Nokia Play Nice to Break US Market
Nokia have a reputation for never pandering to networks’ requests. For example, in August of last year Orange threatened to avoid carrying the 8GB version of the Nokia N81 because Nokia didn’t give them the chance to test the Nokia Music Store on the handset. Orange had no idea if it would be easy for customers to use. Also, the Nokia Music Store replaced their own music service, but I’d never be cynical enough to suggest that this affected Orange’s decision at all. An attitude like this doesn’t go down well with the US mega networks where, if a manufacturer fails to respect their authority, that manufacturer probably won’t get anywhere. This runs counter to Nokia’s strategy of rampant innovation with little regard for the networks. It seems that Nokia, in a bid to gain a larger market share in the US, has turned over a new leaf. They’ve assigned 300 product development guys to AT&T and Verizon each. The 6555 is one of the results of this unholy union. AT&T wanted the PTT button on the 6555 to be moved to the top, and Nokia complied. Will this change in attitude mean more US networks are prepared to carry Nokia handsets? Source: Engadget Mobile
