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A few months ago Nokia demonstrated the benefits of Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) in a truck outside of the Las Vegas convention center during the CTIA Wireless conference. UMA is one of several competing dual-mode-style fixed-mobile convergence standards that allows GSM carriers to seamlessly handoff calls and data connections between cellular and Wi-Fi networks using voice over IP technology.

The Finnish-phone maker has taken UMA testing out of that controlled 18-wheeler environment and is now running its first pilot program, in the wilds of northern Finland near the polar circle. Nokia's chosen site, the university town of Oulu. The point is to see how UMA stands up under real life surroundings and conditions.

Overall, there are reportedly 20 UMA trials going on worldwide right now, with one commercial deployment by BT’s Fusion; but that's using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi.

Fifty families living in the city of Oulu will receive a 6136—one of the first dual-mode handsets, which was also used in the CTIA demo— to test the system over two months using Finnish operator DNA/Finnet's network.

Oulu has been offering free WLAN internet access via about 300 hot spots around the city since last year. This is an ideal environment to put dual-mode technology through its paces, as it won't require the participants to input a password every time they enter a new hot spot for a 'seamless' handover.

"UMA technology truly brings simplicity in the usage of voice over IP," said Nokia VP of mobile phones R&R in a statement. "This pilot project is an important step forward in bringing functional UMA technology to the mass market. Both operators and consumers will be able to garner the benefits of this new technology."

Along with the dual-mode handsets, Nokia provides network operators with the UMA Network Controller that links their broadband and GSM networks together. At the time of the 6136's introduction in February, Nokia VP of networks Roberto Loiola said. "Our approach to UMA clearly demonstrates Nokia's solid advantage in providing complete solutions that encompass networks, terminals and system integration."

When it comes to the reality of fixed/mobile convergence, it may not be as easy as walking into your local cafe with your dual-mode phone and making the switch from a cellular to Wi-Fi. The operators want tight control over the technology. So UMA will likely be a WEP-enabled solution in the real world.

That means you'll need a password to get on the 802.11b/g network. Hot spots would have agreements with your carrier for dual-mode to work seamlessly outside the home or office. Otherwise, you’d need WEP passwords entered already for every access point that you frequent, unless it’s a free hot spot like the ones in Nokia’s Oulu trial. (Of course, you can always user your Wi-Fi enabled handset as a regular VoIP phone.)

A carrier like T-Mobile in the U.S., which plans to offer this type of service in the coming months, is an ideal candidate for UMA technology. It already has a heavy investment in hot spots. Dual-mode simply becomes another option on the menu for subscribers to check off.

Fixed-mobile convergence also helps carriers provide better service indoors and in remote areas. The operators also hope it will encourage users to use more content services (i.e. Web, e-mail, MMS, music, video, handset TV, etc.) and help them increase ARPU (average revenue per user).

Which brings up the flipside, the concern that dual-mode technologies could hurt mobile operator revenues by moving subscribers from wide area network (cellular) connections - their bread and butter today - to local area network (WLAN broadband) connections. The worry is encouraging users to go Wi-Fi would eat into profitable cellular voice minutes and data fees.

This issue is of particular concern to carriers that don't have significant investments in hot spots already or aren't partnered with a fixed-line operator who can help them bring dual-mode technology directly into the home.

There are only a few known UMA capable handsets right now, including the Nokia's 6136 and N80, Samsung's P200 and SGH-T709, LG's CL4000 and Motorola’s Bluetooth A910. The Wi-Fi Alliance optimistically said there are 20 more in the works for this year alone, however.

In addition to dual-mode, quad-band GSM celullar/Wi-Fi, the clamshell 6136 includes a 1.3 megapixel camera, a microSD memory card slot, and a stereo FM radio with Visual Radio support. Its screen supports 262,000 colors.

The phone gets about 5 hours of talk as a cell phone and 5.5 hours in Wi-Fi mode. Standby in Wi-Fi is only 82 hours, while it’s 280 hours for cellular.

Nokia's 6136 is expected to sell for 275 euros ($350).