Handset maker’s first touch screen smartphone struggled to connect to 3G networks in New York, Chicago.

Nokia Corp. said it has resolved the connection issues with its touchscreen XpressMusic 5800 handset, and expects it to be back on the market soon.

“We have concluded this was an isolated situation related to a configuration change in the North American variant,” said Nokia spokesman Joseph Gallo.”We have now adjusted the configuration and will resume sales shortly.”

On Monday, Nokia acknowledged that the 5800 – the company’s first attempt at a touchscreen smartphone to rival Apple Inc.’s iPhone – was having problems connecting to the faster third-generation, or 3G, network in New York and Chicago. Phones in those markets were pulled from the shelves.

Now, the problems have been resolved, Gallo said. The issue was a setting configuration, and there was no risk of it happening again. He said the phones will be hitting the shelves next week.

Nokia sells many of its devices through third-party retailers such as Best Buy Co. Inc. and through its own stores. The devices aren’t supported by the carriers, so they are sold without subsidies or any guaranteed level of service. The 5800 retails for $400. The problems with the device weren’t seen as a major publicity issue for Nokia, since mass market consumers typically ignore phones without carrier support. There are, however, a group of gadget enthusiasts likely disappointed by the connection issue.

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