FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 13 June 2000 |
pioneered wireless communications technology
Offering Hong Kong's first IS95B-based handset exclusive for Orange users
(Hong Kong, 13 June 2000) Orange and Sanyo today jointly announced that they have joined forces to bring forth pioneered wireless communications technology in Hong Kong. Supported by Orange's superior network, Sanyo will bring in Hong Kong advanced and Japanese style handsets catering to the taste of local mobile users.
Followed by Sanyo's first initiative to enter into the Hong Kong market in April by introducing its C111SA handset, the first handset supporting CDMA automatic roaming to Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, Orange and Sanyo will be launching Hong Kong's first IS95B-based Sanyo C304SA handset exclusively for Orange users in the third quarter of this year. The new handset allows mobile users to access the internet via packet data transmission.
The launch of Sanyo C304SA, which is the first handset in Hong Kong based on the cdmaOne TIA/EIA-IS-95B standard, will be the first demonstration of Orange and Sanyo's concerted effort in employing the most advanced CDMA technology. The first batch of the handset will enable Orange users to access the internet at speeds up to 14.4Kbps. The new handset is also the first mobile phone in Hong Kong that supports packet data transmission technology. This capability facilitates a far more efficient use of network resources than the current circuit switched data services. Rather than sending a continuous stream of data over a permanent connection, packet switching only utilizes the network when there is data to be sent. When no data is being actively transmitted, the handset will enter an idle mode, thereby releasing the traffic channel while it continues to maintain virtual connection to the network. As this feature ensures the most efficient use of the available network resources, the consumer benefits by being billed only for the active portion of packet data calls. Besides saving on atrium billing, packet data's dormant mode extends handset battery life.
"Hong Kong is one of our targets in the development of our wireless communications business in Asia. We have teamed up with Orange in Hong Kong because we are confident that Orange can deliver to mobile users the most advanced wireless communications applications through its high quality network. Our partnership with Orange will be an important milestone for us to bring forward cutting edge wireless communications technology and our exceptional new handsets to the Hong Kong market," said Eiji Kotobuki, Vice President of SANYO Multimedia Company.
"We are pleased to partner with Sanyo and look forward to introducing more advanced handsets with stylist Japanese design from the company, therefore allowing our customers to enjoy Orangeworld's richest content via the widest handset choice. The partnership with Sanyo to bring forth the latest IS95B packet data transmission technology not only enable users to enjoy an unprecedented experience of the fastest wirefree internet access in town but also allow them to enjoy a new mode of billing with the greatest flexibilty," said Stephen Ngan, Deputy Managing Director and Sales and Marketing Director (Wireless) of Hutchison Telecom.
About Hutchison Telecom
Hutchison Telecom is the largest mobile phone operator in Hong Kong with a subscriber base of over 1.45 million, representing the largest share of the local market. Hutchison Telecom unveiled it's world-first CDMA commercial network in 1995 and its Asian first Dual Band GSM network in 1998. In May 2000, Hutchison Telecom launched the Orangeworld wirefree internet service as a groundbreaking initiative in the development of the mobile internet market in Hong Kong. Hutchison Telecom is actively expanding further its portfolio of services offerings in mobile internet, high-speed data communications and m-commerce services, as well as developing IS95B and GPRS technologies, as part of its migration to 3G. For more information about Hutchison Telecom, please visit the Company's website: www.hutchnet.com.hk.
About Sanyo
SANYO Electric Co. Ltd. is a US$18.3 billion manufacturer and distributor of consumer and commercial electronics and electronic products. A division of Multimedia Company of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Personal Telecommunication Division, which marked US$1.05 billion consolidated sales last year markets Personal Digital Cellular(PDC) phones, cdmaOne cellular phones, CDMA cellular phones including Personal Communication Services(PCS), Personal Handyphone System(PHS) and Base Tranceiver Station(BTS) for PHS phones.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Frances Ng
Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited
Tel: 2128 6739 Fax: 2123 1257
Email: francesng@hthk.com
Terrence Tsai
Sanyo Electronics (Hong Kong) Limited
Tel: 2193 6888 Fax: 2193 6012
Email: terrence@sanyosehk.com