ALCATEL Introduces New Slider, The OT-E260

May 8, 2006 – Hong Kong – TCL Communications Technology Holdings (TCT), a global mobile phone maker, launched the OT-E260, the first slider phone under the Alcatel brand. Alcatel is an innovative design house that excels in producing trendy yet functional mobile phones. OT-E260 is a must-have fashion accessory, which is one of Alcatel’s new generation of affordable mobile phones built with uncompromising French design. In an environment of excess functions, this phone illuminates TCT’s dedication to uniting elegance with simplicity.SMALL & SLEEK

Designed to complement the stylish user, this black and silver phone radiates all the fine details of a fashionable mobile phone. The smooth, rounded contours of the phone and seamless finish of the screen are accented by a silver ring of buttons on the front for easy navigation. The vibrant colour display contrasted against the black frame greatly enhances the sharpness of the colours. At just 91g, the small but sturdy OT-E260 sits snugly in the hand for easy one-handed text messaging.

SLIDE ME

OT-E260 is the first slider phone at a very affordable and competitive market price with a keypad designed with exceptional comfort. The assisted gliding greatly adds ease to snapping the phone to open or close mode. In addition, the slider element gives users the keypad protection of a flip phone and the convenience of a compactphone.

BACK TO BASICS

OT-E260 is truly a desirable product for the trendy who favour a simple to use phone with all the important essentials. Features encompass a selection of fun ring tones, embedded games and animations, customisable text messaging templates and battery saving. The phone menu is user friendly and intuitive to use.

BLACK IS BACK

The colour black never goes out of style. The OT-E260 is part of the “Black� product line, which features an artful blend of technology and unpretentious sophistication. Combining the latest innovation with state-of-the art design, this range appeals to those who are after understated glamour and being in accord with the latest trends.

Source: T&A Mobile Phones

Digita and Nokia signed world's first commercial DVB-H mobile TV platform supply contract

May 11, 2006 -- Espoo, Finland - Digita and Nokia have signed the world's first commercial DVB-H mobile TV platform supply contract. Nokia will deliver to Digita its Nokia Broadcast Solution (MBS) 3.0, which is a service management solution for DVB-H services. The MBS 3.0 supports the broadcasting of different types of digital content such as live TV, radio, and video clips over DVB-H networks to mobile devices. Digita obtained the DVB-H network license from the Finnish Government earlier in 2006. Digita will be responsible for the broadcasting network and administration of channels as the network operator. The first stage of network rollout in 2006 will cover the area inside the Ring Road III in the Helsinki region and the cities of Turku, Tampere, and Oulu. The network will reach 29 percent of the population in Finland by the end of 2006. Digita has already made plans to extend the network to cover the majority of Finns. Negotiations with the possible service operators have been based on these plans.

"Nokia is extremely pleased to see the start of commercial mobile TV roll outs that are based on open standards. Nokia strongly believes that mobile TV based on open standards prevents fragmentation of the DVB-H market and enables a healthy competitive open market," said Harri Männistö, director, Multimedia, Nokia.

"For Digita a very important element of Nokia's platform is that it supports the international DVB-H standard, which is open for all terminal suppliers", said Kari Risberg, technical director, Digita.

"Digita will utilize the open network model for the DVB-H network which will be in commercial use already this year. Our role is to be the network operator and offer capacity and services of the network to all service providers under equal, fair, and transparent terms", said Sirpa Ojala, managing director, Digita.

Nokia's MBS 3.0 solution is based on open standards such as DVB-H and will support both Open Air Interface (OAI) and the DVB-CBMS implementation profiles. In the service protection, Nokia is supporting the open standard 18C solution based on OMA DRM 2.0, which can be used to protect any digital content in addition to TV programming. The key features of the MBS 3.0 include the Electronic Serve Guide (ESG), a consumer interface in the mobile device for searching available services, setting alerts for upcoming programs and for the viewing selection. Additionally, the MBS 3.0 offers flexible content pricing schemes and provides consumers with an easy way to purchase viewing rights.

