Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is considering launching its own MVNO in Japan, according to Kyodo News (via Cellular-News). The move would allow Nokia to compete head-to-head with operators, instead of relying on carriers to adopt both its phones and its newer content business. According to unnamed sources, the company will use NTT DoCoMo’s network and will focus on the high end of the market by offering its “Vertu” branded phones, which includes luxury phones with embedded diamonds and a separate Ferrari collection. The move would allow Nokia to get a foothold into the market, which up until now has been limited to phones being distributed on both Softbank and DoCoMo’s network. We are checking with spokespeople to see if this is true. Obviously, MVNOs have struggled to be successful, and are dependent on having a great business arrangement with the carrier, so it would seem strange for DoCoMo (NYSE: DCM) to want to give up the high end part of the market.