“It’s really a flop for Google,” said a New York-based analyst. “They paid a price to roll out their own branded phone — it’s a price of trust and relationship with some of the other players in the space.”

It’s a blow to Google because it means the loss of offering the handset to more than 90 million Verizon Wireless customers. Some think the deal may have floundered thanks to fears by Verizon that Google was more of a competitor than a partner.

Yet, Google insists that it was to blame for the Nexus One deal falling through, citing “amazing innovation happening across the open Android ecosystem,” whatever that means.

So if you want a Nexus One Google is about the only place you can get one for now.

According to an anonymous Google employee, Verizon Wireless will begin offering Google’s new Nexus One smartphone on March 23.

Tech news website Neowin said the Google Android 2.1-based Nexus One, has passed FCC inspection for use on Verizon’s CDMA network.

“Since the GSM/HSPA Google Nexus One is the PB99100, the PB99300 is likely the CDMA version of the Nexus One, which should be launched via Verizon soon (Google has officially announced that Verizon would support the Nexus One),” says one report.

For Google, launching the Nexus One on Verizon Wireless’ leading wireless network is key to gaining more traction on the mobile Web, as it will enable more users to use Google applications and see more ads.

“When we introduced Nexus One, we announced that Verizon would be a carrier partner and the device would be available in the spring,” says a Google spokesperson. “However, we haven’t announced a specific date yet.”

Pricing and fees not yet known but our source said they would be “competitive” with other carriers.

Currently, users may buy the an unlocked version of the device from Google for $529, and from T-Mobile for $179 with a two-year contract.

In other news, Verizon Wireless has been slapped with a class-action lawsuit over $1.99 data fees alleged to have been improperly charged to non-smartphone customers.