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With an eye to tapping the potentially lucrative gaming market, T-Mobile USA on Tuesday became the first mobile operator to announce plans to launch Nokia's new N-Gage wireless game console with integrated phone functions.
Beginning October 7, when N-Gage becomes available worldwide, T-Mobile will offer customers the device for $299, together with 30 days of free wireless gaming connectivity and an additional $50 worth of free voice and text messaging, the Bellevue, Washington, company said in a statement.
After a 30-day trial, gamers can get unlimited access to N-Gage wireless gaming services for $9.99 per month on top of the cost of phone service.
Shop Around
In addition to selling the N-Gage through its own network of retail outlets in the U.S., T-Mobile will serve as the exclusive service provider for N-Gage wireless game consoles at Circuit City Stores, Electronics Boutique, Game Stop, and Target, according to the statement.
The new N-Gage wireless console also features an MP3 digital music player, stereo FM radio, and a tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 mobile phone, which can be used in more than 110 countries. The device also supports high-speed GPRS and short-range Bluetooth technologies.
T-Mobile USA, a subsidiary of Germany's Deutsche Telekom, is likely to be joined by other U.S. mobile phone carriers seeking to generate additional revenue with N-Gage.
"While T-Mobile is the first operator to announce plans to offer N-Gage in the U.S., we are working with other operators in the country to roll out the product as well," Nokia spokesperson Damian Stathonikos said Wednesday.
Around the World
In Europe, mobile phone operator O2 (UK), the U.K. subsidiary of wireless holding mm02 PLC, also plans to launch N-Gage on October 7, according to Stathonikos. The device, he said, will retail for $144. Customers can choose between monthly service packages ranging from $29 to $72, depending on data volume.
T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH has made "no decision" yet on N-Gage in Germany, said company spokesperson Husam Asrak. Asked why the U.S. subsidiary is rolling out the device ahead of the German unit, Asrak said the U.S. market has "other demands."
In a move to create attractive content for N-Gage, Nokia announced on Tuesday a competition for games developers in Europe, the U.S., and Canada to develop new games for the wireless console.
