Sprint won't support Google's Nexus One

Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) is discontinuing its planned support for Google's HTC-made Nexus One in favor of the forthcoming HTC Evo 4G, dealing another blow to Google's direct-to-consumer strategy for the phone.

The carrier's decision comes in the wake of Google's move late last month to scrap plans to sell a version of its Nexus One smartphone that supports Verizon Wireless' (NASDAQ:VZ) network. Instead, Google urged customers interested in the device to buy the HTC Droid Incredible from Verizon, which Google described as a cousin to the Nexus One. Sprint plans to launch the WiMAX-powered Evo sometime this summer.

"We are not bringing in Nexus One as Evo 4G is more robust in 3G markets and amazing in the growing number of 4G areas," Sprint spokeswoman Michelle Leff Mermelstein told Phone Scoop. Sprint first announced in March it would offer the phone, and hinted that it would also subsidize the gadget. Sprint's decision essentially kills the idea of allowing CDMA subscribers to access the phone.

Currently, Google sells the Nexus One for $529 unlocked (with versions that work for AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) and T-Mobile USA's 3G networks), and $179 when paired with a T-Mobile contract. T-Mobile is the only carrier that offers a subsidized version of the device.

For more:
- see this Gizmodo article
- see this Phone Scoop post

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