Go the note from PR of Microsoft Philippines earlier today that they’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the launching of Windows Phone 7 in the Philippines this December.
The press release is a little vague but here’s the summary sent to me earlier:
Today, Microsoft Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading network provider Smart Communications, Inc., for a collaboration to introduce new offerings that promises to transform the Filipinos’ mobile lifestyle.
Microsoft and SMART have worked closely together to provide a special combination of service platforms and introduce Windows Phone 7, a different kind of phone with new experiences to the local market.
“We are pleased to partner with Microsoft in launching Windows Phone 7 devices in the Philippines,†said Napoleon Nazareno, President and CEO of Smart.
Microsoft and Smart will be holding a series of events leading up to the Windows Phone 7 launch towards the end of the year, including a pre-order campaign and a special preview of the Windows Phone 7 device in time for the holidays.
What is un-clear from the release is whether all Windows Phone 7 devices will be exclusive to Smart. Usually, it’s the handset manufacturers that make exclusive deals with telcos, not the mobile OS developer. If this is the case, Microsoft really that “confident and strict” with WP7.
So far, there are handsets from Samsung, HTC, LG and even Dell that have been announced to carry Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 OS. We’ll have to see this December.
@slighmd – thats a good question about the marketplace being accessible for Philippine users. have you checked out dedicated sites to WP7 and inquired about the marketplace’s availability to other regions besides the US and Europe?