Nokia looking to get back into the CDMA market with new handset

[Fire14]

Nokia resumes CDMA efforts

Nokia Corp. will offer a new CDMA handset in North America this fall, though details about possible carrier deals and pricing were not given.

Such a phone, however, could run on Verizon Wireless’ and Sprint Nextel Corp.’s CDMA networks and enables Nokia to address 60% of the United States market. No word yet on whether the phone uses Qualcomm Inc.’s CDMA technology; the two companies remain on uncertain terms after their cross-licensing agreement expired in April.

The phone is notable as Nokia last year announced its intent to engage the CDMA market through a joint venture with Sanyo; Nokia nixed the effort shortly after announcing it, however. More recently, Sanyo announced it is in talks to sell its phone business to Kyocera.

The Nokia 2135 focuses on voice services and affordability, offering a 400-entry phone book with 3.5 hours of talk time or 11 days of standby time. The Finnish vendor emphasized the device’s compactness and large keys.

The modest details appear to suggest that Nokia is looking to snap up American and Canadian consumers who are focused on voice services and, perhaps, daunted by handsets’ growing complexity. The 2135 does not offer multimedia or a Web browser.

The potential for Nokia to increase its U.S. market share, plus the company’s strong position in high-growth emerging markets and improved portfolio in the high- and mid-tiers, played a role in UBS analyst Jeffrey Schlesinger’s view today that the company is poised to grow faster than the industry next year.

Schlesinger said in a research note today that Nokia’s third-quarter earnings, due this Thursday, would be in line with Wall Street expectations and would not be affected by the firm’s longer-term outlook.

Nokia resumes CDMA efforts - RCR Wireless News

[Andy]

It's about time Nokia gets back into the CDMA market!!!!

[tyler101868]

I'm really torn about upgrading my 6265i. I'm thinking about a Razr2 but need to play with one a little longer. Costwise it would be about an even swap, I just have to decide if I really want to give up the 6265i. Decisions, decisions...

[Quint101]

I hope that these phones are going to be real Nokias and not the rebadged Pantechs... Maybe Nokia may partner with Broadcom and get some phones going again. I remember the last true CDMA Nokias were aimed at the smaller carriers like MetroPCS, USCellular, and Cricket; from what I have heard, the phones got mostly good reviews (like the 6265i, 2865i or 2125i) ... hopefully, the larger carriers won't be totally ignored.

Something tells me if Verizon ever gets a Nokia, the phone will be a rebadge or be a low end phone without the bars.

[RJB]

I wish they would make some mid level phones as well.

[Mobile Mike]

I'm surprised to hear that they're actually making a new CDMA phone, even a cheap one!

I thought they abandoned CDMA for good? Guess not...