Nokia to set up CDMA research unit in Mumbai

Nokia Inc is setting up a code division multiple access (CDMA) research and development (R&D) centre in Navi Mumbai to focus on providing software support and technical expertise in technology. The centre is expected to be functional sometime in June 2004.

This is the third R&D centre from Nokia, the other two based in Hyderabad and Bangalore, focus on next-generation packet switched mobile technologies and communications solutions to enhance corporate productivity.

Sanjeev Sharma, managing director, customer and market operations India said, "The R&D centre will be a combination of global research network and will also focus on providing software local support for Asia Pacific region. The centre will be closer to the testing facility of service operator using CDMA technology."

The centre is expected to have 30 engineers, but Sharma pointed out that this is a "scalable facility."

Soren Petersen, senior vice president and general manager, CDMA business unit, mobile phones, Nokia said that "the establishement of such a facility in India testifies to our long-term commitment to this region".

Globally a leader in the mobile communications, Nokia has set targets of around 25-30 per cent market share in the CDMA segment, Petersen pointed out. Nokia is building on its portfolio in CDMA handset.

Meanwhile, Nokia launched two new CDMA 20001X handsets - Nokia 3125 and Nokia 2112 - designed specifically for Asia Pacific market.Besides it is also showcased other products - Nokia 6255, Nokia 3205, Nokia 6012 and Nokia 6015 phones at its technology summit "CDMA:Partnership for growth".

Nokia executives claim that the handsets will be commercially available beginning June 2004.

At the summit, Nokia also demonstrated terminal evolution of IMS, video streaming over 1X networks, the next generation CDMA 2000 1X EV-DV technology, a first standards-based cross-protocol video MMS, an advanced video codec (H.264/AVC) and IP- V6 technology.