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Technological innovations

3G Mobile Service Takes Center Stage at 3GSM World Congress

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Europe's leading telecommunications industry fair, the 3GSM World Congress, kicked off in Cannes, France, with top South Korean handset makers showcasing their latest innovations in mobile phones. Samsung, LG, and Curitel Communications are targeting third-generation (3G) mobile phone markets in Europe, where high-speed Internet access and the ability to use mobile phones as personal computers are set to become increasingly available. The 3G service, despite initial pessimism about technical difficulties and limited handset availability, is expected to take off in Europe this year as wireless giants like Vodafone Plc start to sign up customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Samsung, the world's third-largest mobile phone maker, will launch three new 3G phones during the French show, including models with 5-megapixel photography and terrestrial digital TV capabilities.
  • LG Electronics, a latecomer in the global handset market, is banking on sales of 3G mobile phones to increase its profits, with a focus on 3G functions including video conferencing, three-dimensional gaming, and terrestrial DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting).
  • Curitel Communications and its affiliate Pantech Co. will showcase a total of 24 new mobile phones during the fair, highlighting their expanding product lineup.
  • Despite initial concerns about technical difficulties and limited handset availability, wireless carriers and handset makers are predicting success for the 3G service in Europe.
  • Top South Korean handset makers are targeting the European 3G market, where wireless giants like Vodafone Plc are starting to sign up customers for high-speed Internet access and mobile phone personal computer capabilities.
  • The main hurdle for the 3G service will be persuading customers to buy expensive new handsets to use the service, according to industry observers.

Statistics:

  • 617 companies from around the world, including Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson, and major wireless operators, attended this year's 3GSM World Congress.
  • Samsung, LG, and Curitel Communications plan to raise their global profiles by targeting the 3G mobile phone market in Europe.
  • LG Electronics has a contract worth US$1 billion to supply 3 million 3G handsets to Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa Ltd.
  • The 3GSM World Congress is a four-day gathering at Cannes, France, where the top three South Korean handset makers showcase their latest innovations in mobile phones.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse - Europe's annual telecommunications industry fair, 3GSM World Congress, opened here Monday...
  • (Yonhap) 14-02 1432

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