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Voice goes Wireless
November 18, 1997
Cellular penetration rates reach 40% in Finland
"Cellular penetration rates in Finland have reached 40% during the last week," states Mr. Mikael Åkermarck, Senior Researcher, Finnish Ministry of Transport. "Finland is the first country in the world where this high level of penetration has been reached," he continued.
This milestone indicates a clear shift from wireline voice communications. Today almost every other person in Finland has a mobile phone. This means a significant milestone in the growth-path of cellular, as more people make the GSM phone their preferred phone.
This increase in demand is attributable to a number of factors, as Mr. Kimmo Narkilahti, Manager, End-User Competence, Nokia states, "Once penetration rates reach 20-30%, this signifies that the mobile phone has reached a particular level of visibility in society. The question today is not the need for a mobile, but rather the brand, design and functionality that best fits a person's lifestyle. The mobile, which was earlier considered as a businessman's gadget, is now perceived as an essential tool by most people. This is evident from the very high penetration rates amongst young people."
"This is an exciting milestone for Nokia, as one of the world's leading cellular infrastructure and mobile phone vendors. Finland is now the most advanced market in the world in terms of cellular penetration, and we are very pleased that this is happening on our own doorstep as Nokia is a supplier to all the GSM networks in Finland. The rapid development of cellular networks in Finland has been a real benefit for Nokia in the development of state-of-the-art cellular technologies, pushing us to constantly develop cost-efficient capacity and coverage solutions," states Mr Mikko Heikkonen, President, Network Systems, Nokia Telecommunications, "We believe that Finland is by no means an exception and that these high penetration rates are a trend that is set to continue throughout the world."
In order to help mobile operators benefit from the phenomenon of voice going wireless, Nokia has developed the Nokia Total Mobility Solution. This solution provides complete coverage, both indoors and outdoors and maximum network capacity. Voice quality is also a key issue in the Total Mobility Solution and Nokia is constantly working to improve voice quality in mobile networks, with the Enhanced Full Rate (EFR) codec, and the Nokia-unique Accoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC). To be able to provide differentiated services for operators, sophisticated switching software and Intelligent Network platforms, which Nokia provides today, are essential. With the Nokia Total Mobility solution, the operator can gradually improve both the usability and economy of mobile services in the areas where users spend most of their time; in their offices and homes.
On Monday last week, Nokia introduced a series of next generation mobile phones for all GSM standards. The Nokia 6100 series boasts excellent operating times and a set of innovative industry-first features. They offer better stand by times than any other handportable with a standard battery: up to 270 hours (12 days). The new products are the first ones to support all three wireless voice codecs: enhanced full rate, half rate and full rate. They also have many advanced call management features, calendar, calculator and even three games. With the ongoing rapid growth, defining a typical cellular user is becoming increasingly complex. The Nokia 6100 phones are unique in their ability to adapt to different situations and diverse lifestyles of today's cellular users.
Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is a leader in digital technologies including mobile phones, cellular and fixed telecommunications networks, wireless data solutions and multimedia terminals. With sales in approximately 130 countries, net sales totaled FIM 39.3 billion ($8.5 billion) in 1996. Nokia employs more than 36,000 people in 45 countries. Nokia ranks as the world's number one supplier of GSM 1800 networks and one of the top two suppliers of GSM 900.
Further information:
Ms. Arja Suominen, Vice President, Communications
Nokia Telecommunications
Tel. (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8193
Fax (Int.) + 358 9 5113 8199
Mr Tapio Hedman, Vice President, Communications
Nokia Mobile Phones
Tel. (Int.) + 358 10 505 5750
Fax (Int.) + 358 10 505 5782
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