TechStuff The Rise and Fall of Nokia
May 15, 2018
Explore the fascinating rise of Nokia, from its midcentury leadership and innovative R&D to its aggressive expansions in consumer electronics. Delve into the groundbreaking Mobira partnership, the launch of its first radio phones, and how it navigated the complexities of cellular design. Relive iconic moments with models like the 3310, and learn about the challenges Nokia faced during the smartphone revolution. The tale concludes with its sale to Microsoft and a shift towards networks and IoT, marking a dramatic chapter in its long history.
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Mobile Was A Brief Peak In A Long History
- Nokia's century-long history made mobile phones a brief but defining chapter for the company.
- Strategic focus on telecom in the 1990s turned Nokia from diverse conglomerate to global handset leader.
From 22‑Pound Car Phones To The 'Gorba' Brick
- Nokia shipped heavy car phones like the 1982 Mobira Senator weighing 22 pounds before handhelds existed.
- The 1987 Mobira Cityman 900 became a famous handheld luxury item nicknamed Gorba after Gorbachev used it.
Standards And Focus Drove Global Lead
- Embracing the GSM standard positioned Nokia for global dominance versus CDMA.
- CEO Jorma Ollila's refocus on telecommunications rescued Nokia from recession and loss of Soviet markets.