New Nokia phone 'makes calls over the internet'

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New Nokia phone 'makes calls over the internet'

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By Editorial Team (Friday, 21st September 2007)

Phone users may soon be able to switch between mobile and internet networks when making a call thanks to a new device from Nokia.

The Finnish firm's 6301 handset allows customers to move from the GSM cellular network to a WLAN connection when they are in range of a wireless internet provider such as a Wi-Fi point, the Times reports.

As the latest mobile to harness unlicensed mobile access (UMA) technology, the 6301 represents Nokia's most recent attempt to offer its customers greater "convergence" with its products.

"Fixed-mobile convergence is one of the hottest topics in the mobile industry, even though the benefits of UMA for consumers are not yet clear," commented Jeremy Green, analyst at market research company Ovum.

Orange will be one of the network providers to offer Nokia's new device when it is released in Europe later this year. The phone is expected to cost about €230 (£161).

The increasing popularity of cheap internet-based alternatives to traditional phone networks, such as Skype, has led to a growing interest in UMA among mobile companies.

Nokia has also recently launched its E51 handset, which is designed for business use and can function as both a desk and mobile phone when used in the office.