Digita, Elisa, MTV3, Nelonen, Nokia, Sonera and YLE jointly conducted a mobile TV pilot in Finland between March and June 2005 with 500 users accessing mobile TV using the Nokia 7710 smartphone and DVB-H technology. The results of the pilot were very positive and revealed the popularity and willingness to pay for mobile TV services among consumers.

About Digita
Digita Oy is the leading Finnish distributor of radio and television services, and an important developer of data communication networks and network infrastructure. Digita's nationwide organization ensures the high quality of services 24 hours a day. Digita's customers include television and radio broadcasting companies, as well as mobile and broadband operators. The company's turnover was 97 million euros in 2005 and it employs 374 people. Digita is part of the international TDF Group. (www.digita.fi)

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices, and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Source: Nokia

Swedish Coast Guard Win Marks First Motorola RAKEL Public Safety Contract

STOCKHOLM – 12 May 2006 – Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT), has today announced its first contract win to supply radios for use on Sweden’s national public safety radio communication network – RAKEL. The move follows successful terminal evaluation and certification by the Swedish National Rescue Agency, the central supervisory government authority for the rescue services. The certification means that Sweden’s public safety users can now select from Motorola’s highly acclaimed range of TETRA radios within the RAKEL catalogue.The RAKEL-system (Radio communication for Effective Management) is a TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked Radio) network, being rolled out in a number of phases and scheduled to be completed by 2009/10. The first phase covers the southern region (Skåne, Blekinge and Kronoberg), which is now in operation.

Implementation of the RAKEL system will facilitate co-operation between a number of organisations such as Police, Fire, Rescue, Customs and the Coast Guard. Discussions are ongoing regarding an extension of the user groups. This first contract will see the Swedish Coast Guard using the MTH800 portable radio and the MTM800 Mobile radio for the majority of their terminal requirements in Phase 1 of the nationwide deployment.

The Motorola TETRA terminal range provides customers with an extensive range of features to enhance the operational safety and capabilities of users. Users will have access to voice and data services including one-to-one (individual) and one-to-many (group) calls, telephony services and emergency calls. Integrated GPS receivers enable users location to be determined resulting in more efficient deployment of resources and increased safety when responding to potentially hazardous situations.

Mats Sernvik, General Manager Celab Communication, said “We are extremely pleased that the Swedish Coast guard have selected us and Motorola TETRA terminals as they now transition to the next generation of radio communication-RAKEL. The coast guard is frequently operating under extreme conditions with high requirements on cooperation with different public safety agencies, and therefore needs the best possible communication equipment."

Per Lundmark, Motorola, added: “After undergoing a very robust evaluation process we are delighted to have been accredited by the Swedish National Rescue Agency to supply radios to users of the RAKEL network and look forward to working with the Swedish Coast Guard. This contract is another validation of our proven ability and commitment to deliver the best mission-critical communication solutions to public safety organisations around the world.�

About TETRA
TErrestrial Trunked RAdio (TETRA) is an open digital trunked radio standard defined by the European Telecommunications Standardisation Institute (ETSI) to meet the needs of the most demanding professional mobile radio users. As a leader in TETRA worldwide, Motorola has been awarded more than 280 TETRA contracts in more than 64 countries to date.

About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.8 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com

About Celab Communications AB

Celab Communications AB is one of the leading suppliers in the radio communications business in the Swedish market. Headquarters are located in Kungälv with sales offices in Stockholm and Lidköping. Celab is an authorized system partner of Motorola in Sweden.

The company was founded in 1978 and is family-owned.
For more information, please visit www.celab.se

Source: Motorola

Motorola Introduces Suite of Wireless Security Services to Enable and Protect Enterprise Mobility

Enterprise Focused Portfolio Addresses People, Processes, Policy and Technology to Improve Wireless Network Security

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – 11 May 2006 – Today Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) introduced a suite of Enterprise Wireless Security Services designed to provide enterprise customers with a comprehensive portfolio of planning, prevention and monitoring services to help ensure network security and availability; and also to help protect business critical assets.Recent wireless security vulnerability assessments conducted by Motorola for enterprise, telecommunications and government customers reveal that many of the security challenges facing enterprises today originate at the point where wireline and wireless networks converge.

