Nokia, Verizon Teaming Up For 4G LTE Device?

Details are scarce, but the pair of mobility heavyweights are said to be prepping an exclusive 4G LTE touch-screen device as a slap back at AT&T and Apple for their exclusive Apple iPhone 3G deal, according to a report from TheStreet.com, which cites sources close to Verizon and Nokia.

A Nokia/Verizon pairing would kick-start Nokia's presence in North America, where its market share has dwindled. For Verizon, a 4G LTE Nokia touch screen would not only give it the ammo to properly take on AT&T and the iPhone, but it would also be able to use its high-speed network for advanced multimedia services like HD video.

While neither Nokia nor Verizon have confirmed the plans for an exclusive device, it would go against Nokia's typical approach. The Finnish mobile phone maker has forged its own path, not allowing carriers and mobile operators to control features on its phone.

Rumors of the partnership come after Nokia said it was committed to building LTE devices, which will be available in 2010. Verizon has also said it plans to have a commercial LTE offering that same year.

Verizon has been field-testing its 4G LTE networks in several cities in the U.S. and Europe and has said it found download rates of 50 Mbps to 60 Mbps at their peak. Trials are expected to expand this summer.