Nokia muddies high-speed wireless market

Mobile phone users face a confusing choice between two wireless high-speed data devices made by the same vendor.

Nokia today launched a handset with high-speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) technology, which provides dial-up data access at about 44Kbps. The 6210 handset will be available in volume by the third quarter of this year.

The Finnish vendor will also sell general packet radio service (GPRS) handsets, capable of speeds up to 100Kbps. The phone will be available towards the end of the year.

Arja Suominen, vice president of communications at Nokia Networks, said the two technologies are complementary. "HSCSD is more for the business user, while GPRS is more for killer applications for wireless application protocol [Wap]."

HSCSD requires the user to dial up and get a constant data stream over the packet voice network. This is better for conferencing or time-sensitive data communications. GPRS, which is always connected, is better for streaming services, such as downloading email in the background.

However, HSCSD could be a short-lived technology. It is slower than GPRS, is not always connected, and so far lacks support from some major operators. Only Orange supports HSCSD in the UK, while other operators appear to be concentrating their efforts on GPRS. This may in part be because HSCSD uses large amounts of capacity on voice networks.

Suominen said the success of HSCSD will be judged by "the number of operators taking it up and the use of the service". So far only 20 operators worldwide have committed to doing so.

Nokia announced a total of four Wap-enabled phones here at Cebit. In addition to the 6210, there is the rugged 6250 which Nokia claims is dust, water and shock-resistant.

The vendor also announced a Wap-enabled version of its Communicator - the 9110. Users of older 9110 phones will be able to make their phones compatible by adding a memory card. Nokia also announced a phone that it claims will operate in 120 countries.

Online bookseller Amazon.com has added its name to the list of major companies supporting Wap. Under a deal with Nokia, Wap phone users will be able to buy Amazon products using their handsets.

See also:

Orange snubs mobile giants for UK startup

UK mobile operator Orange has recruited a Cambridge-based startup to develop devices for accessing its high-speed wireless data services.  17 May 2000

Amstrad launches email phone

Amstrad today unveiled a telephone with email and fax capability, developed in conjunction with BT.  29 Mar 2000

Mobile leaders shy away from high-speed standard

Ericsson and Motorola have turned their backs on one of the emerging high-speed data protocols favoured by rival mobile vendor Nokia.  24 Feb 2000

Wap focus: coming to a phone near you

Suddenly everyone's talking about Wap, so we've pulled together a few vnunet.com articles published over the last few months, to make sure you understand what everyone else is talking about.  22 Feb 2000

Cebit 2000: showcase for IT in Europe

The world's largest IT show took place in February in Hanover, Germany. vnunet.com, were there to bring you all the latest developments from the show floor.  22 Feb 2000

Orange plans high-speed alternative to GPRS

Orange today dismissed hype surrounding next generation 'data only' wireless networks, as it launched its own alternative mobile data service that runs on top of its existing voice network.  29 Nov 1999

High speed mobile Internet technology faces a testing time

The voice and data communications industry is developing rival technologies and standards to underpin mobile connectivity. Which will win?  06 Oct 1999

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