Establishement
Nokia's history dates back to 1865, when Finnish-Swede mining engineer Fredrik Idestam established a pulp mill near the town of Tampere, Finland (then in the Russian Empire).
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History of Nokia
Friday May 12, 1865 to Thursday May 11, 1865
Finland
Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company, founded in 1865. Nokia's headquarters are in Espoo, in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area. In 2018, Nokia employed approximately 103,000 people across over 100 countries, did business in more than 130 countries, and reported annual revenues of around €23 billion. Nokia is a public limited company listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. It is the world's 415th-largest company measured by 2016 revenues according to the Fortune Global 500, having peaked at 85th place in 2009. It is a component of the Euro Stoxx 50 stock market index.
Opening the second pulp mill
A second pulp mill was opened in 1868 near the neighboring town of Nokia, offering better hydropower resources.
Forming Nokia Ab
In 1871, Idestam, together with friend Leo Mechelin, formed a shared company from it and called it Nokia Ab (in Swedish, Nokia Company being the English equivalent), after the site of the second pulp mill. Idestam retired in 1896, making Mechelin the company's chairman.
Eduard Polón founded rubber business called Nokia
In 1904 Suomen Gummitehdas (Finnish Rubber Works), a rubber business founded by Eduard Polón, established a factory near the town of Nokia and used its name.
The partnership
In 1922, Nokia Ab entered into a partnership with Finnish Rubber Works and Kaapelitehdas (the Cable Factory), all now jointly under the leadership of Polón. Finnish Rubber Works company grew rapidly when it moved to the Nokia region in the 1930s to take advantage of the electrical power supply, and the cable company soon did too.
The Three companies merged creating a new Nokia Corporation
In 1967, the three companies – Nokia, Kaapelitehdas and Finnish Rubber Works – merged and created a new Nokia Corporation, restructured into four major businesses: forestry, cable, rubber and electronics.
Kari Kairamo became CEO
In 1977, Kari Kairamo became CEO and he transformed the company's businesses. By this time, Finland was becoming what has been called "Nordic Japan". Under his leadership Nokia acquired many companies including television maker Salora , followed by Swedish electronics and computer maker Luxor AB, and French television maker Oceanic. This made Nokia the third-largest television manufacturer of Europe (behind Philips and Thomson).
The world's first international cellular network and the first to allow international roaming
Nokia also acquired Mobira, a mobile telephony company, which was the foundation of its future mobile phones business. In 1981, Mobira launched the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) service, the world's first international cellular network and the first to allow international roaming.
Nokia's first mobile phone
In 1982, Mobira launched the Mobira Senator car phone, Nokia's first mobile phone.
Nokia's first fully portable mobile phone
Nokia's first fully portable mobile phone after the Mobira Senator was the Mobira Cityman 900 in 1987.
Nokian Tyres Split away from Nokia
Following Simo Vuorilehto's appointment as CEO, a major restructuring was planned. With 11 groups within the company, Vuorilehto divested industrial units he deemed as un-strategic. Nokian Tyres (Nokian Renkaat), a tyre producer originally formed as a division of Finnish Rubber Works in 1932, split away from Nokia Corporation in 1988.
Buying the Computer Division of Ericsson's Information Systems
On 1 April 1988, Nokia bought the computer division of Ericsson's Information Systems, which originated as a computer division of Swedish aircraft and car manufacturer Saab called Datasaab.
Finnish Rubber Works split away from Nokia
in 1990, Finnish Rubber Works split away from Nokia.
Selling its Computer Division
In 1991 Nokia sold its computer division, Nokia Data, to UK-based International Computers Limited (ICL), the precursor of Fujitsu Siemens.
The World's First GSM Call
Nokia assisted in the development of the GSM mobile standard in the 1980s, and developed the first GSM network with Siemens, the predecessor to Nokia Siemens Network. The world's first GSM call was made by Finnish prime minister Harri Holkeri on 1 July 1991, using Nokia equipment on the 900 MHz band network built by Nokia and operated by Radiolinja.
Jorma Ollila became The CEO
Vuorilehto quit in January 1992 and was replaced by Jorma Ollila, who had been the head of the mobile phone business from 1990 and advised against selling that division. Ollila decided to turn Nokia into a 'telecom-oriented' company, and he eventually got rid of divisions like the power business. This strategy proved to be very successful and the company grew rapidly in the following years. Nokia's operating profit went from negative in 1991 to $1 billion in 1995 and almost $4 billion by 1999.
The First commercially available GSM mobile phone
In November 1992, the Nokia 1011 launched, making it the first commercially available GSM mobile phone.
The First With Stereo Speakers and a Sub-Woofer
Nokia claimed in April 1996 its 447Xav and 447K monitors to be the first with stereo speakers and a sub-woofer.
