Vodafone has backed Ubuntu, joining an advisory group run by development backer Canonical to bringing the open-source OS to handsets.

Canonical’s carrier advisory group allows operators to have a say in Ubuntu’s development on mobile.

Three, EE and T-Mobile have already signed up to the group, which consists of 16 operators in total. The group will close to new entrants in July – but the first major Ubuntu Touch phone isn’t expected to appear until next year.