Orange widens Android smartphone portfolio

Orange is working with several manufacturers to deliver new Android-based handsets

Orange has announced plans to roll out a series of Android-based smartphones in the UK and throughout Europe.

The operator will launch handsets and tariffs on various platforms over 2010, but is focusing on Android to realise its aim of doubling revenues from services and multi-media content.

The first Android smartphone will be a budget Orange-branded phone that the company hopes to provide for around £15 a month or £100 without a contract.

"A range of Android devices, among other operating system platforms, will launch this summer across our European footprint, although specific availability and pricing will be confirmed by individual countries when the devices are commercially deployed," said Patrick Remy, vice president of the Orange Devices Group.

Remy told V3.co.uk that Orange is working with a number of manufacturers to deliver the handsets, including Gigabyte, Huawei, ZTE and LG.

Reports suggest that up to four Android smartphones will launch in the UK before the end of 2010, but Remy could not confirm this schedule.

One Android smartphone not coming to the UK is the Orange-branded Boston, which launched in Spain recently and had been widely reported to be heading to Britain. Remy told V3.co.uk that the model will not be released in the UK as part of the Android push.

Orange was reticent on giving more information on exactly which models will be released for UK customers. Remy said that the Android platform is a European, not a regional, initiative for the company.

This means that it is up to individual countries to decide which hardware and tariff they will support on a case-by-case basis.

"The Orange affordable smartphone strategy addresses a clear gap in the market, providing affordable smartphones on tariffs that give flexible access to mobile data," said Remy.