Vodafone K.K. Announces Nokia WLAN Handsets

In a rush of press releases from the local carriers today, the news from Vodafone K.K. that it plans to offer two new mobile business devices in autumn 2006 was notable. Both devices, manufactured by Nokia, will run on Vodafone K.K.’s 3G network and on wireless LANs. They are based on the Nokia E60 and E61 models, which are currently available for enterprise customers in Europe and Asia.

We talked about the entry of Nokia e-series business devices back in October 2005; looks like a year later it will finally happen!

Both devices support wireless LAN connectivity for VoIP calls in the office over internal wireless LANs, and Vodafone K.K.?s 3G network for calls away from the workplace, to enable cost-effective and seamless communication, regardless of whether employees are inside or outside their offices.

Following Vodafone Mobile Office, which is based on a similar concept, this new offering of Vodafone K.K. 3G handsets with company wireless LAN connectivity will allow for seamless integration with existing company extension systems, and Vodafone K.K. will actively work with system integrators and other business partners to offer a selection of mobile centrex solution environments that are optimal for different usage patterns.