Motorola embraces multiple carriers for launch of Moto Z2 Force

Motorola is expanding its distribution strategy for the new Moto Z2 Force.

The handset vendor has long viewed Verizon as its primary carrier partner in the United States, but it is embracing multiple service providers as it brings its latest handset to market. T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular both introduced the new phone today, joining Verizon in selling the Z2 Force.

“For years, Moto fans have been trapped with one choice—Verizon, which is like no choice at all,” T-Mobile CEO John Legere said in a press release. “Well, that ends now. Today’s news is a fatal blow to the whole idea of carrier exclusivity.”

T-Mobile is selling the new phone for $750 starting today, and it is offering a buy-one, get-one-free deal after a rebate. U.S. Cellular is throwing in a free Insta-Share Projector Moto Mod, a large-screen projector for the phone valued at roughly $300.

The multicarrier strategy marks a shift for Motorola, which grew its market share significantly in the early days of Android with its line of Verizon Droid phones.

“It will be interesting if the Motorola brand and accompanying marketing campaign for the Moto Z2 Force, coming across all carriers, can compete more effectively in the premium tier than LG has in the last few years,” Cliff Maldonado of BayStreet Research told FierceWireless in an email. “We are cautiously optimistic for the new Motorola devices as they too still have to compete with the iPhone and an aggressive Samsung.”