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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Nokia Connection 2004: Live, work, play the mobile way
June 14, 2004 -- Helsinki, Finland - Details of five new mobile devices, a software roadmap overview, new mobile infrastructure equipment and updated 2004 volume projections all featured among the breaking news at the annual Nokia Connection conference today.
Chairman and CEO Jorma Ollila introduced the new products, noting that the five new mobile devices would result in a stronger and more competitive product range. With the new products including three clamshell phones and the world's smallest 3G GSM/WCDMA phone, Ollila commented that, "We have now sharpened our product portfolio in key areas, bringing to the market new phones in the mid-range, and adding more clamshells to our offering."
Nokia's software plans were also outlined, as Nokia announced the second edition of the industry-leading Series 60 platform. The new edition focuses on applications tailored for business, and superior performance in different types of networks. Noting the ability of both Series 40 and Series 60 to support the customization and differentiation of operator services, Ollila drew attention to Nokia's cooperation with operator customers to date, and reaffirmed Nokia's resolve to respond to changing customer and market needs by strengthening its efforts in these areas.
Nokia also updated its mobile device volume estimate for 2004. Matti Alahuhta, Executive Vice President, stated that, "For 2004, Nokia sees the global mobile device market volume reaching approximately 600 million units, of which about one-third will be camera phones."
Clearly the industry is thriving. Throughout 2004, around 800,000 new subscribers have joined the mobile world every day. Alahuhta added, "as a result of fast growth in the number of new subscribers, we now expect the mobile subscription base to reach two billion in 2007, one year earlier than our previous forecast." Nokia also revised its previous first quarter global mobile device market volume estimate to 141 million units. Nokia's first quarter sales were 44.7 million units, representing market share of close to 32%.
Globally, there are now almost six million 3G WCDMA subscribers, and Nokia anticipates that 2004 will be a pivotal year for 3G WCDMA. Indeed, it is estimated that over 60 commercial 3G WCDMA networks will be in service by the end of the year. The company's aim to fulfill the promise of 3G was demonstrated by the launch of the Nokia 6630 mobile device, bringing 3G to the mass market, and the new Nokia MetroSite50 base station for rapid, cost-effective 3G WCDMA deployment and expansion.
Nokia reiterated its earlier-stated expectation for slight growth in the overall network infrastructure market in 2004. Sari Baldauf, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Networks, highlighted Western Europe's leading role in the deployment of 3G WCDMA: "During the first five months of 2004, we have seen the commercial launch of 20 3G WCDMA networks in Europe, which is very encouraging." Taking a global view, Ms Baldauf also highlighted Nokia's strong legacy and continuing focus on the USA, highlighting the company's roadmap for HSDPA and the smooth upgrade path it offers operators. Nokia also stressed the strength of its position in 3G WCDMA, having supplied 15 of the 33 commercially deployed networks to date, with 43 operator 3G WCDMA references in all.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.
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