Microsoft confirmed today that all five UK networks will offer their new Window Phone 7 in the UK - this is quite different to what happened with the launch of the iPhone as O2 forked a load of money to secure Apple's iPhone exclusively when it launched 4-years ago.
All five UK operators, Orange, O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Three, are backing Windows Phone 7, with Orange named as the launch partner.
This is an encouraging piece of news for consumers as they will be able to switch to the new phone without having to change their network, which makes it easy to grab one for the early adopters out there.
On top of the complete list of UK network operators, Windows Phone 7 devices will be stocked by The Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4u, meaning that in terms of the UK market at least, Windows Phone 7 will be everywhere come its launch in the first weeks of October.
Alex Reeve, Director of Mobile Business for Microsoft UK, said: "This means we can provide network choice and also a range of phones across networks for customers to choose from, all with the power of Windows Phone 7."
This is encouraging for the big M as they have had a rocky take-up in the US for their new flagship phone after Verizon said it would not be stocking the phone leaving T-Mobile and AT&T stocking the Window Phone 7 in the US.
Will you be jumping ship to the new Windows mobile operating system? Let us know which handset you're considering below.
To find out more about the Windows Phone 7 SDK visit the Windows Phone Developer Blog here or download the free version here.