While Nokia isn't looking at producing consumer handsets again, the gutted company says it isn't finished working with mobile devices just yet.
Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri told analysts in London the last few years have been rough on his company, but it is experiencing its first period of growth since 2011. Suri revealed to analysts that Nokia plans to sustain growth by advancing its efforts in wireless networking and exploring the possibility of licensing its brands to mobile device manufacturers.
"The Nokia brand is still extremely powerful and we see considerable interest in licensing. We will pursue it ... in a thoughtful and considered way," said Suri.
When Microsoft acquired Nokia back in April, the Redmond, Wash., software giant purchased the rights to use the handset maker's brand for up to 10 years. Microsoft used the Nokia name for a few months, before opting to place its own name in front of its Lumia products.
"We see brand licensing as an opportunity.... But I would say it is more of a long-term opportunity," Suri said.
While no licensing deal has been placed on the table, besides the Microsoft agreement, Suri said the Nokia name could appear on a wide range of consumer electronics. He said the licensing of his company's brand isn't a sentimental move, however.
Though securing a licensing deal may be a long-term aspiration, Nokia is propelling itself forward on its mobile networking business and looking to repurchase its shares.
"As said before, recommencing an ordinary dividend is one of our main priorities, and we expect to continue to repurchase shares as part of our capital structure optimization program," said Timo Ihamuotila, Nokia's chief financial officer.
Nokia revealed 90 percent of its revenue came from its mobile networking unit. The unit has found work in bolstering the networks of Sprint and China Mobile.
Along with mobile networking, Nokia's mapping service has received a warm welcome. Nokia Here is a digital mapping service that allows users to download maps of entire regions, so handsets don't have to rely on a network to feed live map content.
While consumers have been enjoying the beta version of Here, there is some speculation Samsung could end up cuffing the mapping application for use as an exclusive for its Galaxy line of mobile devices. Sean Ferback, senior vice president of everyday mobility for Here, says his group has been in talks with Samsung about making something that sets the handset maker's devices apart from other Android equipment.
