Nokia denies rumors that they’re looking to re-enter the smartphone arena

Nokia has been rumored to reenter the smartphone scene as soon as their “no smartphone” clause that was part of their departure from Microsoft runs dry. As much sense as those rumors might make, Nokia’s official word says they’re wholly inaccurate.

The company released a statement today to address the rumors (which doesn’t happen often) and reassured everyone that they have no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets. Here’s the full quote:

Nokia notes recent news reports claiming the company communicated an intention to manufacture consumer handsets out of a R&D facility in China. These reports are false, and include comments incorrectly attributed to a Nokia Networks executive.

Nokia reiterates it currently has no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets.

Key in on one word: “currently.” That alone leaves open the possibility that they’ll make a return someday. Will it be the day Microsoft’s clause expires? Five years from the day the clause expires? No one but Nokia knows, but for now they’re giving us no reason to believe that we’ll see a phone with a big “N” logo on it anytime soon.

[via Nokia]