Slow start for Windows Phone 7

Only two of the country's four mobile operators say they stock devices running on Microsoft's newest mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7 (WP7).

When WP7 launched, on 3November, Microsoft said devices would be available to consumers by the end of that month, or early December. Its launch partner was HTC, which would bring in two devices: the Vodacom-exclusive HTC Trophy and the network-agnostic HTC Mozart.

Currently, only Vodacom and Telkom's 8ta have the WP7 devices on offer. Vodacom only stocks the Trophy, while 8ta has the Mozart. Vodacom spokesperson Richard Boorman says other devices, such as those from Samsung, will likely launch in the coming months.

MTN also has the Mozart, but says its approach was to first provide devices to corporate consumers, as there was a high demand from this segment. It expects more stock, and additional devices, this year.

Karin Fourie, public and media relations manager at Cell C, says the company is looking at stocking WP7 devices by the end of Q1 2011.

“Unfortunately, there were delays with the delivery of devices to the operators after the Windows Phone 7 launch last year,” says Quinton Leigh, MD of Leaf International Communications.

Leaf International Communications is the sole South African distributor for HTC devices.

“While only two of the new devices have been unveiled in SA to date, we will be bringing the HTC 7 Pro and the HTC HD7 to the market in February 2011,” he adds.

Windows Phone 7 devices from Dell and Samsung have also been announced, with local unveilings expected this year, while LG's line-up of WP7 devices for SA has not been confirmed.