Nokia to offer free maps

Nokia is to offer free maps on its cellphones to boost handset sales and prices, putting more pressure on satnav makers already hit by Google’s assault on the market.

Nokia is to offer free maps on its cellphones to boost handset sales and prices, putting more pressure on satnav makers already hit by Google’s assault on the market.

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Nokia hopes free navigation will bolster its flagging position in the global market. It still sells more smartphones than any of its rivals, but it has lost ground to Apple and RIM.

Google started in late 2009 to offer free navigation on Motorola’s Droid model smartphones in the North American market. By offering free navigation on some 20 million smartphones Nokia is set to hurt key players on the global navigation market.