Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) explained

Connect your handset to the phone network using fast, wireless broadband internet

UMA in brief ?

  • use a wireless internet connection to make calls, browse the web or send SMS and MMS messages
  • faster and cheaper than a normal cellular connection
  • switches automatically when you're in range – even in the middle of a call
  • can be used at home, at work or at wireless hotspots

What is UMA?

UMA is a technology that lets you use a wireless broadband internet connection to make calls and use all the other services on your phone like email, web browsing, MMS and SMS messaging.

When you are in range of a wireless network at home or work, or even at a public hotspot, your phone can switch from the cellular network to the internet seamlessly and automatically, even if you are in the middle of a call.

A wireless internet connection is much faster than a cellular one, so you can browse the web or download emails with large attachments on your phone much more quickly than would be possible using the normal mobile network. Calls made and data transferred using the internet usually cost less as well.

All you need to use UMA is a UMA-enabled phone, a network operator that supports UMA, and a standard wireless (802.11) Internet access point.

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Does my mobile phone have UMA?

Find out which Nokia phones have UMA

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Why use UMA?

UMA lets you take advantage of the speed and low cost of a wireless broadband internet connection to use network services on your mobile phone. Using UMA you can:

  • simplify your life by using your mobile phone for all of your communications when at home or work
  • save money – most calls and other mobile service connections are made while at home or work, where you can take advantage of the lower cost of UMA
  • get more out of your phone -a wireless internet connection can make phone features like Visual Radio and mobile video work faster
  • use your phone when there's poor or no cellular coverage – UMA extends the mobile phone network to anywhere you can connect to a wireless network, including basements and other cellular blackspots
  • enjoy the benefits when you travel– by connecting to wireless hotspots in hotels, airports and coffee shops.
  • set and forget – once you've set up your phone it will automatically switch to UMA whenever there's an access point in range: you won't notice the difference even if you're in the middle of a call
 

Find a Nokia phone that has UMA

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