Nokia Axes Its N810 Internet Tablet WiMax Edition

Nokia has announced that it is discontinuing the recently released N810 Internet Tablet WiMax Edition. The company is set to end both production and distribution of the device although WiMAX has just been launched in the United States. The tablet was introduced in October, at the same time with the release of WiMax in Baltimore.

After learning that Nokia plans on stopping the production of the highly touted device, InformationWeek asked the company a couple of questions on the matter, receiving the following answer: "The Nokia N810 WiMax Edition has reached the expected end of its life cycle. We will continue to follow the WiMax network development and new product decisions will be considered based on the evolution of the business."

The maker's decision to cease the manufacturing and distribution of the N810 Internet Tablet WiMax Edition comes as a great surprise to many. What’s most interesting about it is that the announcement of the N810 WiMax Edition reaching the end-of-life status comes only one day after Clearwire extended the WiMax network in the U.S.

The reasons that pushed Nokia towards taking this decision are rather controversial, some voices suggesting that the move could have been triggered by the struggling economy complemented by the fact that LTE seems to remain the leading player in the next-generation wireless segment.

Speculations also take into consideration possible switch issues combined with the slow rollout as the main factors for the company's actions. Some news sites also state that the manufacturer pulled the WiMAX-enabled N810 from inventory systems and that distributor locations have been contacted to return all units they have on stock to Nokia.

The company did not announce any other plans it might have with its Internet Tablet, although some say that we might witness a re-launch of the device, or even a release of additional parts. In the meantime, Sprint/Clearwire subscribers have one device less to enjoy on the Clear WiMax network.