Stephen Elop: Windows Phones getting a "remarkably positive" response, Nokia aiming for volume before profit

Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecoms Conference in Barcelona, Stephen Elop said their Windows Phones have received a good reception.

Windows Phones getting a  "remarkably positive" response he said.

He also revealed Nokia’s first priority was getting as large a number of Windows Phone handsets as possible out there, which he intended to achieve by keeping the price of Nokia handsets low, sacrificing margin for volume.

"In the early days our first competitors are the other ecosystems," Elop said. "You see us pricing the devices so that that we can get what we think will be a good volume," Elop told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the conference.

He also said there was an opportunity to launch Windows Phone models for substantially lower prices, as well as higher prices than today.

Referring to a recent IDC report which called Windows Phone as the confirmed 3rd ecosystem for developers, he said "What we hear from developers (is) they recognize the commitment we have made. We need to ship volumes of devices to further attract them."

Nokia plans a portfolio of new products for the U.S. market early next year, and Elop said multiple U.S. carriers support the company.

"Our intent is to go very aggressively to the U.S. market," Elop said.

Regarding yesterday’s tablet rumours he noted:

"As it relates to specific plans for tablets, we look at the Windows 8 opportunity and say that’s really interesting, but we have made no announcements around that," he said.

Nokia’s shares are up 1.2% today so far.

Nasdaq, Reuters and Bloomberg.