Online retailer Amazon has linked up with mobile phone companies Nokia and Motorola to provide a mobile internet shopping service.

Owners of mobile phones using the Wap technology (Wireless Application Protocol) will be able to browse and buy without making a voice phone call.

The service will be tested first in the UK, before being rolled out in other parts of the world where Amazon is present on the web.

Nokia will offer access through its "Club Nokia" portal, which is available to European owners of Nokia phones.

Mobile phone users will be able to use the service just like Amazon's online web site. They can search for books, read reviews, and purchase from Amazon's catalogue.

Matthi Alahuhta, president of Nokia mobile phones, said: "This is the right time to start pursuing this market and creating a brand in the mobile world."

He predicted that "as early as 2003 the number of mobile devices capable of internet access will exceed the number of personal computers connected to the internet".

Joe Galli, the president and chief operating officer at Amazon.com said the deal would extend "the service we offer our customers to an exciting new dimension. We believe in the future of mobile commerce."

The companies say they will launch joint marketing campaigns to promote the mobile shopping service.