LONDON - October 19, 2001 - Hutchison 3G UK, ("Hutchison 3G"), holder of the UMTS licence for the largest block of spectrum in the UK, today announced that it is working with 3G LAB, the multimedia software developer for next generation mobile communications, to develop new and compelling multimedia applications for the wireless environment.
The financial terms were not disclosed.
Hutchison 3G is working with 3G LAB to develop new applications for the rollout of its UMTS service. 3G LAB's multi-disciplined team of technical architects, graphic designers and web developers are working with Hutchison 3G's own development teams to design and develop tailored concept applications.
Colin Tucker, managing director of Hutchison 3G said, "The increased bandwidth with UMTS opens up new opportunities to deliver data rich products and services to our customers. Our work with 3G LAB is an important ingredient in ensuring that we can deliver them for launch next year."
"UMTS licence holders will have just the one chance to launch their services ... they have to ensure that they deliver the most compelling user experience from day one," said Steve Ives, CEO, 3G LAB. "The challenge is to develop revenue-rich applications that inspire and delight the user. We're delighted to be working with Hutchison 3G to support them in the development of new wireless multimedia applications as they ramp-up for launch next year."
Note to Editors
Hutchison 3G UK
Hutchison 3G UK Ltd. ("Hutchison 3G") holds licence 'A' (a third-generation mobile licence), which was issued by the UK government in May 2000. This licence was for the largest block of spectrum auctioned in the UK, as it was set-aside for a new entrant to the market. The licence consists of 15mhz of paired spectrum, and 5mhz of unpaired spectrum.
3G is a convergence of mobile, telephony and information systems which promises to change people's lives by enabling them to access information when, where and how they want. The 3G standard (agreed throughout Europe, Japan, China, and the rest of Asia) is formally known as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). It represents a global standard for third generation mobile communication systems and is at the heart of the Hutchison 3G initiative. Hutchison Whampoa Limited holds a 65 per cent stake in Hutchison 3G, the other major shareholders are NTT DoCoMo (20 per cent) KPN Mobile (15 per cent).
3G LAB
3G LAB was formed in March 2000 and develops multimedia software for the next generation of mobile networks and devices based on the UMTS worldwide standard. With both product development and consultancy arms to the business, 3G LAB's customers include mobile network operators, mobile content providers and mobile device manufacturers. 3G LAB is a significant contributor to open source projects in the mobile Internet space. Visit www.3GLAB.com for further information.
For Hutchison 3G information, please contact:
Edward Brewster
Hutchison 3G
+44 (0)20 7887 7869
For 3G LAB information, please contact:
Julian Harris,
3G LAB
+44 (0)1223 478 908
julian.harris@3glab.com
Mark James
AxiCom
+44 (0)7740 824 092
mark.james@axicom.com