yeah maybe Sprint wants to make sure that all of the maximum possible markets are all set up for 4G on the EVO launch to get the maximum marketing exposure. maybe Hesse said -
"We can't do the big official EVO Launch until NYC, X City, Y City, and Z City are absolutely 4G ready. This launch is not just about the EVO - it's about marketing our SUPERIOR 4G network and we must use the EVO as the showpiece to demonstrate the speed and superiority of our network in the maximum number of cities possible given our planned launch timeline. Our 4G is our key differentiator and we can't F this thing up. We need to get the maximum bang for the buck from this launch."