Orange Reinforces Smartphone Leadership With New Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Devices

LONDON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ --

• Orange to exclusively range the HTC 7 Mozart, as well as offer the Samsung Omnia 7 across all its retail channels  from 21st October
• Orange Windows Phone 7 customers have quick-link access to Orange services via their handsets along with industry leading Microsoft Windows Phone 7 customer support
• All Orange customers now also benefit from having the broadest network coverage in Britain meaning they can call and text in more places

Orange took its place as the number one destination for Smartphones on Monday this week, announcing the delivery of two new handsets based on Microsoft's latest mobile operating platform, Windows Phone 7.

As Microsoft's key UK partner, the move builds on the long-standing relationship between the two companies and sees Orange exclusively offer UK customers the flagship HTC 7 Mozart, as well as range the stylish Samsung Omnia 7 device across all its retail channels later this month.

And it means that Orange customers have a wider choice of Smartphones and premium service support than ever before.

The HTC 7 Mozart and Samsung Omnia 7 handsets will be available to business and consumer customers on Orange from the 21st October. Both handsets will feature quick-link access to the following Orange applications and services, which will be integrated into the new Windows Phone 7 panoramic tile home screen:

• Orange Wednesdays: 2-4-1 cinema ticket app - allowing you to read reviews, watch trailers as well as redeem 2-4-1 voucher all from your handset
• Orange Maps: Your personal navigation system, offering turn-by-turn GPS guidance
• Your Orange: to help you keep up-to-date and manage your Orange account - access help articles and get the latest info on your Magic Numbers  
• Orange Daily: Bringing you a selection of at-a-glance news, sport and weather content as well as extras such as Wikipedia

Windows Phone 7 users will also enjoy exclusive access to unique and diverse experiences from Microsoft's home entertainment portfolio such as Xbox LIVE®, and Zune® as well as quick and easy access to contacts and social network updated through the newly created People Hub - specifically devised by Microsoft for Windows Phone 7.

Downloading applications is also made easy through the integration of Orange applications in the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, via 'Orange Selects', creating a 'shop within a shop' that provides a single location to access the best applications from Orange and selected publishers. In addition, starting in early 2011, any Windows Phone 7 Marketplace purchases can be securely charged directly to the customer's Orange mobile phone bill, via a unique integrated billing experience – so they'll have no need to enter credit card details.

Orange Windows Phone 7 users will also benefit from being on an award winning network, as well as having access to T-Mobile's signal too - meaning they can call and text in more places across the UK.

Furthermore, as Microsoft's lead partner, Orange will feature in a joint multi-million pound Windows Phone 7 advertising campaign planned for the UK, and the launch will be supported with bespoke interactive point of sale store materials and a high profile media partnership with XFM and Capital Radio, designed to amplify the sale of the very first Windows Phone 7 handset sale in the UK – only on Orange.

Tom Alexander, CEO: "Orange and Microsoft pioneered the world's first Windows-powered Smartphone back in 2002, and together we've sold more than two million Orange devices running Windows mobile. The Windows Phone 7 experience is a step-change for the industry – one that promises opportunity, excitement and choice for our customers.

"Orange is now the number one destination for customers wanting the latest high-end multimedia handsets, and with our brand and our superior network we can truly take these devices and this operating system to a new level."

With a 3.7" WVGA resolution, Super LCD Display, 8 mega-pixel camera, Dolby sound and a  1GHz Processor, the HTC 7 Mozart, exclusive to Orange, is available for free to customers who take out a 35 pounds per month 24 month price plan. The package includes 600 any network call minutes, unlimited text, unlimited email, sat nav with Orange Maps as well as inclusive anytime internet browsing.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Omnia 7, featuring a 4.0" Super AMOLED touch screen, 1 GHz processor will be available for free to customers who take out a 40 pounds per month, 24 month price plan. The package includes 1200 any network call minutes, unlimited text, unlimited email, sat nav with Orange Maps as well as inclusive anytime internet browsing.

At launch, Orange HTC 7 Mozart customers will also have the opportunity to benefit from 'Orange Personal Trainers', providing dedicated and expert help to ensure customers get the best out of their Windows Phone 7 phones. The personalised service, part of the Orange Care portfolio of enhanced customer care services, will be available through selected retail stores as well as from Orange telesales.

Both handsets will be available to consumer, small and medium sized businesses and corporate customers. For more information, please visit Orange shops, Orange telesales or www.orange.co.uk

About Orange UK

Orange is the key brand of the France Telecom Group, one of the world's leading telecommunications operators. With 131.8 million customers, the Orange brand now covers Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the Group operates.

In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK population, and 3G coverage to more than 93%. At the end of March 2010, Orange had more than 17.305 million customers in the UK - 16.442 million active mobile customers and approximately 863,000 fixed line internet customers.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Brand Services Limited.

On July 1 2010, the company became part of Everything Everywhere, one company that runs two of Britain's most famous brands - Orange UK and T-Mobile UK - with plans to transform the industry by giving customers instant access to everything, everywhere, offering them the best value, best choice and best network coverage in the country. Everything Everywhere Limited is registered at Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9BW under the registered company number 02382161.

For more information please call the Orange Press Office 0870 3731500, or visit www.orange.co.uk/newsroom.

SOURCE Orange