Sleek, FeatureRrich 3G Handset Chosen by 12 Leading Operators

    BARCELONA, February 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Twelve leading mobile operators
have selected a slim, multimedia phone developed by LG Electronics as the
winning handset to spearhead the GSM Association's 3G for All campaign,
which aims to make third-generation mobile services accessible to a much
wider user base.
    By agreeing on a common set of requirements, the 12 operators will
enable LG to achieve major economies of scale in manufacturing, logistics
and marketing. The LG-KU250 handset will be available at a wholesale price
about 30% less than the typical entry-level 3G phone and fully-competitive
with the multimedia second-generation handsets on sale today.
    Twelve of the largest mobile operators in the world selected the
LG-KU250, which is only 15mm thick, from 19 handsets submitted by eight
vendors. Containing a chipset supplied by Qualcomm, the handset supports
video calls, high-speed Internet access, multi-tasking and a wide range of
other multimedia services.
    "The 3G for All campaign has had a great response from both handset and
chipset vendors demonstrating their commitment to work with operators to
drive usage of 3G services," said Craig Ehrlich, chairman of the GSMA, the
global trade association for mobile operators, and a board member of
Hutchison Mobile Communications, which is sponsoring the project. "A
highly-capable device that is as attractive and cost-effective as the
leading 2G multimedia handsets, the LG-KU250 has clear mass-market appeal
and will help fuel interest in third-generation services across the world."
    "LG is very excited about collaborating with the GSMA to lead the
ongoing evolution and deployment of 3G technology worldwide," said Dr.
Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications
Company. "Through this partnership, we will bring all people closer to new
mobile capabilities and they will benefit from higher-quality wireless
multimedia 3G services. LG will provide them with attractive and
feature-rich 3G devices while at the same time breaking price barriers for
subscribers in the global market."
    "Qualcomm believes that one of our responsibilities is helping to make
advanced wireless voice and Internet connectivity available to more people
worldwide," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, CEO of Qualcomm. "We are proud to have
been a part of this program with the GSMA and applaud their initiative in
bringing the industry together toward this common goal of speeding the
growth of 3G and multimedia services worldwide, though enhanced competition
and consumer choice."
    Unveiled to CEOs from across the mobile industry at the Leadership
Summit of the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, the LG-KU250 handset will
be available to all 3GSM mobile phone operators from the second quarter.
    The 12 operators steering the GSMA programme have also highly commended
a 3G handset submitted by Nokia. Also capable of supporting a range of 3G
multimedia services, the handset, which is built on the Nokia 6151
platform, uses a Texas Instrument chipset designed to Nokia's
specifications.
    "We are pleased to be acknowledged by the GSMA for our efforts.
Clearly, we share a common interest in extending the benefits of 3G to
ever-wider audiences," said Kai Öistämö, Executive Vice President and
General Manager, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "In addition to offering consumers a
much richer mobile experience, 3G enables operators to lower operating
expenses, reduce voice congestion in 2G networks, enabling the reallocation
of the 900 MHz frequency, and promote usage of new services".
    The 3G for All campaign is the second programme designed by the GSMA to
create economies of scale for handset makers and their component suppliers.
The GSMA's Emerging Market Handset programme stimulated the development of
a range of ultra-low cost mobile phones aimed at first-time buyers in
developing countries.
    About the GSM Association: http://www.gsmworld.com

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