The new Nokia 6340 mobile phone allows for roaming between newer GSM 1900 MHz networks and existing TDMA 800 MHz and 1900 MHz and older AMPS networks.

Recently, Nokia announced that the new Nokia 6340 mobile phone would be available soon. This is the world's first true GAIT compliant handset, allowing users to roam between GSM, TDMA and AMPS networks. This is not to be confused with a world phone. It lacks GSM 900/1800 functionality. To be exact, the phone operates in GSM 1900MHz, TDMA 800 and 1900MHz and AMPS networks.

The 6340 is crucial for the North American market in light of recent announcements by Cingular and AT&T Wireless to move to GSM based networks. In both of these deals, Nokia has a significant share in the network build out. This mobile phone will allow subscribers to take advantage of new features such as data enhancements and call clarity without forsaking their current level of coverage, many accessories, etc.

Pekka Vartiainen, senior vice president of sales for Nokia expressed, “ … as TDMA carriers prepare for the future by building and integrating GSM technology into their systems, the Nokia 6340 wireless phone will give (carriers) the flexibility to allow for roaming between their current and future networks.” Vartiainen went on to say, “Additionally, since roaming is seamless and automatic, consumers will have the ability to use all of their digital services in both TDMA and GSM service areas without having to worry about what kind of technology is being used in a particular area."

The Nokia 6340 is significant in that it supports m-commerce via the Internet due to the incorporation of an electronic wallet or e-wallet. This is an element of new network interoperability. The e-wallet enables quick wireless retail transactions. The 6340 is said to ship in the first half of 2002. Imagine being able to pay for gasoline without having to use a credit card?

The new e-wallet feature of these phones allows users to store credit and debit card information in standard Electronic Commerce Markup Language (ECML) format, along with shipping addresses and personal notes, in an encrypted area of the phone memory. This information can be accessed using a PIN code, and verified by m-commerce enabled sites using commonly accepted standards. The e-wallet functions through the use of a security module on the SIM card. The WAP browser incorporates a digital signature feature with the mobile wallet to allow for signing transactions. Primarily, this is a feature meant to save users from repeatedly typing in personal information. This does not mean you will shop for books, etc. via a wireless phone, but it does allow for more flexible ways for one to pay for goods and services.

Internet connectivity is accomplished via a WAP 1.2.1 browser, operating on both GSM and TDMA networks utilizing Circuit Switch Data protocols. (GPRS and CDPD are not supported by the 6340.) Nokia took a que from a competitor, Openwave, and incorporated a feature into the WAP browser that allows for direct calling to a highlighted number on a WAP site such as a number found in the Internet Yellow Pages. This means a call can be made without terminating a data session. The browser also supports user-enabled cookies for easier browsing.

The network interoperability of the Nokia 6340 phone also extends to text messaging. It is possible to two-way text messaging across both TDMA and GSM networks. Additional data support includes PC connectivity via either infrared or an optional cable. At this time, the 6340 supports only circuit switched data protocols. The phone cannot be used as an analog dial up modem and there is no support for high-speed Internet access via GPRS networks.

The 6340 is a productivity tool. It incorporates a number of personalization and time management tools important to business people. These include; a phone book capable of storing up to 500 contacts with 5 numbers and 3 text fields per contact, i.e. email address or a nifty fact. The calendar is capable of storing up to 500 entries with daily/weekly views and a to-do list. It doesn’t stop there. The phone also offers timed profiles, voice dialing with support for up to 10 pre-programmed phone numbers, an audio equalizer and advanced voice functionality. The audio equalizer can be used to fine-tune the sound of the phone, allowing for maximized voice clarity. The Nokia 6340 phone accepts voice commands to control user-defined menu items and up to 3 minutes of voice memo recording.

The 6340 is a powerful and easy to use. Additional features of the Nokia 6340 include T9 predictive text input, up to 5 hours GSM talk time, 4 hours TDMA talk time and up to 16 days of standby via the BLB-3 Li-Ion battery. The GAIT phone offers synchronization and backup via Nokia’s free PC suite. Download it from Nokia’s website, look for it under the support section. The PC suite is compatible with Lotus notes, Outlook and several other popular PIM utilities. Besides offering backup tools, the Nokia PC suite allows you to create custom ring tones. There is no version of PC suite that is Macintosh compatible at this time.

The 6340 is fun. It has capacity for up to 10 downloadable ring tones and up to 5 picture messages. There are several new ring tones supplied with the phone previously not available in North America. The phone is also capable of sending picture messages. Additionally, there are 4 games to help you pass the time when standing in line at the bank or waiting for an appointment. Lastly, there is a full line of Nokia Original Accessories available to boost the productivity and style of your phone to the next level. Please note; the Nokia 6340 is compatible with the CARK-91 installed hands free kit currently available for the 61xx and 51xx series of phones. For those who have made the investment in a hands free kit this should make upgrading an easy decision.

--Mike Duval