Nokia N97 lands in the UK on 19 June

Operators to start selling the smartphone from 26 June

The N97 will have instant access to the full range of Ovi services

Nokia's highly anticipated N97 smartphone is set to go on sale in the UK from 19 June, but only as a SIM-free version initially.

The phone features a 3.5in tilting touch screen, slide-out keyboard and 32GB of onboard memory. It will be on sale in the UK from Nokia's flagship Regent Street store and from the company's online shop.

Those not wanting to fork out the £499 upfront will be able to get the N97 on a contract from 3, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U from 26 June.

Nokia unveiled the N97 six months ago in December 2008, but only started taking pre-orders for the device last month.

The launch ties in with Nokia's recent opening of its Ovi Store. The N97 will be the first phone to offer instant access to the full range of Ovi services from the start.

"The Nokia N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalised internet experience," said Jonas Geust, vice president and head of Nokia Nseries.

"Fuelled by a multitude of music, maps, games, media and applications via Ovi, the Nokia N97 transforms the internet into an experience that's completely tailored to the tastes and interests of its owner."

Nokia said that the N97 will begin selling in more than 75 countries across the globe over the course of June.

For firms interested in the N97 as a potential business device, Nokia said they will need to contact the individual mobile operators to confirm whether it will be available on their corporate plans.