Nokia sold its television business
On 12 June 1996, Nokia announced the sale of its television business to Canada/Hong Kong-based Semi-Tech Corporation. The sale included a factory in Turku, and the rights to use the Nokia, Finlux, Luxor, Salora, Schaub-Lorenz and Oceanic brands until the end of 1999.
The First to launch digital satellite receivers
Nokia was the first to launch digital satellite receivers in the UK, announced in March 1997.
The First Digital Satellite receiver with Common Interface (CI) support
In August 1997 Nokia introduced the first digital satellite receiver with Common Interface (CI) support.
Producing the World's first digital terrestrial television
In 1998 Nokia became the chosen supplier to produce the world's first digital terrestrial television set-top boxes by British Digital Broadcasting (BDB), which was eventually launched as ONdigital.
Nokia co-founded Symbian Ltd.
In 1998, Nokia co-founded Symbian Ltd.
Becoming The Best-Selling Mobile Phone Brand
In October 1998, Nokia overtook Motorola to become the best-selling mobile phone brand, and in December manufactured its 100 millionth mobile phone.
Their First Wireless LAN products
In May 1999 Nokia introduced their first wireless LAN products.
Nokia partnered with Telefonica
On 26 April 2001 Nokia partnered with Telefonica to supply DSL modems and routers in Spain.
Introducing their First Camera Phone
In 2001 Nokia and Symbian Ltd. created the Symbian Series 60 platform, later introducing it with their first camera phone, the Nokia 7650.
Nokia attempted to break into the Handheld Gaming Market
Nokia was one of the pioneers of mobile gaming due to the popularity of Snake, which came pre-loaded on many products. In 2002, Nokia attempted to break into the handheld gaming market with the N-Gage. the device was a failure, unable to challenge the dominant market leader Nintendo.
Nokia partnered with Carl Zeiss AG
In April 2005 Nokia partnered with German camera optics maker Carl Zeiss AG.
Jorma Ollila retired as CEO
On 1 June 2006, Jorma Ollila became the company's chairman and retired as CEO, replaced by Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo.
Nokia acquired Symbian Ltd.
Nokia acquired the entire company in June 2008 and then formed the Symbian Foundation as its successor.
Nokia ends mobile phone sales in Japan
In November 2008 Nokia announced it would end mobile phone sales in Japan because of low market share.
Symbian OS became Open Source
The old Symbian OS became completely open source in February 2010.
The First non-Finnish Director in Nokia's History
On 10 September 2010, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo was fired as CEO and it was announced that Stephen Elop from Microsoft would take Nokia's CEO position, becoming the first non-Finnish director in Nokia's history. Ollila had also announced that he would step down as Nokia chairman by 2012. On 11 March 2011 Nokia announced that it had paid Elop a $6 million signing bonus as "compensation for lost income from his prior employer", on top of his $1.4 million annual salary.
Closing Symbian Foundation
In November 2010 it was announced that the Symbian Foundation was closing and that Nokia would take back control of the Symbian operating system under closed licensing.
Strategic Partnership with Microsoft
On 11 February 2011, Nokia announced a "strategic partnership" with Microsoft, under which it would adopt Windows Phone 7 as its primary operating system on smartphones, and integrate its services and platforms with its own, including Bing as search engine, and integration of Nokia Maps data into Bing Maps. Elop stated that Nokia chose not to use Android because of an apparent inability to "differentiate" its offerings, with critics also noting that his past ties to Microsoft may have also influenced the decision.
Nokia announced that it would adopt a New Three-digit Naming System
On 1 August 2011, Nokia announced that it would adopt a new three-digit naming system for mobile phone products and stop using letters, effectively ending the Nseries, Eseries, and short-lived Cseries.
Nokia's first Windows Phone flagship
Nokia's first Windows Phone flagship was the Lumia 800, which arrived in November 2011.
Ollila stepped down as Chairman
Ollila stepped down as chairman on 4 May 2012 and was replaced by Risto Siilasmaa.
Nokia bought Siemens' stake in the Nokia Siemens Networks joint venture
In July 2013, Nokia bought Siemens' stake in the Nokia Siemens Networks joint venture for $2.2 billion, turning it into a wholly owned subsidiary called Nokia Solutions and Networks, until being rebranded as Nokia Networks soon after.
Microsoft acquires Nokia's Devices & Services business
In September 2013 Nokia announced the sale of its mobile and devices division to Microsoft. The sale was positive for Nokia to avoid further negative financial figures, as well as for Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer, who wanted Microsoft to produce more hardware and turn it into a devices and services company.
Nokia planned to re-enter the Consumer Electronics business
On 17 November 2014, Nokia Technologies head Ramzi Haidamus disclosed that the company planned to re-enter the consumer electronics business as an original design manufacturer, licensing in-house hardware designs and technologies to third-party manufacturers.
Nokia announced that it had agreed to purchase Alcatel-Lucent
On 14 April 2015, Nokia confirmed that it was in talks with the French telecommunications equipment company Alcatel-Lucent regarding a potential merger. The next day, Nokia announced that it had agreed to purchase Alcatel-Lucent for €15.6 billion in an all-stock deal.
