Mobile phone maker Nokia has launched a music and games download service, challenging both rival handset makers and mobile phone network providers.The Nokia Music Store should make it easier for customers to use Nokia handsets as music players, making them stronger rivals to Apple’s iPhone.It will also make Nokia a rival to the sellers of its phones, the network providers, which also offer downloads.Nokia has also unveiled handsets better suited as multimedia players.Nokia predicts that the market for such phones, which can be used to surf the web, play music and games, and even make calls, is set to grow by 50% to 120 million units this year.”Looking into the future, we will deliver great devices, combined with compelling experiences and services, to make it easy for people to unlock the potential of the Internet,” said Nokia’s chief executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo.Nokia’s music store will be part of the company’s Ovi umbrella brand, which gives consumers access to all of Nokia’s online content.The store will charge 1 euro ($1.40; 70p) per single track and from 10 euros for an album, while games will cost between 6 and 10 euros.

The GSM Association (GSMA), the global trade association for the world’s GSM mobile operators, continues its drive to improve operators’ ability to deal with mobile phone theft, through plans to introduce more cost effective Equipment Identity Registers (EIR) - local databases used to blacklist stolen phones. “The cost to operators today of implementing local stolen phone databases, on a per subscriber basis, is prohibitively high,” said Rob Conway, CEO of the GSM Association. “This has been a significant barrier to implementation for many operators, in many markets of the world. Our members are in need of more cost effective solutions, tailored to the needs of their markets.” In response, the GSMA has created GSM Technology Services, a venture with iLabs that will offer cost effective EIR solutions together with improved functionality. “Over time we believe we will be able to leverage greater economies of scale to further reduce costs, and therefore improve the viability for more operators to develop their own customised databases,” said Conway. GSM Technology Services will offer two alternative cost-effective Equipment Identity Register (EIR) solutions, customised to meet mobile operators’ specific market based requirements. The first is an innovative centralised managed EIR service that will significantly lower the initial investment required to implement an EIR system. The second is a newly developed local EIR database solution. Both options are expected to offer substantially reduced set-up costs compared with the offerings currently available on today’s EIR solutions market. “We are excited to partner with the GSMA for the creation of this new entity” said Mr. Sandeep Reddy, Vice Chairman iLabs group. “It will be our endeavor to develop and take to market highly relevant offerings to the GSM community working closely with the Industry body”, Reddy added.The identities of stolen handsets uploaded to local EIR databases are uploaded to a central database hosted by the GSM Association (the Central Equipment Identity Register or CEIR). The GSMA is also poised to extend and upgrade the functionality and scalability of its central database.Operators connected to the existing central database will be migrated to the upgraded global database during early 2005. The upgraded database will be able to accept new connections from the second quarter. The GSMA’s announcement builds on the agreement, reached earlier in 2004 between the Association and leading handset manufacturers on measures to enhance the integrity of handset identities.The investment in the upgraded global database and greater security of electronic identities underlines the commitment of the industry to the fight against phone theft.

With the Sharp TM200, T-Mobile Deutschland is now the first European mobile operator to offer a cellphone with an integrated two megapixel camera and autofocus. The compact multimedia phone has the same picture quality as many modern digital cameras as a result. Close-ups of twinkling Christmas trees come out as pin-sharp as photos of distant winter landscapes or snapshots of exciting scenes on the slopes. The Sharp TM200 is available now in T-Mobiles Online-Shop and end of week in T-Punkt stores and by T-Mobile sales partners and costs € 149.95 in conjunction with a T-Mobile postpay contract with the Relax 100 tariff.“The Sharp TM200 means that we are setting new standards in the world of mobile multimedia and once again highlighting our innovative leadership“, said Michael Schuld, Executive Vice President Terminal Management T-Mobile Deutschland.Due to its high resolution and autofocus, the Sharp TM200’s integrated two megapixel camera produces photos that are very rich in detail and contrast. For those in the know - with its maximum eightfold zoom the camera can focus in close-up from a distance of just 13.5 centimeters between phone and subject. This allows even small subjects to be reproduced as a full picture. If necessary, the integrated flash provides more light. In order to really enjoy the details after the “shooting“, sections of the photos can be enlarged up to three times on the big display (240 x 320 pixels, maximum of 262,141 colors). This enlargement function is also available for e-mails or t-zones services.Suitable songs can also be downloaded from T-Mobile’s mobile jukebox with the Sharp TM200. With its integrated 9 MB storage and a SD card slot, the TM200 offers generous storage space. A player is also integrated to play MP3 and AAC audio files and the phone comes with a stereo headset. With this phone, you are not only as up-to-date as it gets in visual and musical terms, but also as far as your address book is concerned - Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express data can simply be transferred to PC, e.g. with Bluetooth.

