Report: AT&T to launch Nokia smartphone with Qualcomm chip

AT&T Mobility will launch a Nokia smartphone powered by a Qualcomm chip and running the Symbian platform, according to a VentureBeat report, a move that would further deepen the relationship between the nation's second largest carrier and the world's largest handset vendor.

The VentureBeat report cited an unnamed source close to Nokia. The report did not provide any details about the device or a possible launch date.

AT&T has launched several high-profile devices from Nokia over the past several months, including the E71x and the Surge smartphones, both of which run on the Symbian S60 platform. AT&T also is providing 3G connectivity for Nokia's first netbook, the Booklet 3G, which will be available in Best Buy stores by mid-November. The carrier's support of Nokia products is notable in light of Nokia's relatively weak position in the U.S. market, for which it has been long lambasted.

The news also reflects a possible blooming of the newfound partnership between Nokia and Qualcomm. In February, Nokia and Qualcomm announced a deal to release next-generation devices initially for the North American market. The companies said the UMTS phones would be launched in mid-2010 and would run the Symbian OS S60 platform using Qualcomm's chips.

Representatives from Nokia and AT&T declined to comment on the report.

For more:
- see this VentureBeat article [1]

Related Articles:
[2]Nokia shocks market, posts $834M loss [3]
AT&T launching Nokia Booklet 3G for $300 [2]
AT&T launching 3G Nokia flip phone, boosts manufacturer's U.S. presence [4]
Nokia and Qualcomm: the new frenemies [5]