Nokia (News - Alert) Siemens Networks has introduced the Communication Key, a USB device with SIM authentication that lets subscribers take VoIP and other rich communications on the road. The company will make the Communication Key available in Q3 2008.

The Communication Key allows PC users to engage in voice calls, video sharing and other rich communications with the same ease and convenience as making mobile phone calls. Mobile operators can use the new device to reinforce its role as the preferred service provider in the face of growing competition from new Internet players.

Juergen Walter, head of Service Core and Applications, Nokia Siemens (News - Alert) Networks said that the tiny SIM card represents a huge business opportunity for mobile and converged operators.

“It is a tangible – and valuable – token of their relationship with their customers. The identity, phone number and account data of individual subscribers are all tied to the SIM card, which means that it can be a crucial tool for offering innovative services based on built-in identity and trust,” said Walter in a statement.

With the support of Nokia Siemens Networks’ (News - Alert) unique core network solution, the new release enables a rich and easy VoIP service that can broaden an operator’s horizons for services by expanding the VoIP experience across domains.

Authentication and billing with the Communication Key is based on a user’s SIM card. Due to this feature, logging onto the service is fast, intuitive and secure, and payment is streamlined as part of the user’s mobile phone bill. Thanks to SIM authentication, Communication Key users can be reached by their normal mobile telephone number. Subscribers thus have an option of answering incoming calls on their mobiles or PCs, according to their preferences or current access. Both the mobile and PC can ring simultaneously if so desired.

The completely portable and self-contained Communication Key can be plugged into Internet-connected PCs anywhere. Users can make calls totally independent of the local mobile network coverage. Operators thus have way to offer richer services that adds traffic on top of the normal mobile usage.

The Nokia Siemens Networks Communication Suite PC client is central to the Communication Key’s functionality. The client gives secure and simple access for business users and consumers to engage in Internet-based communications using PCs with broadband connections. The Communication Suite PC client can also employ authentication methods other than SIM-based. Thus it can be offered by any network operator, whether fixed or mobile, who wants to add VoIP to their service offering.

----------

Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Don't forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.