Sprint Nextel has announced that it is scrapping plans to offer a 4G version of RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook.

"We apologize for any inconvenience but the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook Tablet that was announced in January for summer availability will no longer be coming to the Sprint network," Sprint said in a statement.

The operator will continue to offer the 7 inch Wi-Fi-only version of the tablet from RIM. The company said that it is a mutual decision between itself and the manufacturer. Sprint has said that the users will be able to get 4G on a PlayBook by pairing it with the Overdrive Pro from Sierra Wireless, the Novatel 3G/4G MiFi, or any Sprint 4G device offering mobile hot spot capabilities.

RIM pointed out that it is focusing on LTE technology for 4G while Sprint's 4G technology is based on WiMax. RIM said that it has begun testing LTE based BlackBerry 4G PlayBook models and will soon focus on attaining network certifications in the US and other countries.