GSM and WLAN come together as Nokia introduces UMA-enabled Nokia 6136 handset

With the UMA technology found on the Nokia 6136, operators can deliver voice and data services to subscribers over WLAN access networks, dramatically increasing mobile service availability while decreasing the costs related to network deployment. Consumers, meanwhile, are able to enjoy the benefits of voice calls via the internet using WLAN radio access. The Nokia 6136 phone is expected to be available during the second quarter of 2006.

To accompany the UMA technology, the fold-style, quadband (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) Nokia 6136 also includes a wide array of the latest features. The 1.3 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom provides crisp, clear images and video that can be easily messaged or uploaded to an online photo album for sharing with friends and family. The phone supports removable microSD memory card allowing for optional storage for a wide selection of favourite images or extensive number of digital music files for the integrated digital music player. A built-in stereo FM radio supporting Visual Radio complements the music experience.

"The Nokia 6136 phone clearly demonstrates the complementary nature of cellular and IP-based networks. By implementing UMA technology into this new device, worldwide quadband GSM coverage is combined with superior indoor WLAN coverage to create a device that can deliver an easy-to-use, seamless communications experience in virtually any situation," said Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "Besides the benefits that UMA technology can deliver, the Nokia 6136 handset is a powerful, user-friendly mobile phone that delivers all of the most wanted mobile features and excellent usability in a stylish folding design."

The compact and lightweight Nokia 6136 phone features dual color displays, including a large 262k color active matrix main display, an integrated handsfree speakerphone and multiple messaging capabilities, including MMS, email, push to talk and Nokia Xpress audio messaging. The Nokia 6136 phone also delivers excellent operating times in both GSM and UMA modes, with up to 5 hours of talk time and up to 280 hours of standby time in GSM mode and up to 5.5 hours of talk time and up to 82 hours of standby time in UMA mode.

The Nokia 6136 also includes a new DARP (Downlink Advanced Receiver Performance) radio receiver, which enhances the radio performance of the device. Studies from 3GPP have indicated that DARP increases the operator network capacity by 40-70 per cent. For consumers, DARP brings improved voice quality and higher data throughput.

Orange, one of the world's largest mobile communications companies, will be an initial customer for the Nokia 6136 phone.

"By bridging our GSM network and our DSL network - thanks to the WiFi enabled LiveBox, UMA technology allows FT/Orange to deliver a truly seamless wireless experience to our customers," said Sanjiv Ahuja, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Group. "Nokia and Orange have a long history of working together to provide cutting-edge technology combined with exceptional reliability and ease of use. The Nokia 6136 phone builds on this tradition by allowing customers to enjoy their Orange services in more places than ever before."