Talking convergence: Nokia 6301 UMA phone

Nokia are looking to a not too distant future where home and office landline based phones are obsolete with the release of the 6301 UMA phone. The stainless steel 6301 enables voice and data mobility across GSM cellular and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) networks via Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology. This allows the phone to integrate the benefits of landline and a mobile phone by providing seamless indoor coverage, sound quality and affordability.

With UMA technology, the consumer can use the GSM network or a broadband Internet-connected WLAN network for mobile services. This helps ensure excellent indoor coverage both at office and home. The consumer can have one multi-mode handset that works everywhere and WLAN/UMA provides coverage in areas where mobile phone reception has previously been poor. "The convergence of mobile and fixed/land-line technologies means consumers are looking for products that can help make their lives easier," said Peter Ropke, Senior Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "With the Nokia 6301 utilizing UMA technology, worldwide triband GSM coverage is combined with superior indoor WLAN coverage to create a device that people can use in virtually any situation.”

Nokia also believes the 6301 will benefit operators as well, with UMA technology allowing delivery of voice and data services to subscribers over WLAN, substantially increasing mobile service availability while decreasing the costs related to network deployment. Orange agrees and will be one of the first operators offering the 6301 as part of its Unik/Unique portfolio. Yves Maitre, Senior Vice President, Devices, Orange said "The Nokia 6301 is a stylish new addition to our Unik range of converged fixed and mobile phones. Orange's Unik offer brings together the convenience of a single phone and tariff at home and on the move and the widest range of UMA handsets.”

The 6301 is of the familiar candybar design and weighs in at a mere 93 grams while measuring less than 13.1mm thick. On top of the UMA technology the 6301 also includes a 2 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom and full screen viewfinder. In its aim to replace the home and office phone the 6301 comes with a desk stand - the Nokia Desk Stand DT-23 - to house the phone and keep its battery charged while connected to WLAN.

The Nokia 6301 is expected to begin shipping to select markets in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of around 230 euros ex tax.