New mobile handset vendor Dell has signed a deal with Telefonica – the world’s third-largest mobile operator group according to the latest Wireless Intelligence research – to develop mobile products and services. In a joint statement, it was noted that the alliance focuses on three areas: “Provide customers with choices they value most now; Deliver next generation solutions first; Enhancing the digital customer experience and driving information communications technologies to market.” It adds that “the alliance with Telefonica is part of Dell’s continued focus on developing smart mobile products and services through value-added relationships with leading operators.”

In essence, the Telefonica deal strengthens Dell’s ability to become a high-profile, successful smartphone vendor. With major operations in Latin America and Europe, and a total global connections base of over 200 million, the deal with Telefonica greatly extends Dell’s existing operator deals. Dell only confirmed its entry into the smartphone space last November, striking deals with China Mobile and America Movil’s Claro in Brazil for its Mini 3 device (pictured), and followed this with a deal with US operator AT&T. To date, Dell’s smartphone offerings have all been powered by Google’s Android software. Dell is not the first PC maker to enter the smartphone space; rival Acer unveiled its first smartphones in February last year, whilst names such as Toshiba and Lenovo have also entered the market. The Telefonica deal is likely to include support for tablets and netbooks, as well as smartphones.