Nokia's (NYSE:NOK) big bet on using Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone platform is leading the handset maker to cater to U.S. carriers in ways it has never done before. The company appears to be focused on multiple U.S. carriers, and though it has not said which operators it might be working with for its Windows Phone devices, it does not appear to be ruling any carriers out.
"Take your favorite carrier, and we'll focus on them," Chris Weber, president of Nokia's North American operations, told PC Magazine. "We're focused on the operators we think we can have the most success on ... a broad set of operators is what we're focused on."
Weber refused to rule out working with Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) and Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S); historically GSM carriers AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) and T-Mobile USA have been Nokia's strongest U.S. supporters. The Nokia exec also seemed open to the idea of working with prepaid carriers such as MetroPCS (NASDAQ:PCS) and Cricket provider Leap Wireless (NASDAQ:LEAP). "I definitely think it's an opportunity for us we are evaluating," Weber said of the idea of prepaid Nokia Windows Phones in the United States.
Nokia is widely expected to unveil at least one Windows Phone device at its Nokia World conference in London later this month. Weber was tight-lipped about the launch plans but told IDG News Service that at Nokia's San Diego facility the company has been specifically designing devices for the North American market.
Weber also said his team is working on accessories and specialized content and apps for the market. "We'll play big in accessories. We have some cool and unique ones," he said. He also said Nokia is open to providing incentives to get carrier sales representatives excited about the company's Windows Phone devices.
For more:
- see this PC Magazine article
- see this IDG News Service article
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