“Security is not something that can be achieved through technology alone,� said Robbie Higgins, managing director of Wireless Security Services, Motorola. “It’s an issue that must be addressed across all facets of an organization’s network environment. Motorola allows enterprises to assess their security needs in an integrated way, identifying and mitigating security threats and vulnerabilities inherent within converged networks.�

Leveraging its strong heritage of RF expertise, Motorola will help enterprises understand, assess and address security network-wide. Key enterprise service offerings include security assessments, design and implementation services, policy development, incident response planning and managed security services.

“By providing centralized control over disparate wireless networks, devices and applications, our services will allow enterprises to realize the true, measurable benefits of seamless mobility – increased productivity and customer satisfaction -- through a secure, trusted communications environment,� said Higgins.

To learn more about best practices for enabling wireless security, download the “Building a Secure Foundation for Enterprise Mobility� white paper at www.motorola.com/enterprise

About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.8 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com

Source: Motorola

RIM Announces Plans to Launch BlackBerry Service in China

May 11, 2006 -- Beijing, China and Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that China Mobile Communications Co., Ltd (China Mobile) plans to offer BlackBerry® in China. RIM and China Mobile will initially focus on supporting multinational corporations with operations in China. China Mobile will soon offer BlackBerry service nationwide and provide SIM cards to support BlackBerry service. Availability of BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds™ and BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ will be announced at a later date.“Millions of mobile professionals around the world have recognized the unique security, manageability, efficiency and reliability of the BlackBerry architecture,� said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at RIM. “We are very excited to bring BlackBerry to China. The collaboration of China Mobile and RIM will extend the reach of BlackBerry to a large and important market.�

BlackBerry on China Mobile’s GPRS network will enable corporate customers to enjoy wireless access to email, phone, organizer, Internet and other corporate data applications.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research in Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.

Source: Blackberry

Verizon Wireless Highlights Top Phones To Outfit Gamers

05/11/2006 -- BEDMINSTER, NJ and LOS ANGELES — From E3 2006 today, Verizon Wireless highlighted top phones for mobile games. With hundreds of games in the Get It Now® and V CAST catalogues, including sports, strategy, action, puzzle, classic, casino, television and movie games, V CAST 3D games and more, Verizon Wireless offers cool games for anyone with a V CAST or Get It Now-enabled phone. Verizon Wireless’ phones put mobile games, the latest wireless services and the nation’s most reliable wireless network in the palm of your hand, making it the perfect time to get equipped with a gaming phone.Whether you’re a closet gamer who works hard and plays hard, a music maniac, a trend-setting jet setter, just getting into the game world or a gamer on a shoestring, Verizon Wireless has the phone – and games – for you. Offering the convenience of mobility, Verizon Wireless’ V CAST and the Get In Now virtual store let you shop from your phone and download the applications over the air.

* The Closet Gamer: Mobile professionals who have a bit of time to kill (or can’t resist the latest action game in between meetings) and want a truly all-in-one device should look no further than the V from LG. The V effortlessly combines function with gameplay with its distinctive flip-open design and full QWERTY keyboard. The V supports the latest and greatest services such as V CAST – the nation’s first wireless broadband service for consumers that lets customers play 3D games plus browse and download video clips – and is loaded with productivity features such as Bluetooth® technology for wireless connectivity. The V is also equipped to support VZ NavigatorSM, which offers a wide array of Location Based Services (LBS) options, including mapping, audible turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to find more than 14 million points of interest – a valuable tool for road warriors.

