Nokia
D100

The D100 shown here was the result of a cordless technology project undertaken by Nokia between 1993 and 1996. At the time Nokia could not predict the potential evolution of the new European DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology) standards and applications, and so needed to be ready for DECT finding ground as a potential multi-cellular indoor technology. Nokia worked within ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) to ensure an open set of protocols were implemented within DECT. This became the GAP (Generic Access Profile). At the same time Nokia began to work with PABX makers and product silicon vendors to refine product capabilities and concepts (a PABX is an in-building mini telephone exchange used at many offices). The DECT D100 handset here was a Nokia branded version of that PABX maker co-operation. Notably this was one of the first products styled by Alastair Curtis who went on to become Nokia’s Chief Design Officer. When this Nokia version was first shown in public at the Telecom 95 event in Geneva, Switzerland, the styling received a very positive reception, until people realised it was a cordless DECT rather than a new Nokia GSM phone! A variant of the handset was commercially produced for Philips as the C911 for use with their PABX offerings (see picture below). It was designed by Drew Hartman. This Nokia-branded version was not needed and was therefore never shipped commercially. The example here is one of a few hundreds of prototypes that were made. Nokia itself then chose to step back totally from DECT in 1996 after selling only the Philips D100 version as it became clearer that GSM and cellular standards and products could also be evolved to offer lower-power in-building coverage.