Nokia begins testing Wi-Fi calls on UMA network

Nokia has started testing their new UMA network, which will allow callers to seamlessly switch between networks and make Wi-Fi calls. The test right now is with a very small group of people in Oulu, in Northern Finland.

Mobile subscribers with handsets enabled for so-called unlicensed mobile access, or UMA, can make calls over the Internet when they are in range of an unlicensed wireless network such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The calls will be switched without the customer knowing between GSM, GPRS or UMTS networks. This will greatly extend everyone’s mobility, because you’ll be able to log-in to Wi-Fi enabled hotspots.

There’s no word on when the Unlicensed Mobile Access products from Nokia will be ready.