Earlier this week, Microsoft revealed details about the upcoming Windows Phone Starter Edition. Following a strategy it already used for Windows XP and Windows Vista, Microsoft will offer a stripped down version of Windows Mobile 6.5 in emerging markets.
Two versions will be offered: One with Office Mobile and one without. Each will be available with support for multiple languages and with support for 2G (GSM), 2.5G (CDMA2000 xRTT, EDGE, GPRS), CDMA (Rev A, EV-DO Revision A), and TD-SCDMA radios. Noticeably absent is support for 3G.
Microsoft has already signed up a number of OEMs and expects that devices running Windows Phone Starter Edition will be available sometime this year.
Microsoft will also rebrand Windows Mobile 6.5 as Windows Phone Classic and continue to offer it in parallel with Windows Phone 7 Series for entry level and enterprise-focused devices.