CEO confirmed that the company would return to the Mobile Phones Market
On 14 July 2015, CEO Rajeev Suri confirmed that the company would make a return to the mobile phones market in 2016.
Nokia announced that it had reached a Deal to sell its here Digital Maps Division
On 3 August 2015, Nokia announced that it had reached a deal to sell its Here digital maps division to a consortium of BMW, Daimler AG and Volkswagen Group for €2.8 billion. The deal closed on 3 December 2015.
Unveiling OZO
On 28 July 2015, Nokia announced OZO, a 360-degrees virtual reality camera, with eight 2K optical image sensors. The division behind the product, Nokia Technologies, claimed that OZO would be the most advanced VR film-making platform. OZO was fully unveiled on 30 November in Los Angeles. The OZO, designed for professional use, was intended for retail for US$60,000.
Nokia announced its intent to acquire Withings
On 26 April 2016, Nokia announced its intent to acquire French connected health device maker Withings for US$191 million. The company was integrated into a new Digital Health unit of Nokia Technologies. Nokia later wrote off the cost of the acquisition and in May 2018 the health unit was sold back to Éric Carreel, a Withings co-founder and former CEO.
Microsoft Mobile sold its Nokia-branded feature phone business to HMD Global
On 18 May 2016, Microsoft Mobile sold its Nokia-branded feature phone business to HMD Global, a new company founded by former Nokia executive Jean-Francois Baril, and an associated factory in Vietnam to Foxconn's FIH Mobile subsidiary. Nokia subsequently entered into a long-term licensing deal to make HMD the exclusive manufacturer of Nokia-branded phones and tablets outside Japan, operating in conjunction with Foxconn. The deal also granted HMD the right to essential patents and featurephone software.
The First 5G-Ready Network
On 28 June 2016 Nokia demonstrated for the first time a 5G-ready network.
Nokia's Merger on Alcatel-Lucent was completed
In October 2015, following approval of the deal by China's Ministry of Commerce, the merger awaited approval by French regulators. The merger closed on 14 January 2016, but was not complete until 3 November 2016.
Nokia carried out the First 5G Connection
In February 2017 Nokia carried out a 5G connection in Oulu, Finland using the 5GTF standard, backed by Verizon, on Intel architecture-based equipment.
Gregory Lee became Nokia Technologies CEO and President
On 30 June 2017, Gregory Lee, previously CEO of Samsung Electronics in North America, was appointed Nokia Technologies CEO and president.
Nokia and Xiaomi have signed a business collaboration agreement and a Multi-year patent agreement
On 5 July 2017, Nokia and Xiaomi announced that they have signed a business collaboration agreement and a multi-year patent agreement, including a cross license to each company's cellular standard essential patents. 5GTF
Nokia signed a deal with NTT Docomo
On 19 January 2018, Nokia signed a deal with NTT Docomo, Japan's largest mobile operator, to provide 5G wireless radio base stations in the country by 2020.
Nokia introduced the ReefShark line of 5G Chipsets
On 29 January 2018, Nokia introduced the ReefShark line of 5G chipsets, claiming that it triples bandwidth to 84 Gbit/s. It will be released by Q3 2018. It also incorporates artificial intelligence technologies from Bell Labs.
Solidium purchased a 3.3% stake in Nokia
On 13 March 2018, Solidium, the investment arm of the Finnish government, purchased a 3.3% stake in Nokia valued at €844 million.
Nokia announced that it has acquired SpaceTime Insight
On 7 May 2018, Nokia announced that it has acquired a California-based IoT startup, SpaceTime Insight.
Canadian government announced that it would provide C$40 million to support Nokia's research on 5G technology
In January 2019, the Canadian government announced that it would provide C$40 million to support Nokia's research on 5G technology.
Nokia announced Pekka Lundmark as its new CEO
On March 2, 2020, Nokia announced Pekka Lundmark as its new CEO.
Sari Baldauf succeeded Risto Siilasmaa as chairwoman of the board of directors
On May 27, 2020, Sari Baldauf succeeded Risto Siilasmaa as chairwoman of the board of directors, and Kari Stadigh was appointed vice-chair.
Nokia won a 5G contract worth approximately $450 million from Taiwan Mobile
In June, Nokia won a 5G contract worth approximately $450 million from Taiwan Mobile to build out the telecom operator's next-generation network as the sole supplier.
Nokia announced a contract with NASA
In October, Nokia announced a contract with NASA to build a 4G mobile network for astronaut usage on the moon. The $14.1 million contracts are through subsidiary Bell Labs, and the program is expected to launch in 2022.
Flipkart collaborated with Nokia to market Nokia-branded consumer products in India
In 2020, Flipkart collaborated with Nokia to market Nokia-branded consumer products in India. These included televisions, a laptop, and a range of air conditioners.