It looks like Nokia is still working on its formula for partnering with carriers in the United States. The Finnish OEM has apparently canceled its X7 smartphone launch, which was headed exclusively to AT&T, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal that cites people familiar with the situation.
Nokia declined to speak on the matter, saying it doesn’t comment on rumors and speculation. However, a spokesman for the company acknowledged that working with carriers in the U.S. is indeed on Nokia’s agenda.
“It is well publicized that we are working hard to regain leadership in the US market and we are in active discussions with our operator partners on that strategy. We look forward to bringing meaningful solutions to market together with our operator partners and when we have something to announce, we will do so,” the spokesman said.
The X7 would have marked Nokia’s first smartphone launch with a major U.S. carrier since Steven Elop, the company’s recently appointed CEO, took over the position last September. Nokia’s N8 smartphone launched last year to tepid reviews, with customers in the United States balking at the high unsubsidized price tag.
The N8 is available on Nokia’s website for $469. When compared to $199 for a subsidized Android or iOS device, Nokia’s competition appears steep.