Carrier certification works differently outside the US and can be much less restrictive. In most of the world it isn't a Apple/Blackberry one point five horse race, but rather a much more diverse fight. I would certainly encourage anyone who is counting Nokia out to go and pick up a E71 and give it a go.
Don't let the local market distort your perspective unless you want to limit your reach.
This statement was made before any handsets have come to market. How many carriers do they have? I'll believe it when I see it.
"Google Developer Advocate Jason Chen told the Android breakout session that developers won't need to get Android applications certified by anyone nor will there be any hidden APIs accessible only to handset makers or mobile operators."
from: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/android_is_out_for_ipho...
Has that since been proven incorrect and I just didn't hear about it? That's possible, and if so I think it will be significantly less appealing to developers.