Customizing changes mobile-phone market

Article Abstract:

The line between mobile-phone makers and mobile-phone services companies is beginning to blur. In the past, cellular handsets were manufactured by telecommunications equipment makers and were sold to mobile-phone services providers who would then sell them, with services, to mobile-phone customers. Now many cellular-telephone services companies are hiring middlemen to customize cellular telephones to look different and to work directly with their own add-on services. Handset makers, like Nokia, are also marketing their own mobile telephone services and add-ons.

Marketing procedures, Radiotelephone communications, Cellular Mobile Radio Services, Cellular and Other Wireless Telecommunications, World

---

Nokia aims to be a force in software with handset debut

Article Abstract:

Nokia Corp. is introducing the 7650 cellular-phone handset that doubles as a digital camera and that has the software to access the Internet, run videos, play games on a color screen as well as the standard telephone features. For $483, the 7650 can send text, pictures or sounds to other phones or Web sites. The company will license the multimedia messaging software, dubbed m-platform to rivals; Nokia is focusing 60% of its research on software. With a little sliding keyboard that is in fact a digital camera, the color screen is the viewfinder and picture can then be sent via handset.

Finland, Europe, Prepackaged software, Product introduction, Spain, Computer software industry, Software industry, Software, Nokia Corp., NOK, Software product introduction, Telephone management software

---

Fall and rise: the resurrection of Japan's personal handyphone system may offer some valuable lessons for the U.S. market

Article Abstract:

Personal handyphones (PHS) have made a comeback in Japan in a turnaround that vendors of personal communications systems (PCS) systems and services could learn from. Despite rates as much as 75% lower than cellular services, PHS received a cold reception in Japan due to spotty coverage, poor operation in moving vehicles and the initial high cost of equipment. Meanwhile, faced with a new competitor, cellular operators discounted service charges. With subscription figures amounting to only 40% of expectations, PHS vendors acted to effect a turnaround. They decreased the cost of equipment to as little as $1 while weights fell to as low as half an ounce for phones with battery life of up to six hours. An answering machine service further enticed people to use the inexpensive phones, and data communications on PHS scheduled for introduction in late 1996 should continue to ensure the newfound popularity of the wireless communication system.

Japan, Telecommunications systems, Smart phone, Smart phones, Personal communications services

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Sony's new Clie offers some big improvements over the first model. Sprint TP3000 puts organizer functions on a cellular phone
• Abstracts: Volvo Car and National Geographic set sail for complex ad venture. Foote Cone vs. Mazda is latest fight over severed ties
• Abstracts: EchoStar's Ergen starts campaign to get approval for Hughes deal. NextWave deal with government looks remote
• Abstracts: Microsoft's quandary: it's highly regarded but widely criticized. Microsoft cracks down on sharing Windows among home users

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.