The Closet Gamer can sneak in the following games to keep entertained with The V:

1. Sonic The Hedgehog
2. Hasbro’s 3D Bop It
3. VZW Solitaire
4. The Sims 2 Connected Edition
5. PACMAN

* Music Maniac: Packing a variety of advanced features, the V CAST Music-enabled Samsung SCH-a950 represents the combination of utility and entertainment for those looking for a fully immersive multimedia experience. The latest V CAST 3D games and more are available on the Samsung SCH-a950, plus it lets you create the soundtrack to your life with V CAST Music, the most comprehensive mobile music download service in the nation with more than one million songs from labels and indie providers. The SCH-a950 is perfect for life’s moments, whether playing the newest hit from your favorite band for your friends or playing that perfect song that you know will get your friends on their feet.

Music Maniacs can keep grooving to these games available on the SCH-a950:

1. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
2. Music Qubes
3. Luxor
4. VZW Texas Hold’em
5. VH1 - I Know The 80’s

* The Fashionista: If you’re seeking the pinnacle of style and performance, check out the Motorola RAZR V3c – the only RAZR that comes with the nation’s most reliable wireless network. Famously slim, the RAZR V3c makes staying connected and informed fashionable with Bluetooth and V CAST capabilities, giving gamers all of the action of 3D games in one sleek fashion-forward package. An office-quality speakerphone, 1.3 megapixel camera, video record and playback, speech recognition capability and up to 30 megabytes of embedded memory also pack a heavyweight punch in this surprisingly light phone. Available in Orchid Pink or Graphite, the RAZR V3c is the perfect accessory for a night on the town as it slips discretely into a fitted pair of pants or chic evening clutch.

These games are always in style when played on the RAZR V3c from Verizon Wireless:

1. DaVinci Code Quest
2. Insaniquarium Deluxe
3. VZW Mahjong
4. Diner Dash
5. Scrabble Blast

* The Dabbler: Fully loaded with the latest technology, including a 1.3 mega pixel camera, embedded Bluetooth technology for hands-free communication and capabilities to access V CAST and Get It Now content, the Motorola E815 is anything but basic. The E815’s sturdy design and roster of functions, from a date book, to a calculator, to a contact directory that stores up to 1000 contacts, make this the perfect handset for the newbie crowd. Polyphonic ringer and sound capabilities, advanced speech recognition and bright internal screen are ideal for junior varsity gamers.

The Dabbler can experience terrific gameplay on the Motorola E815 with these games:

1. Ridge Racer 3D
2. Orcs and Elves
3. UNO Challenge
4. Zuma
5. USA TODAY Sudoku

* Gamer on a Shoestring: The affordable VX5200 offers all the wireless necessities in a powerful clamshell design, making it an ideal game phone for the budget-conscious. The VX5200’s compact shape means it slips easily into a backpack or coat pocket and lets customers stay in touch with TXT and PIX Messaging. The phone features a camera, so it’s easy to capture spontaneous moments with friends, and the phone’s 32-chord polyphonic sound system supports your favorite ring tone downloads from the getTONES shopping aisle of the Get It Now virtual store.

If you have a VX5200, check out a wide variety of games on your phone, including:

1. Family Guy
2. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
3. VZW Casino
4. Blackjack Cheater
5. Tiger Woods Golf

You can also visit www.getvcast.com or www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow to get the latest information on top games and new games from Verizon Wireless, game pricing and phone availability. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.

Great game phones are available for every budget; all prices for these five gaming phones include $50 mail-in rebate:

The V
Price with two-year customer agreement: $149.99
Price with one-year customer agreement: $199.99

Samsung SCH-a950
Price with two-year customer agreement: $149.99
Price with one-year customer agreement: $199.99

Motorola RAZR V3c
Price with two-year customer agreement: $79.99
Price with one-year customer agreement: $129.99

Motorola E815
Price with two-year customer agreement: $49.99
Price with one-year customer agreement: $99.99

LG VX5200
Price with two-year customer agreement: $29.99
Price with one-year customer agreement: $79.99

