The Lumia 920 to sport LTE speeds on Orange / T-Mobile UK?
Nokia is reportedly in talks with Everything Everywhere to launch an LTE Windows Phone in the UK, according to the Financial Times. Everything Everywhere is the parent company of both Orange and T-Mobile UK, and has authorisation from UK communications regulator Ofcom to begin using its 1800 MHz spectrum to offer LTE and WiMAX services.
This will bring increased network capabilities to customers of both UK carriers, though which Nokia Windows Phone will be featured to launch on upgraded networks is unknown. Other UK carriers who desire to build up LTE / 4G networks will have to wait until next year, including the likes of Vodafone, O2 and Three. We’re likely to see Apple take advantage of new network speeds with the next iPhone.
The FT also notes that Nokia is looking to plan a potential November launch with Everything Everywhere. Should a deal be signed between the two companies, we'll see a new approach from the Finnish manufacturer - Nokia striking an exclusive partnership in the UK as it has done in the past with AT&T and the Lumia 900 in the US.
This move could spark complaints from consumers (or will ensure they blank the new devices), who would prefer Nokia's collection of Windows Phones to be made available across the board. Though UK carriers have been slow to pick up Windows Phone and effectively market it to consumers, we'd also like Nokia to continue to get as many phones in the hands of consumers as possible.
The Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 are both contenders for this launch and are solid Windows Phones. Phones 4u is also set to sport both devices in its inventory, though no information on carrier availability, pricing or release dates are yet present.
What do you make of the news? Would you like to see Nokia enter exclusive partnerships with UK carriers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Source: Financial Times; thanks, Nickkk101, for the heads up!
