However hard Google tries to create a unified Android platform, operators support the platform partly because they can adapt it easily to their brands and services. An extreme example comes from Russian cellco MTS, whose customized Android smartphone is the first to support Russia's alternative navigation system to GPS, Glonass.

MTS is hedging its bets by also supporting GPS in its new Glonass 945 handset, which will run Android 2.2 and cost about $370. The operator, and the state-owned Glonass operator, say there has been considerable interest in dual-mode satellite navigation designs, and that talks were held last year with Nokia, Motorola and Qualcomm about GPS/Glonass products. This first device, however, is made by ZTE.Glonass is part of a broader strategy, spearheaded by prime minister Vladimir Putin, to make Russia more self-sufficient in new technologies.

There are also plans to set up LTE manufacturing ventures, partnering with Samsung, Huawei and/or Nokia Siemens, within Russia to support its own cellcos and possibly create an export business in future. To ensure that Glonass gains momentum, the government has ruled that all new cars sold in Russia from next year must be equipped with the homegrown navigation technology, though no such laws have yet been made for mobile devices such as handsets or PNDs. However, Russia plans to introduce higher import duties of around 25%, from next year, on handsets without Glonass.

As yet, GPS cannot be sidelined altogether as Glonass does not yet have enough satellites to cover the whole world. Late last year, a rocket carrying new Glonass satellites crashed into the ocean near Hawaii, setting back the program to achieve a reach as wide as that of US-controlled GPS. However, it should reach that goal next year. The European Union and China also have their own satellite location programs underway to reduce dependence on the US network.

Tim Shepherd, an analyst with Canalys, told TotalTelecom: "Successfully bringing a product to market is a significant step forward for the Glonass project. Other handset vendors will be particularly eager to see how Russian consumers respond, to understand whether Glonass support is a matter of appealing to national pride or whether it genuinely encourages greater location oriented usage."