14 DAY TRIAL // Since Microsoft unveiled its flagship smartphones, the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, there has been some confusion regarding their availability in the United States.
After reports that Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL would be exclusive to AT&T in the US, the source of the information backtracked and stated that Microsoft's deal with AT&T was non-exclusive.
That's why we expected both Windows 10 Mobile smartphones to arrive at other carriers in the US as well. Even though the handsets can be purchased via Microsoft Store in the country, it would have been nice to be able to get them much cheaper on contract.
Well, it looks like things are not that bright for Windows Phone fans in the US since, besides AT&T, no other carrier in the country seems to be interested in offering any of the two Windows 10 Mobile devices.
According to CNET, sources familiar with carriers' plans claim that Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile have no intention to offer either the Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL.
Unlocked variants work on AT&T and T-Mobile
Apparently, Microsoft has already talked with the rest of the carriers, but none of them seems to be interested in selling any Windows Phone handsets.
This means that the only solution for those who own one of the new smartphones launched by the Redmond-based company is to buy them directly from Microsoft Store.
Although the handsets will come unlocked, customers will have to pay the full price in order to get one from Microsoft Store.
The same source also reports that Microsoft has already decided to team up with AT&T to build “connected table” displays at the carrier's brick-and-mortar stores to demo how the new Lumia smartphones can connect with PCs and Surface Pro tablets.
Anyway, for the time being, Microsoft will offer the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL through its official store, and these devices will be unlocked and able to run on AT&T and T-Mobile.
Also, AT&T has only confirmed it will carry the Lumia 950, but we should not rule out the possibility of adding the other flagship smartphone to its portfolio in the next couple of months.