Sprint to offer Windows Phone 8 handsets in 2013
updated 07:32 pm EST, Tue November 13, 2012
WP8 coming to Sprint next year, no devices specified
Windows Phone 8 will have a presence on all four of the nation's largest carriers by next year, as Sprint has confirmed that it will be carrying handsets running Microsoft's new mobile operating system in 2013. The nation's third-largest carrier did not give specifics on when a Windows Phone 8 handset would be appearing on its network, but it did confirm that it will carry a 4G LTE-capable handset some time next year. The announcement means that Windows Phone 8 will not make the holiday season on Sprint, even though Sprint executives said earlier in the year that they were "bullish" on the new operating system.
PCMag carried news of Sprint's confirmation today, citing an emailed statement from the carrier. Sprint currently carries only one Windows Phone 7 handset, the HTC Arrive, which has underperformed sales-wise.
Sprint's commitment will give Microsoft's new platform a foothold in each of the nation's largest wireless carriers. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have already committed to carrying Windows Phone 8 devices. The new OS is seen by some observers as an inflection point for not only Microsoft, which has continually struggled in the smartphone sector, but also a number of its hardware partners, who have hemorrhaged market share as Apple and Samsung dominate the market.