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Source: Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless Customers Must Race Against Time In The "24" Mobile Game

Players Use Their “Spy Phones� To Complete CTU Missions

05/11/2006 -- BEDMINSTER, NJ — With the season finale of “24� right around the corner, Verizon Wireless Get It Now® customers won’t have to wait until next season to be part of the non-stop adventures of Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). Available now on select Get It Now-enabled phones, the “24� mobile game brings portable gaming fun to the next level with an exciting new concept that transforms wireless phones into “Spy Phones.� “24� lets customers pretend every day is Monday night, giving them access to CTU agents, classified infrared satellite surveillance, phone tracing, electronic lock picks, decryption and more in order to stop a potentially devastating war.Like the action-packed television series, time is of the essence. Players go through CTU training and earn badges and medals based on the success of each operation. “24� players then join the ranks of Jack Bauer as a CTU agent. Using the Spy Phone, players contact, assign and guide Bauer and other CTU agents through a series of challenges and puzzles. Each mission and decision made affects how the story unfolds.

Verizon Wireless “24� fans can now download and play the “24� mobile game for $2.99 monthly access or $6.99 for unlimited use purchase from the getGAMES shopping aisle of the Get It Now virtual store. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.

Through a partnership with Fox Mobile Entertainment, “24� the mobile game is published by I-play and is available to over one billion customers through the company’s extensive global distribution network.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Get It Now is a registered trademark of Verizon Wireless. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Source: Verizon Wireless

VeriSign Provides iRoam Service to MetroPCS

Expands Customers’ Calling Reach

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA–May 11, 2006 –VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, today announced that MetroPCS Communications, Inc., the innovative regional wireless service provider, is using VeriSign’s iRoam solution to power its new TravelTalk service. MetroPCS TravelTalk allows subscribers to use their wireless service when traveling in major metropolitan regions within the United States. “By using VeriSign’s iRoam service, MetroPCS can offer customers an added benefit to their flat rate, unlimited service calling plans,� said Roger Linquist, president and CEO of MetroPCS. “TravelTalk allows customers to enjoy wireless freedom while easily managing their expenses.�

The iRoam solution provides operators with the ability to generate real-time billing for pre-paid subscribers that are traveling. Its real-time rating capability helps ensure that roaming charges do not exceed usage limits. And, unlike traditional pre-paid services, iRoam features single-stage dialing and home customer care regardless of calling location. The service complies with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) SS7 standards.

“By using iRoam, MetroPCS can deliver a great new service that allows its subscribers to enjoy the benefits and freedom of wireless calling while in and out of their home networks. Beyond offering affordable and valuable roaming capabilities, MetroPCS can provide a service that helps build loyalty and attract new customers,� said David Meredith, senior vice president, VeriSign Communications Services.

iRoam is one of VeriSign’s managed Commerce services, which provide order-to-cash functionality for wireless billing and payment. The services are designed to help operators market combined post- and pre-pay functionalities for voice, data and content and improve accuracy and timeliness of provisioning, billing, content delivery, settlement and receipts.

About VeriSign

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable and protect billions of interactions every day across the world’s voice and data networks. Additional news and information about the company is available at www.verisign.com.

About MetroPCS

Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc., is a provider of wireless communications services. MetroPCS holds 23 licenses through its subsidiaries in the greater Miami, Tampa,Sarasota, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Detroit and Sacramento metropolitan areas.

MetroPCS has more than 2 million subscribers and offers customers flat rate plans with unlimited anytime local and domestic long distance minutes with no contract. MetroPCS is among the first wireless operators to deploy an all-digital network based on third generation infrastructure and handsets. For more information, visit the MetroPCS web site at www.metropcs.com

Source: VeriSign

O2 announces first quarter key performance indicators

12/05/2006 -- Peter Erskine, Chairman & Chief Executive of O2, commented: "We are pleased that the strong momentum in all O2's businesses has been maintained within the Telefonica Group. Across O2, now including the Czech Republic, we added 699,000 mobile customers, taking the total mobile customer base to 32.794 million, 16% higher than last year.In the UK we added 359,000 net new customers, growing the base by 14% year on year. We were particularly pleased by another robust performance in the contract market with a record number of upgrades, driven by our O2 "Treats" initiative, resulting in a continued improvement in contract churn.