Nokia today introduced the Nokia Field Force Solution based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. The solution allows for easy management of tasks and service team workflow in the field. The Nokia Field Force Solution consists of the J2EE based software product, the Nokia Local Interactions Server and client software, which work together with the earlier announced Nokia Mobile RFID kit for the Nokia 5140 phone and the Nokia NFC shell for the Nokia 3220 phone, and RFID tags. The Nokia Field Force Solution is designed specifically for industry sectors such as security, services, utilities, health care, and government branches to increase the efficiency of field personnel. Application examples include repair, maintenance, asset management, time, attendance, meter reading and work completion reporting. The Nokia Field Force Solution enables real-time, two-way interaction between the client software, Nokia Local Interactions Server and a company’s existing back-office systems, such as work scheduling, task management or information databases. A unique benefit of the Nokia Field Force Solution is that it allows both the sending of information on location, work time or task status from the field to the office and the receiving of information, such as service instructions or work assignments on the field.Simply touching the RFID tag placed on objects - such as billboards, meters or other equipment - with the Nokia RFID enabled phone start the information exchange. The data is then sent as text message or GPRS data as real-time exchange with the Nokia Local Interactions Server and the company’s systems.”The Nokia Field Force solution supports real-time enterprise by allowing high visibility on delivered services. It reduces costs of field services while improving quality. Companies can significantly improve their workflow management and increase effectiveness of their operations,” says Gerhard Romen, Head of Market Development, Nokia Ventures Organization. After a successful pilot project, Falck Security in Finland has decided to deploy the Nokia Field Force Solution in their security services. “By implementing the solution, we significantly improve communication to and from our security guards on the road and offer our customers greater visibility of our service performance,” says Clas Nyström, Guarding Director at Falck Security Finland. “Previously, our security guards had to carry two devices with them, now they only need one for real-time data capture and transfer - the Nokia 5140 mobile phone with the RFID Reader shell.”

Vodafone, the largest operator of multiple, multi-national wireless networks in the world, faces tough challenges to protect its turf, reports In-Stat/MDR  Vodafone faces the twin tasks of extracting greater and greater efficiencies in the mostly mature markets in which it operates, while at the same time fending off competitors who are employing many of the same techniques that brought Vodafone to the forefront in the first place.What is not yet obvious, but what will become apparent over the next two to three years, is what Vodafone is prepared to do to protect its position from encroachment by these challengers. Vodafone offers services to more than 139 million customers in 26 different countries around the world. The company has reached this position through a process of skillful acquisitions of networks in different countries, and strong management skills and operational techniques that have allowed it to build out wireless networks that are highly competitive.A recent report by the high-tech market research firm also found the following:

• The cost of Vodafone’s growth through acquisition is estimated to top $270 billion (225 billion Euros) over the last five years.
• Vodafone has an 18 to 24 month window in which it can still enter Latin American markets and use its deep bank accounts and purchasing power to build out modern networks to compete with other operators there.
• Perhaps the company’s greatest weakness is its exposure to maturing markets, where commoditization of wireless services is a growing trend that will grow over time, particularly in Europe.

