News release
London - 11 October 2004
3, the UK's first video mobile network, today announced that from this week it is selling the latest video mobile from NEC, the e616V.
The successor to the e616, the new e616V, is the seventh 3G mobile from NEC to go on sale in the UK. The e616V boasts the same range of video mobile features as the e616, with the addition of a VGA-resolution digital camera.
The e616V is a clamshell design and measures 103x53x26.4mm, weighing only 131g. It has two built-in zoom cameras and a camera light, which enhances images captured even in low-light conditions. It also features GPS functionality for location-based services, and can be connected to a PC via a USB cable.
The 33x45mm, high-resolution screen is great for video-calling or watching full-length music videos. Video clips and still images can also be shared with friends and family by MMS (Multimedia Messaging Services) or via e-mail.
Bob Fuller, CEO 3 UK said: "With this latest addition to our portfolio, 3 continues to set the benchmark for mobiles in the UK. 3 is setting the agenda for great value price plans, video mobile services and mobiles in the UK. 3 believes this is going to be a 3G Christmas and the NEC handsets form an important part of our growing portfolio."
Tony Hutson, Director, NEC UK commented: "We are delighted to be extending our handset range with the UK's fastest-growing mobile operator. The e616V is a top of the range handset that shows off 3's exciting range of services. This new video mobile combines leading-edge technology with style."
The e616V allows customers to browse 'Today on 3', 3's live and interactive video mobile channel. 3 customers can watch highlights from the Barclays Premiership, watch full-length music videos from 3's video jukebox service, or download the latest ringtunes and hottest images available from EMAP titles including FHM, Kiss and Heat.
The e616V is dual mode (3G and 2.5G), ensuring fast, and "always-on" access to 3's range of content and services. The handset is quipped with JAVATM technology, enabling customers to play the very latest games and the built-in MP3 player means 3's full-length music videos can be enjoyed on the move. The e616V also features a memory card slot for a Sony MemoryStick DuoTM.
Like all 3 video-mobiles from NEC, the e616V can synchronise with versions of Microsoft Outlook TM calendaring and other PC applications, making it suitable for personal as well as professional use.
For more information about 3's services and tariffs, please visit www.three.co.uk
Media enquiries:
3 media office Tel: 020 7010 9312
NEC (UK)
Katharine Murray at NEC UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8752 3341
e-mail: katharine.murray@uk.neceur.com
Ainslie MacLeod or Sally Welsh at Nelson Bostock
Tel: +44 (0)20 7229 4400
e-mail: ainslie.macleod/sally.welsh@nelsonbostock.com
About 3
Hutchison 3G UK Limited delivers third-generation mobile multimedia and communications services under the 3 brand in the UK, offering a convergence of media, information and telephony to enable live video calls, multimedia content and entertainment while on the move.
3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy and Sweden. 3 also holds UMTS licences in Ireland, Israel and Norway.
On August 19 2004 Hutchison Whampoa Ltd announced updated trading information for the 3 group of companies:
| - | 3 globally had over 3.2 million customers |
| - | 3 UK had over 1.2 million customers [exactly 1,201,029] |
| - | In July 3 UK added 274,658 customers |
| - | 3 UK's ARPU for the first seven months of the year was £43.22 per customer, per month |
Three facts about 3:
| - | 3 is the UK's first video mobile network, and the only network offering 3G services to all its customers. |
| - | 3 is the UK's fastest growing mobile network and was the fastest UK mobile network to a million customers. Over 1.2 million customers in the UK now have access to 3's range of 3G services, from video messaging and video calling to watching full-length music videos and goals from Barclays Premiership football. |
| - | 3's network offers national coverage for calls and texts, and over 79% population coverage for video mobile services. |
For further information, please visit: www.three.co.uk
About NEC (UK) Ltd
Founded in 1973, NEC UK is responsible for the marketing, sales, installation and service of a comprehensive range of NEC's IT, communications and display technologies. With a proven track record in technical consultancy and multiple product streams, NEC UK can design, install and manage standalone and integrated solutions for corporate clients and their networks.
In mobile communications, NEC delivers the latest handsets (3G and 2.5G) and network infrastructure. For the business market, NEC supplies converged network solutions, physical and electronic security systems and advanced IT solutions, from server and storage hardware to e-business and supply chain management services. NEC also offers a complete range of display products and managed services based on its latest display screens and projectors for the corporate, professional AV and home cinema markets.
The turnover of NEC UK in the financial year 2004 was over £300 million. For further information, please visit: www.nec.co.uk