Sat Feb 12, 2005 12:40 am
Nokia is planning to unveil a concentrated portfolio of 3G phones at the 3GSM World Congress 2005 in France. Competing late compared to rivals, the new Nokia models are expected to include two cameras; able take photos and make video calls.
Nokia currently sells three 3G phones; the 7600, 6630 and 6650. But with the increasing popularity and growth of the high-speed technology, Nokia has chosen to focus on the standard making it a priority in 2005.
Motorola and LG Electronics have already taken the lead in European 3G markets, while NEC leads in Japan. Analysts estimate 3G phone sales could nearly double to 38 million units a year, making it worth Nokia's time to market products for the emerging technology.
Chief Executive Jorma Ollila said in November that around 10 of Nokia's 40 planned launches this year would be 3G phones.
"We expect at least one new (3G) handset launch at the GSM World Congress," said Piper Jaffray in a recent research note. "While we expect some additional handset product launches during the... congress, we expect Nokia to launch the majority of its new handsets at company-specific events beginning in mid-2005."
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