would come in the second half of the year.

The Galaxy Nexus, the first smartphone to run Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, would make for a nice start.

The phone has gotten generally strong reviews for its revamped user interface, and the new features that are packed into the new version of Android.

The Galaxy Nexus could conceivably be one of the devices Sprint announces at CES. While the company doesn't have a press conference scheduled at the event, it is expected to make some announcements on Monday.

Such a device would help with AT&T and Verizon Wireless preparing their own onslaught of 4G LTE device launches. Verizon Wireless previously said a vast majority of its smartphones would be 4G LTE, and AT&T has been quickly bulking up its own 4G LTE portfolio after launching the network earlier this year. Earlier today, AT&T said it would expands its own 4G LTE network to 11 more cities, including major spots like New York and San Francisco.

Updated at 4:56 p.m. PT to reflect that the ad was accidentally published, not leaked.