Twist, swivel or flip open the new p735 and re-define your wireless multimedia experience. Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) officially launches the exclusive p735, a cutting-edge wireless device that fully integrates communication and entertainment with audio, video and storage capabilities. The distinctive wireless phone delivers on Samsung’s renowned design and technology, and T-Mobile’s reputation for delivering innovative handsets, to provide consumers with a rich wireless multimedia experience.Featuring a package of design and multimedia features, the imaginative p735 is Samsung’s first GSM megapixel camera phone in the U.S. With options that entertain, enrich and enhance a consumer’s wireless experience, the p735 boasts an eye-catching twist and flip display and advanced multimedia technology, including a megapixel camera phone, video recorder, MP3 player and expandable memory.The phone’s distinct feature is a swivel form factor that allows the consumer to twist the display so that the vibrant 262,000-color screen rotates to a horizontal position, giving the phone a more camcorder-like feel and making picture taking and video recording easier. And with a megapixel camera, film-quality pictures can be stored and printed at sizes up to 4×6. For moments such as upcoming holiday gatherings that require more than a quick snapshot, the video recorder is practical and convenient, and video and pictures can be shared wirelessly via T-Mobile’s messaging services. While the phone’s 64MB of internal memory provides space for pictures and video, the p735 comes with an RS MMC media slot and additional 32MB multimedia card so no moment is ever missed. In addition, the expandable memory slot offers space for easy and quick access to supplementary applications and games.For those that still have the gamer in them but are too busy to play at home, the p735 acts as a gaming device with access to 3D games, including Metalion and Zio Golf. For music download addicts, the p735 comes equipped with a personal MP3 player, so downloading, playing and sorting music wirelessly becomes a convenience, not a hassle. Sounds come in clear with T-Mobile’s HiFi Ringers and the device’s pre-packaged headset provides a heightened auditory experience“The p735 will change the way consumers view their wireless phone” said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president of Samsung’s wireless division. Whether using the phone to download and listen to music, or snapping pictures and video clips to send back to the office while on a business trip, the p735 will enhance consumers’ digital lifestyle.“This is a truly fun phone” said Todd Achilles, director of handset product management for T-Mobile USA. “From the bright screen, to cool swivel design, and MP3 player to the megapixel camera, there’s a lot to keep you entertained”

Nokia is to further expand and modernise ONE Austria’s GSM 1800 and GPRS network under a new frame contract. In addition ONE also has an option to buy the Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery, a network based centralised service and content control system. It provides an intelligent delivery of IP-based content enabling ONE Austria to analyse, charge and manage their data services.Deliveries have begun and network roll-out will take place during “We are happy to further strengthen our strategic relationship with Nokia, allowing us to increase our capacity as demand surges and continue to launch the most innovative services. With the option to buy Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery solution ONE will be able to react in a flexible manner to changing market demands and support the take up of future data services,” says Jorgen Bang-Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, ONE GmbH. “The modernized and expanded GSM and GPRS network of ONE is an ideal platform for mobile voice and data services today and tomorrow. The frame contract gives ONE also the option to buy the Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery solution, which will enable ONE to offer highly flexible pricing schemes for data services to its customers,” adds Walid Moneimne, Senior Vice President, Networks, EMEA, Nokia. “We are pleased to continue supporting ONE in modernizing and expanding its network to meet the needs of the future. Nokia is very happy that ONE Austria has made a frame contract with Nokia, strengthening our close cooperation in GSM, GPRS and 3G WCDMA core networks,” says Günter Haberler, Managing Director Nokia Austria GmbH.In addition to GSM/GPRS core and base station subsystem, Nokia is providing consulting, solution integration and implementation services for the Intelligent Content Delivery solution.In October  the communications company ONE (ONE GmbH) launched Austria’s only nation-wide GSM-1800 mobile telephony network. At the end of September , ONE had some 970 employees (about 860 full time) and over 1.5 million mobile telephony customers. ONE is the only Austrian mobile telephony provider to offer HSCSD (ONE High Speed), GPRS and UMTS. On , the company launched ONE WLAN and the densest Austrian hotspot network by one provider. ONE focuses on service, product development and usability; with ONE Smile, it offers its customers an innovative and easy-to-use mobile phone interface. ONE has a population coverage of 98% and a bank license for the 100% subsidiary ONE Bank GmbH as the basis for mobile payment applications. In the first half of, turnover amounted to some ¤ 355 million. By the middle , the company had invested a total of some ¤ 1.76 billion. ONE is owned by the German E.ON (50.10%), the Norwegian Telenor (17.45%), the French Orange (17.45%) and the Danish TDC (15%).

