Nokia and SingTel (the main Singapore Telco) have announced a collaboration to bring together 2G/3G cellular and WLAN (Wireless LAN) in a single integrated dual-mode telephony solution in three Nokia phones, the Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia N80 Internet Edition. Selected SingTel Mobile subscribers will be invited for a service trial which will allow them to use voice and data services from home when mobile via SingTel''s WiFI hotspots called SingNet Wireless Surf Zones. The full commercial launch of the service is expected to be later this year.

The Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia N80 Internet Edition are the first Nokia devices that are able to support VoIP using the SIP protocol. All three devices will work on 2G, 3G and WLAN networks. The Nokia N80 Internet Edition also allows for streaming video and audio over WiFi and can be used as a media distribution system for a home network by connecting to audio and video systems using WiFi and streaming content to them.

SingTel''s VoIP on mobile service will be available to non-business customers on postpaid mobile plans, allowing them to make unlimited local calls using their SIP-enabled VoIP devices. The service can be accessed using a home WiFi networkor through more than 330 SingTel Wireless Hotspots across the island. The subscription fees for the service will be announced later.

"Nokia is pleased to co-operate with SingTel on this industry leading initiative on our range of multiradio mobile devices", said Chris Carr, General Manager, Customer Market and Operations, Nokia Singapore, "Consumers can now experience the power of mobility and benefit from accessing Internet services and calls without being connected to a computer."

Vicki Brady, Vice President (Consumer Marketing), SingTel said, "SingTel is proud to be one of the first operators globally working with Nokia to bring VoIP services over Wireless LAN to our customers using Nokia devices. With SingTel''s VoIP on mobile service, our customers can make local calls over the Internet with their VoIP handsets for a fixed monthly fee."

Author: Owen Linderholm