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Making the Nokia Wireless Payphone easy to use
March 18, 1998
- the new SIM payment method
At CeBit '98, Nokia is demonstrating a new advanced payment method for the Nokia Wireless Payphone concept. With GSM-based Nokia payphones, calls can soon be made by using the GSM SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card to access the payphone service. This new feature will be implemented in all Nokia GSM 900 and 1800 Wireless Payphone terminals.
With this new card scheme implemented in Nokia payphones, mobile operators can introduce an attractive range of services to all end user segments, extending their marketing to a larger group of potential customers. By offering the SIM payment method, the operator ties the payphone user to its services; users have their own number, mailbox and access to all other services. The next step is full subscription, with the end user having their own handset and credit from the same operator.
Technical implemention is simple: the same Nokia payphone terminal is able to accept different types of prepaid phone cards, magnetic strip credit cards and all large SIM cards.
"Since Nokia introduced the world's first integrated wireless payphone in 1995, we have constantly developed our payphones and management system to effectively incorporate new mobile technology. GSM-based networks are offering superior features for payphone operation, such as the SIM card standard. It is a lucrative opportunity for mobile operators to offer the GSM SIM card as a payment method in payphones," says Mr Juha Ala-Mursula, Managing Director of NE Products, a Nokia unit in charge of Nokia Wireless payphone terminal development.
Wireless payphones have provided mobile operators with the opportunity to expand their business by launching a payphone service in their networks. The marketing aspects for payphone services are the same for both fixed and mobile operators. Versatile phone card support, good locations of payphone booths and an effective management system to control payphone operations are the key issues for success.
Nokia wireless payphones can be operated either as standalone units or by using Nokia's wireless payphone management system, a software system that supports the maintenance and operation of Nokia wireless payphones. In addition to providing statistical information on usage, and the contribution of each payphone, the terminals can be controlled or monitored to prevent fraudulent use and vandalism.
Nokia provides total GSM systems, with everything from digital mobile phones to transmisson to switching. Nokia holds the world's number one position in GSM 1800 networks and is one of the top two suppliers in GSM 900 networks. To date, Nokia GSM technology has been supplied to 67 operators in 35 countries.
Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is a broad-scope telecommunications company supplying mobile phones, mobile and fixed telecommunications networks, data communications solutions, multimedia terminals and PC monitors. With sales in 130 countries, net sales totaled FIM 52.6 billion ($9.8 billion) in 1997. Nokia employs more than 36,000 people worldwide.
Further information:
Mr Juha Ala-Mursula
Managing Director, NE Products
Nokia Mobile Phones
Tel. (Int.) + 358 10 505 7020
Fax (Int.) + 358 10 505 7001
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