Complaints over Nexus One 'Googlephone'

NEW YORK - Google has received more than 100 complaints on its website about the Nexus One, a phone released last week that is designed to compete with Apple's iPhone.

Users complain about network compatibility, spotty coverage, availability and delivery problems, and a lack of live customer support.

Some said they were passed between Google, manufacturer HTC and network provider T-Mobile USA.

The site also includes questions and positive comments.

Google introduced the Nexus One on January 5 and opened an online store to make purchases easier.

Google was aware that users have reported problems with the coverage on so-called third-generation networks, Katie Watson, a spokeswoman, said in an email.

The company was investigating the reports, she said.

Google had phone support available in addition to an email option and was committed to replying to customers in a timely manner, she said. Google declined to say how many phones have been sold.

The new way of selling phones through Google's site resulted in "a few unforeseen things", HTC spokesman Keith Nowak said.

The phone costs US$179 ($240) with a two-year T-Mobile contract and US$529 without it.

Google charges a US$350 "equipment recovery fee" for cancellation in the first 120 days if users purchased the phone through T-Mobile.

- BLOOMBERG