Nokia launches first UMA handset: Nokia 6301

Nokia has launched its first handset with unlicensed mobile access (UMA) technology, which combines the benefits of a landline and a mobile phone.

The Nokia 6301 can be used virtually anywhere, with worldwide triband GSM coverage combined with indoor WLAN coverage.

UMA technology enables the device to use either the GSM network or a broadband Internet-connected WLAN network for mobile services. This provides excellent indoor coverage and sound quality, even in areas where reception is poor.

The Nokia 6301 will be available from Orange as part of its Unik/Unique portfolio.

The sleek, candy bar phone features a stainless steel exterior and weighs just 93 grams. It has a 2 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom and full screen viewfinder, 2-inch QVGA screen, USB/PC synchronisation, internal user memory of 30MB and 128MB in-box microSD card, MP3 player, FM radio and integrated hands-free speaker.

The phone comes with a desk stand to hold the phone and keep its battery charged while connected to WLAN.

The Nokia 6301 will begin shipping in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2007, priced at €230.