Nokia boss calls for single 3G software standard

Vodafone, NTT and BT sign up...

Nokia boss Jorma Ollila used his keynote speech at the Comdex show yesterday to call for cooperation among mobile handset makers and operators to ensure the successful adoption of third generation (3G) mobile telephony. Ollila unveiled an initiative backed by the likes of Vodafone, NTT DoCoMo, AT&T Wireless and MMO2 to create a common software platform for 3G phones. If adopted a single standard will mean users will not be tied to a particular operator or handset maker. It will also mean, Ollila said, applications and services written for one 3G operator will work across other networks. Both operators and handset makers are feeling the pressure to deliver a sizeable market for next generation mobile, after billions of pounds were spent in securing licences in Europe alone.