Telecom Lead Europe: In a bid to launch a smartphone
using the Windows 8 platform from Microsoft, Nokia has reportedly entered into
negotiations with European operators.
As per reports, Nokia is in talks with France Telecom
along with other leading European operators to form an exclusive opportunity
for Windows 8 smartphone.
With these negotiations, the struggling Finnish handset
maker considers shredding up its traditional mass marketing strategy.
The launch of new Windows 8 smartphone will be crucial
for the company, as it already suffers from crumbling handset sales.
The partnerships with European operator would help create
dedicated support for Nokia smartphones.
Partnership with Nokia will offer the operator a
financial stake in the success of the range, which Nokia hopes will motivate
them to give the devices as much support as possible through retail channels
and in special offers to their customers.
As per knowledge of a person close to these negotiations,
any deal could also involve the joint procurement initiative with Deutsche
Telekom and feed through into their UK joint venture, Everything Everywhere.
European markets have been dominated by Apple’s iPhone
and Samsung’s Android ranges, and operators are already keen to help establish
the Windows phone range as a third credible competitor.
Nokia global sales dip 19%, Asia-Pacific device surges
Recently, Nokia posted consolidated net sales of EUR 7.5
billion for Q2 FY12, declined 19 percent, as compared to $9.2 billion for the
same quarter a year earlier.
During the quarter, Nokia shipped 83.7 million mobile
devices, down 5 percent, as compared to 88.5 million units shipped for the same
quarter of FY11 and declined 1 percent, as compared to Q1 FY12 shipments.
Smart Devices unit shipments plunged 39 percent at 10.2
million, against 16.7 million units shipped a year earlier. Sequentially, unit
shipments of smartphones plunged 14 percent.
Nokia Lumia Q2 volumes increased quarter-on-quarter to 4
million units.
editor@telecomlead.com
