+44 (0)20 7930 4158POPULAR TOOLS
Vodafone to bring Google phone to Europe imminently
Vodafone says it will launch the Google-branded Nexus One phone in the UK within the next few weeks, despite claims from Google that it won’t be available in Europe until spring.
Speaking to StrategyEye, a Vodafone press spokesperson said the device will be available in the UK "in a matter of weeks", but failed to give a precise launch date. "It's going to start in the UK and we've got no dates for other countries after that," the spokesperson said. "But we are in talks with the other European geographies." An AFP report predicts French and German releases will be quick to follow a UK launch.
The Nexus One launched this week at a press event in Google's Californian headquarters to tremendous media attention. The phone, made by manufacturing partner HTC, is selling direct to users from a new Google online store. This is currently offering US buyers the device for USD529 without a contract or for USD179 tied to a two-year contract with T-Mobile USA.
The non-exclusive sales approach means Google will not benefit from traditional carrier subsidies. In addition, different operators will be able to sell the device through the Google store.
The new strategy is already drawing interest from across the board. Commenting to StrategyEye, an O2 spokesperson said: "We have no current announcement to make about supporting the Google Nexus One, but we will continue to review and refresh our product range to ensure we meet the demands of our customers."
The spokesperson added that O2 is “following Google’s announcement with interest" and that it "welcomes innovation".
Separately, a 3 UK spokesperson tells paidContent that it is currently in talks with Google about supplying the phone. T-Mobile is also rumoured to be holding discussions with a view to launching the device.
Despite the wave of interest, a new Credit Suisse note claims Google's worldwide Nexus roll-out still may take time: "While Google wants consumers to have a choice by offering the device on an unsubsidised basis, it is also planning to offer the device through carriers,” says the note, by Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha.
“While the announcement of Verizon and Vodafone helps in this regard, we note that it took Apple nearly two and a half years to build out distribution to 64 countries. We do not expect the timeframe for Google to sign up carriers to be significantly shorter."
