The mobile phone is not just a device that you make a call or send a message with. People are expecting to use all those services that they have become used to over the past couple of years. But now, they want it in their pockets. And that is a promise that we can deliver here at Nokia
Mr. Chris Bram, the Nokia Middle East and Africa Vice President for Sales. Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries.
Nokia first began as a company with Fredrik Idestam's paper mill on the banks of the Nokianvirta River, Finland. Between 1865 and 1967, the company became a major industrial force. But it took a merger with a cable company and a rubber firm to set the new Nokia Corporation on the path to electronics.
In 1967, the newly formed Nokia Corporation was ideally positioned for a pioneering role in the early evolution of mobile communications. As European telecommunications markets were deregulated and mobile networks became global, Nokia led the way with some iconic products.
In 1992, Nokia decided to focus on its telecommunications business. This was probably the most important strategic decision in its history. As adoption of the GSM standard grew, Nokia lead the mobile telephone industry's global boom - and became the world leader in the industry before the end of the decade.
Today, Nokia is undoubtedly the leader in mobile technology, still holding up its promise of connecting people.
Q: First I would like to congratulate you on the launch of the N97. How was the launch in Pakistan?
A: I think it was a really successful launch. It is a promising start; we had launching events in Karachi and Lahore for two days, on Saturday and Sunday. Most importantly, the consumer feedback has been absolutely fantastic. So I think it really is a great start. 
Q: So within Pakistan, do you see a difference when you launch in Karachi and Lahore?
A: I think it is all quite similar because across the country it really excites the customers. If you look at the new N97, it is not a device as such anymore. Nowadays, we can actually ensure that the consumer walks out of any particular Nokia event with a solution. Because an e-mail service has been set up and they can contact us, and can browse the internet. It has a huge number of applications and is a great phone overall. 
Q: The kind of options that you are talking about, don't you think they cater to a very small market in Pakistan and even globally? I'll talk about the Pakistani market. There is a huge segment of the population that wouldn't want to use such applications or they can't even afford such devices.
A: I think you are right. Initially, if you look at the Pakistani market there is always a specific target segment. However, if you look at the total population of the number of people living in Pakistan, a small percentage out of a very big number still means it is a very sizable segment as such. Then, if you compare it to the global market, the numbers have been very good. Initially in Dubai, we had the first key-launching event there, and after that the phone was launched to have the biggest impact simultaneously in all markets including the market here in Pakistan. Having said that, we at Nokia as you already know cater to all segments. We will ensure more and more also for the other price points portfolio and come up with more services to cater them. 
Q: So how do you find the Pakistani market different from the others? You are looking at the Middle Eastern and African markets too; I am sure you know all about those markets as well. What is the difference between those markets and our market? 
A: I think first of all if you look at the consumer, the local consumers are what we at Nokia are always most interested in, and of course they all have very specific needs. In terms of music for example; you can say that the need to listen to music on your mobile is universal and common within a specific list in terms of what kinds of artists and that becomes critical. But we understand that and for that, we have a very solid and strong team on the ground. So yes, there are always cultural and specific differences. 
Q: Can you please tell the readers a little about the new N97?
A: I would be most happy to do so. Well, first of all as you can see, it is a very nice package. It has a touch interface and it is very easily manageable I would say, and that makes it even more intuitive and easy to use and browse. As I have already mentioned, if you look at the messaging opportunities and possibilities; push e-mail and everything you need is in there. At the same time there is a direct access to Facebook, and that widget is always on, placed on your home screen. You even have stock market information, anything and everything you need is there in the N97. You have in your pocket a complete Internet experience with the new N97. 
Q: This is a touch screen phone and many companies have come up with touch screen phones but not all of them have been successful. So what makes you say that this touch screen will not have any technical problems?
A: First of all, the promise of previous touch screens by Nokia, for example if I take the Nokia 5800 Express Music, it is the best selling device in touch globally. That is proof in the type of touch technology that we are using at Nokia. Secondly, if you look at the testing that we have been doing on this device, because it is our flagship N97, all indicators are well, not on green but on dark green! They are all very promising.
Q: Again I would like to ask the same question, these touch screen phones cater to a very small segment of the population and most of the Pakistanis live in the rural areas. Are you coming up with something for them as well?
A: Yes, we keep on looking at all segments and their particular requirements. You can say that the touch screen caters to a small segment as such. But if you look at the breadth of our portfolio, let me take another example. If you look at the 5130 Express Music, it is a killer and of course it has a high price point, not exactly addressing the rural parts of Pakistan. But we have other solutions and we are coming up with more devices to cater all. 
Q: You just mentioned the Express Music phone. Have these kinds of phones been successful, keeping in mind that they have a particular quality of being a music phone? Do you think that the music demand is so much that these phones can be successful in Pakistan and in other countries as well?
A: Yes, you can say that we are focusing on the music element. However, the good news is that it is a Nokia. For example, the Express Music has a 2.0 mega pixel camera, all those qualities and features is also what you're going to get with the device. So it is always a combination, we do emphasise on one position but we always cater on a broad scale. 
RS: And positioning it in that way has been successful so far?
CB: Yes, and I would say that it is only just kicking off at this stage. It is really nice.
RS: The phone trends here in Pakistan or even the entire global telecom industry have changed considerably over the period of time. What changes have you seen in the consumer trends in Pakistan over the past few years?
CB: I think if you look at the consumer trends, of course they are being influenced. We cannot deny that nowadays and therefore to really pick out the trends as such is really difficult.
Q: So do you think that the consumer preferences have changed?
A: Yes, I can elaborate on that. What you can still see if you scratch the surface and go deeper, if you talk about music as an implication, if you talk about messaging and if you talk about expecting what you are using today in the fixed Internet environment, are you behind your PC or your desk? That is what people today are expecting from their mobiles. 
The mobile phone is not just a device that you make a call or send a message with. People are expecting to use all those services that they have become used to over the past couple of years. But now, they want it in their pockets. And that is a promise that we can deliver here at Nokia.
Q: Thank you so much or your time.
A: You are welcome. *
" Courtesy The Boss.