Nokia Launches Its First 3G Phone in China

Nokia has launched its first 3G phone in China, the Nokia 6788.

The Nokia 6788 is the company's first device for TD-SCDMA, which is China's domestic 3G standard. The phone is the result of close collaboration between Nokia and the world's largest mobile phone operator, China Mobile.

Speaking at an event to launch the phone in Beijing, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, CEO of Nokia, said: "Nokia sees TD-SCDMA as being central to the successful evolution of 3G in China, and so is fully committed to this 3G standard. With a wide range of integrated China Mobile applications, the Nokia 6788 marks a new level of collaboration with China Mobile and offers enriched experiences to China's 3G users. Nokia plans to introduce more TD-SCDMA phones in the near future, further boosting the development of this 3G standard in China."

"We are excited to see the launch of Nokia 6788," said Lu Xiangdong, vice president of China Mobile Communications, in a statement. "With extensive experience in the China market, Nokia will provide Chinese consumers with TD-SCDMA solutions that are perfectly catered to their needs. Such cooperation between the world's largest operator and the world's leading mobile phone manufacturer will provide an important boost to the development of TD-SCDMA in China."

Meanwhile, in an interview with eWEEK at the Symbian Exchange & Exposition in London, John Forsyth, head of technology and delivery management for the Symbian Foundation, which produces operating systems for Nokia smartphones, called the launch a "huge" advance for Nokia given the sheer size of the Chinese market and the clout of China Mobile.

The Nokia 6788 is specifically designed for China Mobile's network and offers rich data services, Nokia officials said. It is an all-in-one device that provides users with faster Internet speeds and download times. The device features a 5-megapixel camera with a dual-LED flash, a 2.8-inch QVGA display and the Symbian S60 platform, among other things.

Inspired by traditional Chinese furniture and architecture, the Nokia 6788 incorporates Chinese design elements including traditional Chinese patterns on the back of the slide and the battery cover, the company said. The Nokia 6788 is expected to become available at the end of December 2009.