Sony Ericsson will begin selling unlocked smartphones in the United States later this month through a deal with Ingram Micro, whose reseller partners include Amazon.com, Best Buy and Newegg.com.
The contract includes several smartphones from Sony Ericsson’s Android-based Xperia line, including the Xperia Arc S.
Peter Farmer, head of marketing for Sony Ericsson’s North America branch, said the deal would allow it to expand its presence both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
“By teaming with Ingram Micro, we’re expanding our channel reach through their robust distribution program and we’re excited to forge new relationships with retailers and customers,” Farmer said in a statement.
Sony Ericsson did not specify when the phones would be available or how much they would cost.
Unlocked smartphones tend to be more expensive than contract phones that are subsidized by carriers. The unsubsidized version for the Xperia Arc S listed on Sony’s website costs about $500.
Sony said last month it would buy out Ericsson’s stake in the Sony Ericsson joint venture for $1.46 billion.
The acquisition will give Sony total control over the handset maker, which faces steep competition from Android OEMs Samsung, HTC and Motorola Mobility, as well as Apple’s iPhone.
