Nokia ready for 3G play in Indian market

Nokia on Monday said it is geared up for introduction of Third Generation technology in India, and about 30 devices of the company currently sold in the country are compatible with the new technology.

“We have been ready for 3G for sometime because as you know talks have been going on (to introduce 3G in Indian market), and Nokia believes being slightly ahead of the curve in terms of its investments and decisions,” Devinder Kishore, director-marketing, told reporters here.

“We have almost 30 devices in the market, which are 3G compliant. The day 3G rolls out (in India) consumers will not have to go searching for new handsets,” Kishore said.

The government’s 3G policy has evoked mixed reaction from the industry as it differentiates existing players from new entrants.

The latter has to bear extra cost compared with existing operators in offering 3G services, which is considered to be a “serious disincentive” for new entrants.

Kishore said Nokia is working with its operator partners and the government to introduce more 3G devices in Indian market.

“Today, I believe Nokia has the biggest range of devices across price points that would take care of 3G requirements,” he said.

The global mobile handset giant also plans to introduce various value-added services including phone games and Nokia Music Store in the country during this calendar year.

Kishore said value-added services would help the company to boost its revenues and maintain its leadership position, but declined to share numbers. Nokia today announced the launch of 6210 handset with navigator.

Priced at Rs 18,000, Nokia 6210 would have maps of eight Indian cities, and in-built global positioning system that would provide directions to different locations across these cities. Navigation facility will also be available in nine other Nokia devices.