Nokia is going Windows-only in America because that's the only way they can get the carriers to go along. It's that simple.
In Europe carriers typically have much less to say. In some countries many people have SIM-only contracts and buy their own unlocked phones from a third party.
If they had any sort of functioning government oversight over the telecoms, that shouldn't be legal.
I would argue this is the norm in most of Europe, not just "some countries".
Only where the telcom business have gone completely unregulated for too long, have the USesque system of carriers controlling phones taken hold.
Both Nokia and Palm/HP have had a very difficult time getting the US carriers to distribute and subsidize their smartphones. They had no interest in adding MeeGo to the lineup, regardless of Elop's decision.
The carriers already know Windows Phone and they have a relationship with Microsoft. Nokia has reportedly committed some serious money for marketing their WP devices in the US. The combined resources of Microsoft and Nokia has certainly got some carriers interested.
Customers who'd want an N9 over all other phones. Why should there be only three slots for people: iOs, Android, Windows Phone (haha, on that third one).
Since when is telling people what they CAN'T have good business? Where's the free in the free market?
Am I wrong in thinking you could just import one yourself? Or is importing mobile phones regulated in the US?
So basically Nokia is only playing by the rules of the market, and the real problem is US carriers abusing their position. The real problem is US carriers, again.
So much bullshit stems from the way US carriers completely obliterates and perverts the free market, that you would think some government regulation would be heading their way sooner or later. Interesting how that haven't happened yet.