The Verizon Wireless launch of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the newest Google Android phone, is expected on Dec. 15, but it may be a letdown for some eager to buy the phone as its only official carrier in the United States has said that it will not support Google Wallet.

Verizon denied on its Web site that it was blocking the application, but did say, We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Nexus release appears to be getting pushed back due to negotiations between the carrier and Google over allowing the Google Wallet app to be used on the phone.

A possible reason for Verizon not supporting Google Wallet on the Galaxy Nexus may be that the company is working with AT&T and T-Mobile on their own contactless payment service, Isis, which also employs near-field communication (NFC).

Google Wallet requires different considerations because it is different from other apps. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure, and proprietary hardware element in the phones. Right now, Sprint, the third-largest carrier with about 50 million subscribers, is the only carrier that supports Google Wallet.

Samsung Android Verizon Communications Inc. Samsung