The Sony S2 Android Tablet will end up accessible later this year making use of AT&T’s HSPA+ wireless network, not its future Long Term Evolution network.

AT&T on Wednesday stated it plans to sell a version of the “Sony S2 “later this year.” This latest version of the S2 will be able to access AT&T’s 4G network, along with Wi-Fi. People interested in the S2 will be able to buy it with monthly data plans, though prices for those plans was not revealed.

Just like the “4G HP TouchPad” announced Tuesday, 4G in this case does not mean Long Term Evolution, it means HSPA+. AT&T plans to launch five LTE markets this summer, with perhaps another 10 markets following by the end of the year. Because AT&T doesn’t advertise the speeds it offers through its HSPA+ network, we are able to only assume that it will offer speedy networks in the areas AT&T says include “enhanced backhaul.” Best guess? HSPA+ at 21-Mbps downloads (real-world speeds will be slower).

The “4G Sony S2″ can also get unfettered access to AT&T’s 20,000 Wi-Fi access points in case its HSPA+ network is not available. Which means free Wi-Fi in tons of airports, hotels, convention halls, and restaurants.

With out LTE, what’s to make the S2 compelling? Well, its form factor, for one

The S2 is exclusive for a tablet. It is a sideways clamshell which has two 5.4-inch displays (1024 x 480 pixels) that, when opened, create a bigger display–albeit with a black bar running down the middle. It may have a Tegra 2 SoC, cameras, a customized user interface, and may make use of one screen for game controllers.

The S2 will be PlayStation certified and come with support for DLNA media sharing. Sony hasn’t shared too many other information about the S2, such as processor speeds, camera quality, memory, storage, and many other features.

Sony asserted the S2 (and it is S1 brother) will launch in the fall, through which time there may be an iPad 3/HD, a new Samsung Galaxy Tab, and other follow-up Android tablets.

Can Sony make a dent in the tablet market entering so far behind the rest of the pack? Doubtful, I’d wager. The company can easily throw together decent products, but its track record with mobile devices–look at any of the cell phones it has announced within the last two years–isn’t what you’d call successful. That hasn’t dampened AT&T’s outlook, however.

“With its unprecedented, completely portable form factor, the ‘Sony Tablet’ S2 offers tablet enthusiasts a convenient and unique entertainment experience,” said David Haight, vice president of business development, in a statement. “Users will be treated to exceptional graphics and the touch-screen capabilities will enable a fast and efficient website experience.”