Nokia is preparing to overhaul its standard mass marketing strategy prior to the launch of its first Windows 8 smartphone later this year.
The company is believed to be in talks with mobile operators in Europe about framing exclusive partnerships to push its new Windows 8 handset, the Financial Times (FT) reported citing unnamed sources.
One of the major operators that were considered include France Telecom, although the talks are still at an exploratory stage and no deal has yet been finalised, according to the report.
Another carrier which could be added is Deutsche Telekom.
The newspaper cited the strategy rethink would also be similar to Apple’s exclusive launch of the original iPhone back in 2007 and Nokia’s exclusive sales deal with AT&T in the US for its flagship Lumia 900 model, which tasted success.
Exclusive partners initially through one or two networks in Europe are expected to help create dedicated support for its smartphones, the FT said.
These relationships would see Nokia giving the operator a financial stake in the success of the upcoming Nokia’s Windows Phone range.
While the company seeks strategy revamp, Moody’s has downgraded the credit status of the struggling mobile phonemaker further, amidst fears its losses will continue to rise.
Nokia chief financial officer Timo Ihamuotila said in a statement, "While we are disappointed with Moody’s decision, its impact on the company is limited."
