24 September 2007
Today Nokia announced the release of a new phone that will allow users to switch from traditional mobile networks to make calls via the Internet when they are in a Wi-Fi available area.
The Nokia 6301 is the latest handset to use Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology. This allows users to switch between GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) cellular and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) networks. Nokia said the 6301, which will be available through operators including Orange, would begin shipping to Europe in the latter part of 2007. It will cost an estimated £161, before subsidies and taxes.
Interest in UMA has climbed within the last year, especially in the USA, as mobile operators face increased competition from free and low-cost internet telephony services such as Skype.
In particular, mobile operators are keen to take advantage of the large numbers of phone calls people make using their mobiles at home.
According to market research, in Europe 30 to 40 percent of mobile calls are made at home. Comparatively, this figure is 60 percent in the USA.
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