Earlier today we told that Verizon had said that they wouldn’t be selling any Windows Phone 7 smartphones until 2011, which we thought was down to Verizon who were concentrating on Android devices for the rest of the year.
It seems the reason that there will be no Verizon Windows Phone 7 smartphones this year is down to Microsoft, as Greg Sullivan, Microsoft’s Senior product manager recently told Cnet that there will not be any CDMA Windows Phone 7 handsets launching until 2011.
“For the worldwide market, the vast majority of phones are GSM phones, so we focused on GSM first and then plan to deliver an update that will have great CDMA support in the first half of 2011. That’s device availability in the first half and we’re very confident of that. That’s probably a conservative estimate.”
Understanding GSM and CDMA Technologies
To understand the implications of this delay, it’s important to grasp the difference between GSM and CDMA technologies. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the most widely used mobile communication standard globally, especially in Europe and Asia. It allows for the use of SIM cards, which makes it easier for users to switch between different devices. On the other hand, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is more prevalent in the United States, particularly with carriers like Verizon and Sprint. CDMA does not use SIM cards, which ties the phone more closely to the carrier.
Microsoft’s decision to prioritize GSM over CDMA is likely a strategic move to capture a larger global market share initially. By focusing on GSM, Microsoft can ensure that Windows Phone 7 reaches a broader audience more quickly. However, this decision has left CDMA carriers and their customers waiting longer for the new devices.
Impact on Carriers and Consumers
So it looks like none of the carriers will be launching CDMA Windows Phone 7 smartphones this year and not just Verizon. This delay affects not only Verizon but also other CDMA carriers like Sprint. For consumers, this means that those who are loyal to these carriers will have to wait longer to experience the new Windows Phone 7 operating system.
This delay could have several implications. For one, it might push potential Windows Phone 7 users towards other platforms like Android or iOS, which are already well-established and offer a wide range of devices. Carriers like Verizon and Sprint might also feel the pressure to promote other smartphones to keep their customers satisfied during the holiday season.
Moreover, this delay gives Microsoft additional time to refine their CDMA support, potentially leading to a more polished product when it finally launches. Greg Sullivan’s statement that the first half of 2011 is a “conservative estimate” suggests that Microsoft is taking a cautious approach to ensure that the CDMA version of Windows Phone 7 meets high standards of performance and reliability.
In conclusion, while the delay in the release of CDMA Windows Phone 7 smartphones is disappointing for many, it is a calculated move by Microsoft to focus on the larger GSM market first. This strategy allows Microsoft to establish a strong foothold globally before addressing the CDMA market. As we move into 2011, it will be interesting to see how this decision impacts the adoption of Windows Phone 7 and whether Microsoft can successfully capture the CDMA market with their delayed release.
via BGR
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