Windows Phone 7 Will Be GSM-Only Until 2011, No Verizon or Sprint at Launch

Microsoft said Thursday it will only launch Windows Phone 7 devices for more global-friendly GSM networks this year. In the U.S., this means only AT&T and/or T-Mobile, which have GSM networks, will get WP7 devices in 2010. Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and budget carriers like MetroPCS and Cricket will have to wait until 2011 for CDMA equipped next-gen Windows phones.

The decision to not have a product on Verizon or Sprint at launch could hurt Windows Phone 7 from gaining market and mind share, with iOS, Android, and BlackBerry devices all heavily competing in the marketplace. Microsoft’s Gregg Sullivan indicated to CNET that his company had limited resources and needed to focus on what they did best. “We had to prioritize doing fewer things, really, really well,” Sullivan said.

GSM networks are much more popular in other countries than in the U.S., so Microsoft is planning the launch with more than just the North American market in mind. No launch dates or prices for Windows Phone 7 devices have officially been announced by any carriers, but we will let you know when that information is available.