Nokia Says It Dials Up Strong Growth

Nokia(NOK Quote) said it was extending its current growth forecast until 2003, providing good news in a time when most companies are warning their earnings are slowing. The Finnish mobile phone maker, the world's largest, said it expects 2001 growth to come in at the high end of a range between 25% and 35%, while growth in both 2002 and 2003 would be similar.

The company also said that it would have 1 billion mobile phone users by the first half of 2002, moving it up about six months. Previously, Nokia said it would pass the 1 billion mark by the end of 2002.

Lots of customers equals market share, so it should come as no surprise that Nokia was touting the fact it has 30% of the mobile phone market, close to double that of American competitor Motorola(MOT Quote) and nearly triple that of Swedish Ericsson (ERICY Quote). ...