The New York Times is reporting that T-Mobile USA will be the first operator to offer a mobile phone based on Google's Android platform. The newspaper, citing sources briefed on the company's plans, said the phone will be HTC's Dream, and is anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. before Christmas and maybe as early as October. The release date of the device depends on how early the FCC certifies both the Google software and the HTC device. Executives at T-Mobile and Google hope to make an announcement by September so the two companies can make a splash for the holiday season.

The "unofficial" blog T-Mobile online reported earlier that T-Mobile would begin taking preorders for HTC's Android-based device on Sept. 17. T-Mobile executives declined to comment on the news, only saying it was on track to offer it in the fourth quarter. HTC, which is expected to be the only device maker to have an Android phone on the market this year, also declined to comment.

Earlier this week, HTC denied a report claiming it will be forced to delay its Android handset. Last week Trip Chowdhry of Global Equities Research said that HTC was struggling to incorporate the Android feature set and the first Android phone--originally slated to debut in the fourth quarter--would not make its debut until after the first of the year. But HTC reiterates that it remains on schedule--moreover, a new video posted to YouTube purports to demonstrate the company's Android-based Dream device, which boasts a fold-out QWERTY keyboard as well as an orientation sensor that automatically flips the screen layout in tandem with the user's movements.

For more:
- read The New York Times

Related stories:
HTC denies Android delay nightmare. HTC story
Rumor mill: T-Mobile will presale HTC Dream Sept. 17. T-Mobile story