In Germany we added 330,000 net new customers in the quarter taking the total base to over 10 million, representing 27% year on year growth. This growth was maintained in an increasingly competitive market which, along with termination rate cuts, contributed to lower ARPU, but the strength of the brand and a range of new propositions continued to attract high-value customers to O2, with 43% of net connections in the quarter on contract. Our Tchibo joint-venture continued to perform well, adding 68,000 customers.

In the Czech Republic Eurotel added 19,000 net new customers, growing its customer base 9% year on year. Contract customers accounted for 35% of the total base at the end of the quarter, compared to only 26.5% at the end of March 2005, driven by a successful pre-pay to contract migration strategy. In our fixed line business, the total number of ADSL lines stood at 338,000 at the end of the quarter and last month we announced this had increased to 350,000."
Key performance indicators for the three-month period ended 31 March 2006:

Service revenue (at constant currency):

* O2 UK net service revenue grew by 16.6% year-on-year;
* O2 Germany service revenue grew by 12.5% year-on-year;
* O2 Ireland service revenue grew by 6.9% year-on-year;
* Eurotel service revenue grew by 6.1% year-on-year.

Average revenue per user (12 month rolling ARPU):

* O2 UK blended ARPU £269 (Q4 2005: £267; Q1 2005: £267)
* O2 Germany blended ARPU €320 (Q4 2005: €332; Q1 2005: €356)
* O2 Ireland blended ARPU €552 (Q4 2005: €550; Q1 2005: €544)
* Eurotel blended ARPU CZK6,127 (Q4 2005: CZK6,117; Q1 2005: CZK6,209)

First quarter operating review
O2 UK

First quarter net service revenue grew by 17% year on year, driven by continued strong customer and ARPU growth. The year on year comparison also reflected Easter falling in April when last year it fell in March. The quarter saw intense competition in the market, particularly in the contract segment, but the business continued to perform well and achieved 29% growth in total gross additions year on year.

A total of 359,000 net new customers were added in the quarter, taking the base to 16.340 million, 13.6% higher than at the same time last year. This excludes the Tesco Mobile customer base, which exceeded one million customers at the end of 2005.

The major promotions in the quarter were O2 Treats and Business Unlimited. O2 Treats offered customers bundles of free texts, voice minutes or value added services after 6 months as an O2 customer to reward loyalty, while Business Unlimited introduced unlimited calls to any O2 mobile when on a business tariff.

A total of 184,000 net new contract customers were added in the quarter, over half the total, driven by higher gross additions as well as lower churn. At the end of the period contract customers made up 34.8% of the total base, compared to 34.1% in the same period last year. The level of contract upgrades was well ahead of the first quarter last year. 12 month rolling contract ARPU of £517 was flat compared to the previous quarter, but £2 ahead of the first quarter last year. 12-month rolling churn fell to 25%, compared to 31% for the same period last year, reflecting the continued focus on rewarding customer loyalty.

A total of 175,000 net new pre-pay customers were added in the quarter, again due to higher gross connections. 12 month rolling pre-pay ARPU of £139 was £4 higher than the first quarter last year and £3 higher than the previous quarter.

O2 UK's blended 12 month rolling ARPU of £269 was £2 higher than the first quarter last year, and £2 higher than the previous quarter, reflecting the continued underlying ARPU growth no longer being offset by the impact of the September 2004 termination rate cut.

O2 UK's own channels accounted for more than 55% of total gross connections in the quarter. Customer acquisition costs (SAC) were stable for both contract and pre-pay connections.

