Nokia and Qualcomm have teamed up to develop WCDMA-based 3G devices in a deal that goes some way to resolving the previously frosty – and often litigious – relationship between the two mobile heavyweights. The two companies announced yesterday that the new handsets will be based on Nokia’s S60 software on the Symbian operating system using Qualcomm’s advanced Mobile Station Modem (MSM) chipsets. The first handsets are scheduled to launch in mid-2010 initially in North America, and will be compatible with the forthcoming Symbian Foundation platform.

In an interview with Mobile Business Briefing, Alex Katouzian, VP of product management at Qualcomm’s QCT division, described the alliance as a “great thing” for the industry. “It’s the largest OEM in the world and the leading mobile technology company getting together to produce devices,” he said. “My hope is that we will become closer in terms of collaboration and have inputs into each other roadmaps.” Nokia and Qualcomm finally ended their dispute over 3G patents last summer after being locked in litigation for the best part of a decade. A deal brokered in July 2008 ended all litigation between the two companies. Katouzian added that it was the first time the two companies had worked together on a WCDMA product and would lead to multiple devices being created. The new devices are expected to run both Qualcomm’s 7k and 8k MSM chipsets.