WASHINGTON (AFP) - Verizon Wireless and Google announced on Tuesday that mobile phones powered by the Internet giant's Android software will be introduced in the next few weeks.

Verizon Wireless and Google, in a statement, also said they planned to commit "substantial resources" to a strategic partnership to deliver "leading-edge mobile applications, services and devices."

"Through this partnership, we hope to deliver greater innovation in the mobile space to consumers across the US," said Google chief executive Eric Schmidt.

"The Android platform allows Verizon Wireless customers to experience faster and easier access to the Web from any location," he said.

Verizon Wireless and Google said they will "create, market and distribute products and services" which will be available in Verizon Wireless retail and online stores.

The companies said the first Android-based handsets would be introduced "within the next few weeks."

They also said they plan to co-develop several Android-based devices which will be made by "leading handset manufacturers."

Verizon Wireless is the latest US telecom carrier or manufacturer to adopt Google's open-source Android software in a bid to challenge the Apple iPhone and Blackberry from Research in Motion.

Android mobile operating systems are already being used to power smartphones from Motorola and T-Mobile.

US wireless carrier Sprint Nextel and Taiwan's HTC have also announced plans to release a touch-screen mobile phone in October powered by Android.