Will the Nokia N9 end up in more than 23 countries?

Last night's introduction of the MeeGo powered Nokia N9 set hearts aflutterin' in many countries, including the U.S. where the initial response was that the device is one sexy handset with the lack of any front-facing buttons at all. With the manufacturer having some problems competing in the U.S. and dropping from its perch as the largest smartphone manufacturer Stateside-a position it had held for the last 14 years-to number three, a launch of the N9 in the U.S. is of vital importance to the manufacturer.

On the Nokia N9 web site is a page that shows you the availability of the phone in various countries. 23 countries are listed, but conspicuous by its absence are some places that you would consider an N9 launch to be a no-brainer like the U.S., the U.K. and India. The absence of the U.S. on the list makes sense only because the manufacturer does not have carrier support in the States for smartphones. As we reported, the Finnish based firm almost had support from AT&T for the Nokia X7, but the manufacturer was not sure that the carrier would be able to strongly back the phone and that deal fell apart. With the sexy N9 wagging tongues in the U.S., Nokia wants an opportunity to align itself with at least one major mobile operator in the States that could offer the phone on a subsidized basis.

India was a latecomer in receiving the Nokia N900 months after other countries did, so it is possible that the country will eventually get the handset. The exclusion of the U.K. is a mystery. Perhaps the list of available countries, which can be found at the source ink, will be updated soon, with more countries added.

The Nokia N9 is expected to be launched at the end of the third quarter at a price range in the area of $600-750 which makes it imperative for Nokia to find a carrier it can partner with if the N9 is to make some noise in the U.S.

source: Thehandheldblog via FoneArena