Finnish handset maker Nokia is developing its own Linux-based mobile operating system for low-end smartphones, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Citing unnamed sources, the paper claimed that executive Vice President Mary McDowell, in-charge of mobile phones at Nokia, is leading the new OS project, codenamed Meltemi.

However, Nokia declined to comment on the report, saying it didn’t comment on future products.

When contacted, a spokesperson for Nokia said, “Of course, we don’t comment on future products or technologies. However, I can say that our Mobile Phones team has a number of exciting projects in the works that will help connect the next billion consumers to the Internet.

Nokia has ditched its Symbian and MeeGo operating systems in favor of Microsoft’s Windows Phone software, but many believe that the Finnish handset maker can’t bet its whole future on Windows Phone OS.

Moreover, Nokia has already underlined the importance of low-cost smartphones by revealing that it pocketed 47 per cent of its device-&-services earnings low-end phones during the second quarter of this year.

Thus, it is quite natural for Nokia to think of developing its own OS for low-end smartphone segment if it really wants to maintain leading potion and reduce its dependence on Windows Phone.