Having recently unveiled the first update to Windows Phone 7 to the world, Microsoft has admitted it might be some weeks before many users receive the platform's first patch.

The reason? As some had already feared, it would appear some operators are putting a block on its roll out, meaning only a portion of its userbase will make the leap to the latest version within the next few days.

Platform protocols

Given said patch acts as little more than a precursor to the first major refresh to the platform – NoDo due in March – it's unlikely to dent the platform's image all too much.

However, concern expressed by consumers has resulting in Microsoft revealing the update agreement it has with operators: as with Android, operators have the right to block updates, but they can't block two updates in a row, and any update they've previously held back has to be delivered to users at the same time as its successor.

In short, it means those unlucky enough to miss out on the current patch will receive it when NoDo is rolled out.

"Some mobile operators have the right to skip one update if they wish," confirmed Windows Phone support's Diego T on Microsoft's forums.

"However, they can’t skip the next one, which would be an accumulative update and would include the previous one."

Bricking it

As an aside, Microsoft itself has currently put a hold on the update for Samsung Omnia 7 owners, with many users reporting that their handset had been 'bricked' after installation.

In an email to WinRumors, a spokesperson told the site that the firm had "identified a technical issue with the Windows Phone update process".

"In response to this emerging issue, we have temporarily taken down the latest software update for Samsung phones in order to correct the issue and as soon as possible will redistribute the update."

[source: WinRumors.com]