Windows Phone 7 Shortages Hit Carriers In Europe, Asia

As Microsoft gears up to launch Windows Phone 7 in the U.S. next week, handsets are in short supply in countries where Windows Phone 7 devices are already available.

In the U.K., where Windows Phone 7 devices went on sale Oct. 21, Orange is grappling with supply shortages for the HTC 7 Mozart and the Samsung Omnia 7, the U.K.-based blog Mobile Today reported last week. Orange is issuing vouchers for about $32 to customers that pre-ordered Windows Phone 7 devices but have yet to obtain them, according to the report.

The shortages raise a puzzling question: What the heck do Orange and AT&T get for being named Microsoft's "premier" partners for Windows Phone 7? This status has been ill-defined, although that hasn't stopped AT&T from preening over it. At the Mobile World Congress in February Microsoft said it would work with the two carriers to differentiate their Windows Phone 7 devices through "unique software and services" on their networks.

On Monday, Business Insider speculated that the Windows Phone 7 device shortages stem from scarce supply of AMOLED screens, a key smartphone component that handset makers have had trouble keeping in stock in recent months.

Meanwhile, O2 in Germany has had trouble keeping up with demand for HTC's HD7, and Australian carrier Telstra has similar issues with its HTC 7 Mozart, the blog Digitimes reported Wednesday.

Next: Genuine shortage or just a marketing ploy?

The cynical view holds that Microsoft is allowing just a trickle of devices onto the market so as to create the artificial appearance of scarcity. But given how crucial Windows Phone 7 is to Microsoft's ability to compete in the mobile space, there's no way the company would engage in such shenanigans.

In the U.S., Microsoft is selling Windows Phone 7 through AT&T and T-Mobile, and HTC, Samsung, LG and Dell are building handsets. AT&T on Nov. 8 will begin selling the Windows Phone 7-powered Samsung Focus for $199 with a two year service contract. AT&T's other two Windows Phone 7 devices, the LG Quantum and HTC Surround, will arrive later this month.

Microsoft plans to offer Windows Phone 7 devices through 60 carrier partners in 30 countries worldwide by the end of the year.