Vodafone gets Windows Phone 7 in New Zealand

Following this morning's announcement of device and network partners around the world, Microsoft has finally come clean on launch plans for New Zealand.

The Windows Phone 7 will be launched “initially” on the Vodafone network, making it the premier partner for launch.

Gen-i and Telecom won't be far behind though, with Gen-i offering the LG Optimus 7Q to business customers in November and Telecom offering it to consumers soon after.

Vodafone is launching with the HTC 7 Trophy (pictured) and the phones can be purchased as part of a plan, or alternatively, prepay customers can buy handsets for $899.

Plans on Vodafonestart from $40.85 per month (includes 30 minutes of calls, 300 texts and up to 250Mb of data) with the handset priced at $799.

To get a Windows Phone 7 for under $500, customers can sign up to the $81.75 monthly plan which includes 120 minutes, 600 texts and up to 250Mb of data.

Microsoft says that more than 1,700 people have downloaded the developer tools for Windows Phone 7 in New Zealand alone.

Update: Telecom and Gen-i will have the LG Optimus 7Q in November. Read more about there.

Update 2: Looks like the date has been narrowed down, in Australia at least, to October 21st.