Eurotel Praha has launched the Czech Republic’s first Push to talk over Cellular technology, using a state-of-the-art solution provided by Nokia. Eurotel will follow this initial launch of technology with a full commercial launch in early. In addition to a complete PoC solution, Nokia is providing implementation and care services for the deployment of the solution. Nokia is also supplying Nokia 5140 mobile phones, which support PoC. Nokia has been Eurotel’s main supplier of GSM network systems since . “Over the years, our cooperation with Eurotel has been extremely important to us,” said Matti Palomaki, Country Director, Networks, Nokia. “We are pleased to see this close cooperation strengthened even further with the launch of this attractive and instant form of mobile communications.” “We have always looked to Nokia for innovative end-to-end solutions,” said Michal Herman, Chief Executive Officer of Eurotel Praha, spol. s r.o. “Nokia’s support leading up to the launch of our push to talk technology has been key to bringing this exciting technology to our market. We strongly believe that push to talk will open up new communication possibilities to our customers.”With more than 30 operator trials ongoing and commercial contracts with 22 operators, Nokia is leading the market for Push to talk over Cellular in GSM. Nokia’s solution offers a full feature set and smooth migration to the upcoming Open Mobile Architecture (OMA) standard, and it is compatible with the IP multimedia subsystem as standardized in 3GPP.Nokia has introduced several push to talk phones. The Nokia 5140, Nokia 6260, Nokia 6170 and Nokia 7270 are already commercially available. The Nokia 6020 and Nokia 3230 are expected to be shipping in the first quarter . Also, users of Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 6670 or Nokia 7610 are able to use push to talk by downloading the push to talk client to their terminals.  onwards, push to talk will become available for almost all Nokia GPRS/WCDMA phones.

Nokia today announced that Nokia Lifeblog 1.5 is now available at  Nokia Lifeblog is a mobile phone and PC application that keeps an organized multimedia diary of the items collected with your mobile phone. In addition to new mobile and PC related features, Nokia Lifeblog 1.5 will enable personal mobile multimedia blogging. “When you go to all your holiday festivities with family and friends, you will write many happy holiday messages, capture great photos, and shoot exciting videos. If you have a Nokia 7610, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6630 or Nokia 6260, then Nokia Lifeblog is your perfect holiday companion,” said Christian Lindholm, Director, Multimedia Applications, Nokia Ventures Organization. “With Nokia Lifeblog, your phone does the work of collecting your fun times this holiday, as Lifeblog automatically does the work of putting it all in chronological order. And, once you have all your holiday memories in Nokia Lifeblog, you’ll want to share a lot of them online via a blog or email, either from your phone or PC. And all that a lifeblogger need is a weblog account from a Nokia Lifeblog compatible provider, such as Six Apart’s TypePad service.”In addition to the blogging capability, Nokia Lifeblog 1.5 comes with some usability additions. The ability to back-up to CD or DVD, a full screen item view, and enhanced sharing on the mobile, makes it more enjoyable to browse, search, and share. Nokia Lifeblog 1.5 will be available in 15 languages. The new languages include Czech, Danish, Dutch, Greek, Hungarian, Norwegian, Polish and Swedish.

As mobile operators in both saturated markets and emerging ones continue to build towards a totally cellular world, infrastructure vendors will be the benefactors throughout the decade. Hundreds of thousands of base stations will be deployed annually until the end of the decade, according to the just published study World Mobile Infrastructure Report.“There are really a couple of distinct markets out there today for infrastructure vendors,” said the author. “Operators in developed markets will begin to bear the fruit of third generation infrastructure investments beginning next year and will continue to build out those networks as they bring subscribers over from their existing networks. Emerging markets will complete the first swath of redundant and competitive national services near the end of the decade through the use of 2G and 2.5G air interfaces. All of this bodes well for the infrastructure vendors and those associated with cellular sales.”According to the report, both EDGE and WCDMA will do well as third generation alternatives with the two complementing each other in some cases, while CDMA2000 and GSM/GPRS systems will also be abundant in 2009 as over 2.4 million base stations deployed worldwide serve over 2.1 billion cellular subscribers. The report found that many operators are not concerned with WCDMA at this time due to the fiscal constraints of their markets in many cases, and are turning to GSM/GPRS and EDGE while other operators, in more lucrative markets, are already serving or will serve subscribers well through WCDMA deployments.The report details subscriber and base station growth through 2009 by air-interface and region and also calculates high-speed data users including mid-speed GSM/GPRS subscribers and CDMA2000 high-speed users. The world’s regions are broken down including a discussion of growth, which air-interfaces will likely be mostly utilized throughout the regions and how the 2G, 2.5G and 3G infrastructure will be deployed from 2004-2009. Also explained are those operators and regions that are influencing which 3G air-interfaces are being deployed and how purveyors of CDMA2000, GSM/GPRS, EDGE, and WCDMA will fare overall.