Europe's mobile phone manufacturers unveiled a selection of high-speed Internet phones that use General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) technology at the Cebit technology fair in Hanover this week.

Nokia and Siemens both demonstrated handsets that offer "always-on" Internet connections at speeds considerably above the current GSM second generation standard.

GPRS is considered a stepping stone towards third-generation technologies, which are expected to transmit data at speeds capable of delivering ? video content on handsets.

Nokia announced two models this week. It said its 8310 "fashion" segment GPRS phone would launch in the third quarter, while its 6310 model, equipped for "bluetooth" or local wireless network use, will be out in the fourth quarter.

The GPRS launch by the world's largest mobile manufacturer, Nokia, follows similar launches by other industry heavyweights Motorola and Ericsson.

At the Cebit conference Siemens also announced its first GPRS model, the S45. The company said it would launch the handset in July in an effort to become one of the top three suppliers.

The demand for GPRS handsets will be scrutinised by technology companies and analysts. Softening demand for mobile phones in Europe has caused several leading manufacturers to issue profit warnings in recent weeks.

There remain doubts that consumers will pay to upgrade handsets to GPRS standard and use mobile data services after a less than enthusiastic reception for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) in Europe.

GPRS networks have been partially launched across Europe. In the Republic, Eircell is carrying out trials of its own GPRS network and says it will launch a commercial services when enough handsets become available.

Meanwhile, almost 20 Irish technology firms are demonstrating at the Cebit conference in Hanover. These include Orbiscom, Network 365, MDS Gateway, Lionbridge, Lake Communications, Cardbase Technologies, Eontec and Iontas.