Nokia Siemens Networks announced that they have developed new software which double the speed of existing EDGE data networks (the type of networks that currently supply carrier-based internet connections to iPhone users worldwide).

So, 2 x slow = how less-slow exactly? 592 kbps says Nokia, who estimates availability beginning Q3 2008. Of course, 3G rumormongers will have us long past EDGE by then, so not to be outdone, Nokia also revealed plans for a next-gen nitro punch called EGPRS 2, which they hope reaches speeds of 1.2 Mbps:

“By 2015, we expect to live in a broadband-IP world with five billion people ‘always on’ and therefore Nokia Siemens Networks is committed to protecting customer investments and continue to implement leading EDGE technology. Dual Carrier software upgrade is an easy and extremely cost efficient step to bring broadband user experience to GSM/EDGE networks”, says Ari Lehtoranta, Head of Radio Access Business Unit, Nokia Siemens Networks.

(via Gizmodo)