Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) reversed course today and said it will not offer its Nexus One handset on the Verizon Wireless network. The reason for the decision is a secret but almost certainly represents a large rift between the companies. Google has tried to get broad adoption for the phone since its launch, but has found itself up against other handsets which uses Google’s Android mobile OS like the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid, and smartphones from Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Research-in-Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM)

In a blog post at its website Google wrote:

When we launched Nexus One in January, we announced partnerships with Vodafone in Europe and Verizon Wireless in the US. We have news on both fronts.

It contradicted the Verizon part of the announcement by saying that consumers should buy Android-based phones from other suppliers:

In the US, if you’ve been waiting for the Nexus One for Verizon Wireless’ network… customers should pre-order the Droid Incredible by HTC, a powerful new Android phone and a cousin of the Nexus One that is similarly feature-packed. It will be available in stores on April 29th.

The Nexus on launched on the AT&T (NYSE:T) Wireless network in mid-March. The price point for the handset is $529 for an unsubsidized, no-contract version or a subsidized, two-year-contract-required version for $179.

In January, consumers began to complain about customer service. Google has attempted to correct the problem and the issue seems to have become less visible.

Douglas A. McIntyre

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