Nokia, the world's largest mobile phone maker, has set up a new research and development centre in Navi Mumbai to work on a rapidly growing cellular technology, said media reports.
The company, however, did not give the amount earmarked for setting up the facility in India.
"India is one of the fastest growing mobile markets and we intend to introduce five more CDMA models from our total portfolio in the country," Nokia senior vice-president and general manager Soren J Petersen said.
The company is targeting around 20 per cent of the total CDMA market in India, he said, adding, the launches were also for the Asia-Pacific region.
The centre will primarily focus on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology, a media statement from the company said.
CDMA is the world's second most widely used wireless technology standard after the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications).
"Primarily focussed on providing software support and technical expertise in CDMA technology, the new facility will leverage Nokia's existing global CDMA competences to build a team of local talent," the media statement said.
The Nokia R&D unit is likely to become operational by June this year and, apart from India, will also cater to the needs of customers in other big CDMA markets in the Asia-Pacific region, the statement said.
"Nokia views Asia-Pacific as an important region for the company's CDMA operations," Petersen said.
"The creation of a new research and development facility in India is part of the continuous expansion of Nokia's global efforts to grow and invest in the CDMA business in this region," he said.
Globally, Nokia has research and development centres in 11 countries.
Nokia launches 2 CDMA handsets
Mobile communications major Nokia Inc launched two of its CDMA handsets - Nokia 3125 and Nokia 2112 - in the Indian market.
The phones were unveiled at the company's 'CDMA: Partnership For Growth' technology summit.'
The Nokia 3125 is positioned as a phone for mobile professionals, while the Nokia 2112 is an entry-level CDMA handset.
The models are expected to be commercially available from the third quarter of 2004, he said.
The company has also set up a CDMA R&D facility in Navi Mumbai, which would focus on providing software support and technical expertise in CDMA technology.
Additional inputs: PTI
