AT&T to be 'premier carrier' for Microsoft Windows Phone 7

AT&T will be premier carrier for Windows Phone 7

The upcoming Windows Phone 7 won’t be lacking strong partners, as AT&T said it would fully support the new smartphone operating system. Today, AT&T has proclaimed itself as the champion of wireless carriers to get cozy with the Microsoft WP7 mobile operating system.

“We’ll be the premier carrier for Windows Phone 7,” an AT&T spokesperson told PC World. “We haven’t given guidance on timing.”

AT&T didn’t elaborate on what being a “premier carrier” entails, but we’ve already seen reports that it has ordered 8 million Microsoft Windows Phone 7 units, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it gave the platform a huge in-store and advertising push. As the second-largest carrier in the United States, this could help Microsoft’s platform gain a lot of traction out of the gates. Microsoft has been seen their mobile business languish in the years since the Apple and the iPhone showed the world what its like to use a truly intuitive smartphone, so AT&T’s help in pushing WP7 is much needed in Redmond.

Of course, it’s going to be tough to figure out where Windows Phone 7 fits in to AT&T’s overall strategy as it is the exclusive provider of the Apple iPhone. Apple’s smartphone has been the major driver of new customers for AT&T over the last few years and it just lit up 3.2 million Apple iPhone devices last quarter.

But the rumors have been flying fast and furiously that the Apple iPhone will jump to a new carrier soon. It could be on T-Mobile’s network as soon as next quarter and most think it will eventually go to AT&T rival Verizon. By getting into bed with Microsoft Windows Phone 7, AT&T could be making a contingency plan for losing exclusivity of the Apple iPhone.

Even without the Apple iPhone, AT&T could just be thinking that Microsoft Windows Phone 7 will be a hit. The early previews have proven that the new “Metro” UI looks good enough to compete with iPhone, the web browser is what users will expect from a high-end device, and it should have strong enterprise integration thanks to Microsoft’s dominance in that space. On the downside, the lack of copy and paste and true multitasking could make it feel a step behind Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android, but it’s too early to tell how many developers will hop on Microsoft’s mobile wagon.

[Via PC World]

About The Author

Marin Perez

Marin Perez has torture tested cell phones and smartphones for industry leaders like CNET and InformationWeek. He remembers when 4G was just a screen on PowerPoint presentations and is fascinated with the amount of innovation out there. Marin has spent a lot of time with BlackBerry and Android but he finally broke down a bought an iPhone to see what all the hype's about. He also has too many tablets.

Jim

I need a new phone, but had decided to wait for Windows 7. If ATT ends up being the exclusive carrier, then I have wasted my time. If I don't hear more details soon, I will just go get a good Android phone.
miguel

I hear that this is available to multiple US carriers. ATT is only a 'premier partner' whatever that means. But, fingers crossed, WP7 will be on Verizon, T-mobile and Sprint as well
ImDaFrEaK

No, no, ATT WILL NOT be an exclusive carrier. They are saying they will be premier which only means that they will fully support WP7. WP7 will be available for all carriers and major carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile will definitely be carrying a WP7 device. Even though all these devices will carry the high end basic specs WP7 requires it will be similiar to how it works now with ATT having X version of an HTC while T-Mobile or Verizon etc gets Y, or Z, versions. I am with you on waiting b/c I am myself.
Will

It will be available for all carriers. I work for Microsoft and will be getting the phone prior to its release and I have Verizon. I CAN'T WAIT. The phone ROCKS!!! I have seen live demos and have seen it in action. It is really cool.
marinperez

Yeah, wanted to clarify – AT&T won't be the EXCLUSIVE carrier but I wouldn't be surprised if it were at launch. We should see WP7 phones across all the major carriers. It may take a little while, but I have no doubt you'll be able to get it on the carrier you want.
Vicent

Nothing wrong with ATT, other than their plans being too expensive. Yes, Verizon has better coverage but, I don't go many palces that ATT can't get coverage. Granted, ATT did have plenty of problems when they first reclaimed Cingular. They have since improved greatly and with that being said, all carriers have issues that aren't going to make everyone happy. Sprint is still making it's way but, I know several people who have SPrint and their calls still drop on a regular or they get a lot of static. T-Mobile….Well, they're coming along as well but, I will stick with ATT, for now. Better selection on Android phones and an upgrade to 4g or LTE, soon. Besides, people are only complaining about the iphone not being with other carriers. What about all the great phones other carriers have, that ATT doesn't? Sounds like a bunch of babies crying over breast milk to me. I'm just saying. If I want a particular phone bad enough, I will go to whatever carrier has it. But, I think switching carriers for a particular phone is a bit silly, when you're going to complain about the carrier that has it. I'm just saying…
marshall

I agree with Jim. I’ve held off on deciding my next move with a new phone waitng and hoping WP7 will be available from my carrier (Sprint). A sales rep told me he doubts they will pick it up, but has not heard anything. I love my WM 6.1 Touch Pro, but it won’t last forever. Plus, you really can’t beat Sprint’s service and at their current prices. As much as I like Windows, I can’t justify going through all the trouble to switch and pay more for less. I’ll wait however. My phone still has a year or two (i hope). It will still be exciting to see what WP7 does in the market.