Windows Phone grabs 8% of the smartphone market in Norway, taking share from iOS and Android

Netcom, Norway's number two carrier, crunched the numbers for February 2012 and found that Windows Phone powered smartphones have an 8% share of the market in the country. Much of that has to do with the strong start that the Nokia Lumia 800 has had in Norway. Launched on the first of February in the country, the Windows Phone powered Nokia Lumia 800 finished fourth on Netcom's top ten smartphone list for February based on sales. Compare that to the 4.4% share of the U.S smartphone market that Microsoft's mobile OS had in January.

So if left to make a decision, which are the smartphones that a Norwegian would (pun intended) buy? The Apple iPhone 4S led the way for February followed by the Samsung Galaxy S II. So far, you can't argue on the choice of either one. The Apple iPhone 4, Nokia Lumia 800 and the Sony Ericsson arc S round out the top five. The Samsung Galaxy 5 is number six followed by the Sony Ericsson Xperia mini pro, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover, ZTE Blade and the Sony Ericsson Active. With the fourth place finish by the Nokia Lumia 800, it was the first time that a Windows Phone model ever cracked the top ten.

Netcom sales director Kristian Rena said that the Nokia Lumia 800 is taking market share away from both Android and iOS. The duo had market shares of 49% and 43% respectively, in the country. While both of those figures dwarf the 8% share that Windows Phone captured, it is an impressive showing, especially considering that Norwegians don't have the loyalty to Nokia that those living in nearby Finland do. It should be interesting to see how this plays out in the months ahead and if Microsoft and or Nokia learn anything from what is going on in Norway.

source: Digi.no (translated) via WMPoweruser