Nokia is reported to be working with Verizon Wireless on a developing an exclusive LTE based touchscreen phone. Citing sources familiar with the companies, TheStreet said that the two companies are determined to take back market share from Apple and AT&T.
A Verizon representative had no comment and a Nokia rep said he wasn't aware of any device discussions with Verizon.
The move could be a fillip for Nokia, which has struggled to replicate its international success in the US market. The firm faced a further set-back when it had to suspend sales of its local variant flagship 5800 touchscreen phone in the USA due to problems connecting to the 3G networks.
"They want to get back in the leadership role," Telecom Pragmatics analyst Sam Greenholtz told TheStreet, referring to Nokia and Verizon's newfound common interest. "My guess is that Verizon will insist that this be an exclusive," says Greenholtz.
Last month, Verizon's CTO, Dick Lynch announced the network operator's plan for its LTE rollout - confirming that the commercial launch would occur in 2010. Nokia's infrastructure arm, Nokia Siemens Networks is one of several firms which will be providing the IP Multi-Media Subsystem (IMS) network.
On the web: The Street
Posted to the site on 8th March 2009
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/36409.php