TIM Brazil has announced plans to launch an applications store that will be available across its entire device portfolio, allowing the operator to compete directly with handset and software companies offering stores of their own. Powered by Qualcomm’s Plaza Retail service, the store will launch in the first quarter of 2010. Qualcomm’s service currently supports Java, Brew, Flash and Android with planned support for Windows Mobile, Palm, Symbian and Limo. TIM users will be able to download the app store onto their mobile device by accessing the operator’s WAP portal or online store. TIM is Brazil’s third-largest operator, according to Wireless Intelligence, with approximately 40 million subscribers.

In a statement, TIM and Qualcomm noted that they will hold workshops for developers in November in the country in order to stimulate interest. By using Plaza Retail, operators are in theory able to manage pricing, licensing, promotions and other attributes of the store. To date, the high-profile application store market has been dominated by the likes of Apple, Google, BlackBerry, Microsoft and Nokia.