Microsoft sees wide U.S. support for Windows Mobile 6.5

Microsoft Corp expects several phones on the U.S. market to be powered by its Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system after it launches in the fall of 2009, according to a company executive.

We will have over 10 phones available in the U.S. alone. We expect to see that grow, said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division said during his keynote speech at the CTIA wireless technology showcase.

In the U.S. market Microsoft faces tough competition from rivals iPhone maker Apple Inc and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion .

Phone makers that have said they plan to use Microsoft's upcoming operating system include LG Electronics Inc

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(Reporting by Sinead Carew, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)