Cannes, France - At the 3GSM World Congress 2005 in Cannes, France, Nokia today unveiled a renewed strategy to offer GSM operator customers greater customization options of mobile handsets. In addition to offering the existing range of software customization options, the compact and stylish Nokia 6101 folding camera phone, which was introduced today, is Nokia's first mobile phone available in exclusive operator designs.
"Operator customization is at the heart of Nokia's strategy for mobile growth," says Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Executive Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "Over the past twelve months, Nokia has been working closely with operators to create stronger product differentiation as well as to ensure greater choices and a compelling user experience for consumers. For the first time, we will offer industrial design customization for global GSM operators who are keen to have exclusive designs for their customers. We believe that this will truly be a win-win-win move for consumers, operators, and Nokia."
The Nokia 6101 offers operators extensive software customization options, such as:
- User interface look and feel through operator-specific themes
- Branded access to operator services through operator menu and softkey
- Wallpapers, screensavers and ringtones
- Operator branded start-up and shut-down graphics with tones
Exclusive Design Introduced
In response to the needs of operators, Nokia has for the first time introduced an exclusive mobile phone design for global operator partners. China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), the world's largest mobile operator, will be the first to offer an exclusive operator design for the China market - the Nokia 6102. The Nokia 6102 bears the design DNA of the Nokia 6101, but offers a slightly different look and feel. The Nokia 6102 features a different color scheme, re-designed covers, key mat and even a matching antenna design. Additionally, the Nokia 6102 will include China Mobile's specific menu and branded service access, operator start-up and shut-down graphics and tones, and easy and quick access to CMCC's services.
"Nokia has made good on its promise to provide greater support for operator customized devices. Operators see this as a key means of underpinning service differentiation and improving ease of use - it's a trend that's here to stay," said Eden Zoller, Principal Analyst with Ovum's Consumer Practice.
Both the Nokia 6101 and Nokia 6102 will be available in two versions: a GSM 900/1800/1900 version primarily for Europe, Middle-East, Africa and Asian markets, and a GSM 850/1800/1900 model targeted towards the Americas. The Nokia 6101 and 6102 are expected to start shipping in the second quarter of 2005.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com
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