Nokia, the world's largest producer of mobile handsets, announced on Wednesday that it will introduce cell-phones based on the emerging WiMAX standard, beginning in 2008.

WiMAX allows users to connect to high-speed internet without wires, similar to 80211b/g based networks that power home networks. The advantage over home technology, however, is that WiMAX connectivity will be broadly available, allowing for mobile devices to seamlessly stay connected to the internet.

WiMAX-capable Nokia mobile devices are expected to be available in 2008, Nokia said in a statement.

The Finnish-based firm will also introduce WiMAX base stations around the same time, the company said.

Electronics