Etisalat and Nokia have announced a joint offering to encourage consumers to explore the Internet experience on the Nokia N97 under which consumers will get 1GB data free for one month from Etisalat with the purchase of every N97.

Once consumers have finished the free trial, they can opt to continue with the same package at Dh195 ($53) per month, or subscribe to Etisalat’s other data packages, as per their usage needs, said an Etisalat official.

The Nokia N97 is Nokia’s first device to feature a customized home screen, which can be personalized with a range of widgets which bring live information directly to the device.

These widgets include key social networking destinations like Facebook and Hi5, news services like the Associated Press, Bloomberg and Reuters, as well as shopping and weather information.

The Nokia N97 is the first device to ship with the Ovi Store, which offers easy access to applications, games, videos, podcasts, productivity tools, web and location-based services, and much more.

Ovi Store has paid and free content from a range of global and local content providers and developers, including Paramount Pictures, Facebook and Qik, as well as a selection of Twitter applications.

“Etisalat's robust 3G network and crystal clear voice clarity complements technologically advanced devices like Nokia N97 to provide a truly unparalleled mobile internet experience to our customers," Essa Al Haddad, chief  marketing officer, Etisalat.

"With the one month free 1GB data package that we are offering with Nokia's N97, our aim is to enable users to explore the full Internet experience from downloading applications, to video streaming, to email and browsing, on this fantastic device,” he remarked.

“The Nokia N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalized Internet experience,” said Bahar Tabakoglu, head of marketing, Nokia, Lower Gulf.

“Fuelled by a multitude of music, maps, games, media and applications via Ovi, the Nokia N97 transforms the Internet into an experience that’s completely tailored to the tastes and interests of its owner. With the Etisalat offer, people will have the chance to fully explore and enjoy this experience,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service