Orange and Nokia extend deal

Orange and Nokia have agreed to extend their partnership on mobile services to include maps, advertising and gaming.

The companies hope to follow the deal with a strategic partnership by mid-2008.

Orange plans to extend its Signature Series portfolio, which includes a wide range of Nokia handsets.

The France Telecom-owned network operator said its strategy is to become a leader in advertising solutions for mobile and internet.

Olaf Swantee, head of Orange's global mobile operations said: "With this agreement we intend to bring the power of mobile internet to our customers with a user friendly experience and applications that make a difference to their lives."

The partnership will be underpinned by co-marketing and sales activities, building on the collaboration that already exists between the two.