Verizon’s first Windows Phone is nearly here.

The HTC 7 Trophy is the first Verizon Windows Phone and will be available starting May 26 online. Verizon plans to distribute handsets to stores so customers can purchase them at a local retailer on June 2. Microsoft is also dropping in a freebie for Verizon customers. Customers who purchase a Windows Phone from Verizon before July 15 will be eligible to receive a free Xbox 360 game. Customers can choose between popular titles including “Halo Reach,” “Kinect Sports,” and “Lode Runner.”

• HTC Trophy will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on May 26, and in Verizon Wireless Communication Stores on June 2 for $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
• HTC Trophy customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a smartphone data package.  Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access and an unlimited smartphone data package is $29.99for monthly access.
• Verizon Wireless customers traveling outside of the United States should contact Verizon Wireless’ global customer support team at 1-800-922-0204 before embarking on their trip to ensure their phones have the right features for global usage.

Verizon’s first Windows Phone device has witnessed a tough early start into the market. Originally expected in March, the device has been delayed on a number of occasions. Verizon’s leaked Spring roadmap originally revealed an April 15 launch date for Verizon’s HTC Trophy device but the date came and passed. The delays have frustrated many Verizon customers who are keen to purchase a Windows Phone 7 device.

Verizon’s Windows Phone will ship with Microsoft’s “NoDo” copy and paste update. “NoDo” is Microsoft’s first platform update, which also includes improved application start-up and resume times. Verizon recently posted support articles referencing Microsoft’s own fixes for known Windows Phone 7 issues. Verizons’s HTC 7 Trophy Windows Phone device was spotted in the wild in late February. Further photos leaked in March following confirmation that the device includes all of Verizon’s branding, even a “My Verizon Mobile” application.

• 1 GHz Snapdragon® processor
• WVGA 3.8-inch touchscreen
• Surround sound through SRS WOW HD™
• 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash
• 720p HD video capture
• 16 GB on-board storage
• Wi-Fi connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n
• Global ready – allowing customers to enjoy wireless voice and data service in more than 200 countries, with more than 125 with 3G speeds
• HTC Hub-customization through downloadable applications that offer even more entertainment and productivity
• View and edit Microsoft Office® documents, including Excel®, Word® and PowerPoint® with the Office Hub and data access on SharePoint® servers