December 23, 2002

News release

'Hutch' and SANYO Japan, a Japan-based leading CDMA handset manufacturer, jointly announced today the launch of the first CDMA 1X handset in Thailand equipped with powerful high-speed and multimedia capabilities to handle new content-rich applications and high-speed data transmission with a speed up to 153 kbps.

Mr. Stephen Ngan, Chief Operating Officer of Hutchison CAT Wireless MultiMedia Limited, said that SANYO SCP-550 is the first CDMA 1X handset to be commercially launched in Thailand and will be available early next year. The handset is customized to offer enjoyment to customers through a specially catered feature, the 'Hutch Key', a smart button which enables users to access the 'Hutch' content portal easily in one touch.

Mr. Ngan also remarked that all 'Hutch' handsets will be equipped with advanced features including a full color LCD, WAP 2.0 xHTML compatible browser, built-in or plug-in camera, and Thai input. These features will definitely provide a very enjoyable and yet useful experience when 'Hutch' customers use this service.

SANYO SCP-550 is the first handset in Thailand with Dual Color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) - sub and main displays. In addition to the built-in camera, the handset also supports a photo mail function that allows the user to send pictures with messages and retouched images to friends via e-mail or to other 'Hutch' handsets. The handset is also equipped with three Thai input methods (matrix mode, multi-tap mode and T9 predictive mode).

Mr. Eiji Kotobuki, President of SANYO Telecommunications Co., Ltd., said that the company is pleased and honored to produce handsets for 'Hutch' to distribute in the Thai market, as Sanyo has a good long-term relationship with Hutchison. "We believe that 'Hutch' will cater to high-speed data communications needs and will bring new and enjoyable experiences to Thai mobile phone users," he said.

The SANYO SCP-550, a sim-based CDMA 1X handset, will be available in two colors - silver and blue.

About the company

Hutchison CAT Wireless MultiMedia Ltd. is a joint venture between the Communications Authority of Thailand and Hutchison Wireless MultiMedia Holdings Ltd. The company has been awarded a contract to provide marketing services for Digital CDMA mobile telephone services under the 'Hutch' brand. The services include voice and advanced data applications with the emphasis on leading edge, state-of-the-art services and products.

SANYO Electric is a global leader in multimedia & telecommunication products. The SANYO group's businesses cover a broad range of multimedia & information products, home appliances, industrial and commercial equipment, electronic devices, batteries and other products. SANYO's net sales in fiscal year 2001, concluded in March 31, 2002, amounted to 2,024,719 billion yen (US$15,223,451). The SANYO group is truly an international organization, consisting of 153 affiliates employing over 110,000 persons globally. (URL http://www.sanyo.co.jp)