Mozilla has for a while been working on a project called Boot to Gecko which focussed on HTML5 in order to enable app developers and designers to only have to create one program to run across several platforms. From this project has come a new OS for mobile phones, Firefox and has attracted backing from several mobile networks, such as Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica and Telenor.

Two device manufacturers, TCL Communication Technology (under the Alcatel One Touch brand) and ZTE have also pledged their intentions to build the handsets, using Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm. The new handsets are due to appear in early 2013, in Brazil under Telefónica’s commercial brand, Vivo.

“The introduction of the open mobile OS continues the Mozilla mission to promote openness, innovation and opportunity on the Web for users and developers. As billions of users are expected to come online for the first time in the coming years, it is important to deliver a compelling smartphone experience that anyone can use,” said Gary Kovacs, CEO, Mozilla. “The large number of operators and manufacturers now supporting this effort will bring additional resources and diversity to our global offerings.”

More details on theBoot to Gecko project and the Firefox mobile OS can be found here.