Vodafone has selected Sanyo and Samsung to make exclusive, own brand handsets for its 3G launch.

According to the FT, which reports the news, the selection shows that "Vodafone... has begun working more closely with Asian handset makers as they have shown themselves more willing to tailor the experience of users of their mobiles to their operators' needs."

In other words the deals are a kick in the teeth for Nokia, Europe's dominant handset maker, with 50 per cent market share in the region. That's not the way that Nokia will see it: right now it's not a player in the 3G arena. But does this matter? 3G is not exactly a mass market affair - with the possible exception of Japan and Korea. And the first 3G phones are cumbersome, unreliable affairs. No early adopter will switch brands on the basis of experience with their first 3G handset.

So Nokia has some time to get its 3G act together - at least a year. ®