Nokia and France Telecom join hands to offer mobile internet services

The latest joint venture in the world of mobile phones is the one between Nokia and France Telecom. Both companies have stated that the reason behind this JV is to provide mobile based internet services to mobile users in nine European countries.

Both Nokia and France Telecom have mutually agreed to contribute equally toward this JV. According to the agreement, Orange, the mobile phone division of France Telecom, will provide its mobile music store to users. Nokia, on the other hand, will offer location based advertising and search services to Orange’s customers through its digital mapping service. This apart, both Orange and Nokia have agreed to offer mobile video games to users.

Orange’s customers can use these services as often as they want and the charges for Nokia’s services will also be added to their mobile bill, thereby eliminating the need for a separate credit card transaction.

Most people overlook Nokia when they talk about companies that will make big bucks through mobile advertising. But I think Nokia is a serious contender in the race. It started off by acquiring Enpocket, then developed its own mobile internet platform Ovi, and has now joined hands with France Telecom. I already predicted a Nokia vs. Google fight in the mobile advertising industry and going by the actions of Nokia, I think I was right in predicting that. What do you say?

Tags: contender, credit card transaction, digital mapping, european countries, france telecom, Google, internet services, joint venture, jv, mapping service, mobile video games, mobile advertising, mobile internet platform, mobile music, mobile phone, mobile phones, mobile users, music store, Nokia, Orange, Ovi, search services