Nokia upbeat about data

NEWS Nokia has said data services will contribute 35 per cent of mobile operators' revenues by 2006, providing a rare optimistic outlook for companies in the sector. The handset giant forecast figures of mobile data contributing E280bn globally by 2006 and voice accounting for E530bn. Right now, mobile data revenues - predominantly from SMS - bring in just 7 per cent of operators' revenues. According to an FT report, Nokia said it is encouraged by the take up of camera phones in Japan, which have led to an increase in multimedia messaging and often make up 20 per cent of users' bills. Results this week from Vodafone showed data usage is taking off slower than expected even though it is a key area for all operators.