(28 January 2009 7:00 pm)

NEW DELHI: Mobile handset manufacturer Nokia Corporation is planning to form a joint venture with HCL Infosystems in a bid to sell mobile value added services and entertainment content directly to consumers in India.

At present the joint venture is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to start operations later this year.

Nokia India VP and managing director D Shivakumar said, "One of the important features of our future distribution strategies in India is that we want to ensure that our value added services and entertainment offerings are readily available to all consumers. This arrangement is a natural continuation of our long term collaboration with HCL in India."

Once the requisite approvals have been received, the joint venture will be engaged in selling value added services for mobile devices.

Nokia has announced its internet services strategy globally under the consumer brand name Ovi, which offers specialised services in music, navigation, games and livelihood enhancing services for the semi-urban and rural population.