Yes, but that didn't work with Apple because even Verizon has to adapt to what the market wants. Verizon originally said no to Apple's terms, and then watched as customers flocked to AT&T to buy the original iPhone. The market forced Verizon to take the iPhone on Apple's terms. If customers were flocking to Windows mobile, Verizon would adapt again. But that ain't happening.
Back then Verizon wasn't anywhere near the force that they are now as I recall. Were this to happen in 2015 the results would probably be different.