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.