Nokia Handsets to Be Sold by 3

Hutchison 3G in the UK has backtracked on its public statements that it would not sell the Nokia 7600 3G handset, and is now to start selling the phone. The network operator had previously said that the handset would not be sold as it lacks video conferencing services. However, the UK's largest retailer of mobile phones, CarphoneWarehouse has been selling thousands of the units per week, suggesting that 3G video calling is not a core interest for the customers.

Gareth Jones, COO 3 UK said: "As the first operator to offer video mobile and the network with the leading video mobile coverage, we're experiencing high demand for our services. In order to meet the consumer demand and interest already being demonstrated in video mobile services - we're pleased to be offering customers Nokia's 3G handset through over 3,200 shops across the UK."

Mats Wolontis, Managing Director Nokia Mobile Phones UK commented: "3G is here now and through high quality products like the Nokia 7600 our company is demonstrating its commitment to 3G. The Nokia 7600 and the future Nokia 3G products, offer customers high quality video mobile content and services. 3 has demonstrated the demand for 3G services and is one of our leading infrastructure customers. Nokia is committed to delivering the best-of-breed 3G consumer experience. In addition to streaming video and content download, Nokia sees person-to-person video as a key 3G application that will be featured in Nokia's 3G offering in the future."

Posted to the site on 20th April 2004