Nokia launches its first Japanese i-mode phone with NTT DoCoMO

The new member of the Nokia phone family is an extremely compact i-mode phone incorporating Nokia's unique active slide design. A dedicated i-mode button, placed on the side of the phone, combined with an HTML based browser provides fast and convenient one-touch access to the world of Mobile Internet. As the only current i-mode product to offer bi-lingual Japanese / English operation it is re-defining the ease by which users are able to access the vast array of online applications offered by the i-mode service. NTT DoCoMo has started sales of NM502i regionally, it will expand to nationwide sales.

The premium NM502i phone offers a contemporary look featuring translucent and chrome keys as well as stylish micrographic detailing on the window area. It is available in two distinctive color options; Blue Velvet and Silver Putty.

At just 77 grams it is one of the lightest products in its category whilst still providing attractive talktime (130 minutes) and standby time (270 hours). In addition to the comprehensive set of advanced features, the NM502i also has a built-in modem and infrared (IrDA) connectivity, enabling data exchange with other IrDA enabled PDAs and PCs as well as other Nokia phones.

Nigel Rundstrom, Vice President, Nokia Mobile Communications K.K. commented "Nokia is pleased to be participating in this extremely fast growing and exciting market area. The NM502i is a perfect example of Nokia's ongoing commitment to combine innovative technology with distinctive and stylish design."

Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. Nokia is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 55 000 people. Visit also www.nokia.com

I-mode is a technology used in NTT DoCoMo's digital PDC packet network in Japan. The i-mode service provides instant access to the mobile Internet, thereby offering a wide variety of contents, applications and value added services.