Looks like it might be May after all gentlemen
.Nokia Is Said to Strike Deal With Verizon for New Smartphone
By Adam Ewing & Scott Moritz - Apr 23, 2013 7:10 AM ET
.Nokia Is Said to Strike Deal With Verizon for New Smartphone
By Adam Ewing & Scott Moritz - Apr 23, 2013 7:10 AM ET ..Facebook Share LinkedIn Google +1 0 Comments
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Nokia Oyj (NOK1V), the Finnish mobile-phone maker trying to win back users from Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co., struck a deal to get Verizon Wireless (VZ) to sell its new smartphone, said two people familiar with the plan.
The largest U.S. wireless carrier is set to unveil a plan next month to offer Nokia’s Lumia 928, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deal hasn’t been made public. The phone has a metal body, 4.5-inch touch screen, 8- megapixel camera and wireless charging, said one of the people. It runs on Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)’s Windows software like other Lumias.
The device marks the first time a high-end Lumia will be sold by Basking Ridge, New Jersey-based Verizon Wireless, which has about 100 million customers. Nokia, based in Espoo, Finland, has struggled to turn around its plunging smartphone market share in the U.S. since it peaked in 2001. \
Nokia shares gained as much as 2 percent, erasing earlier losses, and were little changed at 2.39 euros at 2:08 p.m. in Helsinki. They have tumbled 19 percent this year, headed for the sixth straight annual drop.
James Etheridge, a Nokia spokesman, and Brenda Raney, a Verizon Wireless spokeswoman, declined to comment.
Microsoft Bet
Phone shipments to North America fell 33 percent to 400,000 devices in the first quarter, Nokia said April 18. AT&T Inc. (T), the No. 2 U.S. wireless carrier, added Nokia’s flagship Lumia 920 to its portfolio last year and sells it for $99.99 with a 2- year plan, and Verizon Wireless currently offers the Lumia 822.
Lumia sales globally rose to 5.6 million units from 4.4 million in the fourth quarter as Nokia added versions, and the company predicted