Google backs away from Verizon

UPSTART MOBILE PHONE OUTFIT Google has decided it is not going to bother making its Nexus One smartphone work with Verizon Wireless in the US.

Google has told its punters waiting for the device that they should instead buy another smartphone running Google's Android operating system.

The search engine and advertising company thought that the Nexus One would be available for Verizon's customers in the spring.

It is not clear what changed Google's mind. Sales had been muted and Google has pulled the plug on a CDMA version of the Nexus One that would have worked on Verizon's network.

Google executives said that the Nexus One was not part of the company's long-term mobile strategy and they were pleased with initial demand.

Vodafone has said that it will start giving Nexus One phones free to UK customers who sign up for service plans.

Google has no plans to offer the phone in US stores.The Nexus One sells for $529 without wireless service. US punters can also buy the phone for $179 if they commit to a two-year contract with Deutsche Telekom AG's T-Mobile USA.

Meanwhile Vodafone has begun accepting pre-orders for Nexus One from customers in the UK at its website, and on April 30th Vodafone will start selling Nexus One in its UK stores, online and over the phone.

Soon after, it will also begin selling Nexus One in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Vodafone is Google's first European partner to distribute the Nexus One. µ