Finnish money to start communications research

Mobile telephone maker Nokia and Switzerland's two leading technical universities have announced the establishment of a long-term technology research programme.

The Finnish company said it would be collaborating with the Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne to study pervasive communication – mobile technology based on a user’s individual preferences and physical environment.

Nokia considers that the two universities will fit in well with its existing research and development programme. “We have chosen to work with the Swiss Institutes of Technology because of their expertise in this area,” said Bob Iannucci, the firm’s head of research.

The company declined to disclose how much money it would be investing in the project. As part of the new collaboration, a research centre will open in Lausanne on June 5.

Nokia has already established partnerships with leading universities and research institutes in the United States and Britain.