Quarterly monthly minutes of use were up 14% year on year to 162 minutes a month, driven by propositions such as O2 Treats and Talkalotmore, which offered free off peak minutes for pre-pay customers topping up £15 or £30 per month.

12 month rolling data ARPU of £79 was £11 higher than the same period last year and £1 higher than the previous quarter. The number of non-SMS data users grew over 50% year on year.

In addition O2 UK launched a number of new products and services during the quarter, aimed at acquisition and retention of customers and revenue growth. These included:

* Launch of ebay on i-mode, enabling users to search auctions, view all their 'My eBay' features including 'items I am bidding on', 'items I am selling' and 'items I have won', as well as place bids;
* Launch of Ireland pre-pay roaming bolt on. This offers standard pre-pay rates to make a call or send a text message to anywhere in the UK when roaming on O2 Ireland's network. There is no charge to receive a call. O2 is the first UK operator to offer this kind of tariff to its pre-pay customers;
* Launch of the BlackBerry 8700g handheld, a new premium device from RIM featuring a new, faster Intel processor, and enhanced display and phone features;
* Launch of Euro Top-up. Customers can now purchase a pre-pay top up voucher when abroad from one of eight partner networks in Europe and use this voucher to top up their own O2 phone.

O2 Germany

Service revenue grew by 13% at constant currency in the first quarter, driven by the continued growth of the customer base, which partly offset continued ARPU weakness in the German market. The termination rate cut in December 2005 reduced first quarter service revenue by over 4%. Since the September '05 quarter O2 Germany has seen a trend of declining blended ARPU, although recently this has begun to stabilise, on a monthly basis. The future direction of this trend should be clearer in the next 3 to 4 months of trading.

In this competitive environment, O2 Germany continued to trade well with gross additions at the same level as the first quarter last year. A total of 330,000 net new customers were added in the quarter, taking the base to 10.099 million, 27% higher than at the same time last year. Contract customers comprised 51% of the total base at the end of the quarter, compared to 55% at the same time last year, reflecting the rapid growth of the prepaid customer base. The Tchibo Mobile customer base grew to almost 660,000 by the end of the quarter.

O2 Germany added a total of 142,000 net new contract customers in the quarter. 12 month rolling contract ARPU of €500 was €8 lower than the previous quarter, and €23 lower than the same quarter last year. This reflected the impact of the approximately 17% termination rate cuts in December 2004 and 2005, as well as increasing competition in the German market and the introduction of new customer offers. These new propositions enabled O2 to continue to drive contract customer acquisition and retention, and stimulate voice and data usage. Minutes of use for contract customers grew by 15% year-on-year, and were 7% ahead of the previous quarter. Contract SAC and churn remained stable.

A total of 188,000 net new pre-pay customers were added in the quarter. 12 month rolling pre-pay ARPU of €122 was €8 lower than the previous quarter and €11 lower than the first quarter last year, reflecting the impact of the termination rate cuts, increasing competition, the growth in multiple SIM ownership and the consequent lower minutes of use. Pre-pay SAC was stable while churn moved up around 3 percentage points.

Blended 12 month rolling ARPU remained the highest in the German market, at €320, down from €332 in the previous quarter and €356 in the same quarter last year. This trend reflected the ongoing impact of the termination rate cuts, the higher proportion of pre-pay customers in the total base, and the increasingly competitive market environment. Termination rate cuts reduced 12 month rolling ARPU in the quarter by approximately €14.

Quarterly monthly minutes of use grew by 5% year on year, to 127 minutes, driven by new propositions such as Genion flat rate, offering unlimited calls from the homezone to German fixed and O2 mobile numbers. O2 Germany now has a total of 3.7 million Genion customers, with 67% of all new postpay customers opting for Genion.

12 month rolling data ARPU was €74, broadly flat on the previous quarter and €5 lower than the same period last year. Non-SMS data users grew 30% compared to the same period last year.

In addition O2 Germany launched a number of new products and services during the quarter, including:

* Launch of TV Select. Available through O2 Active, TV Select contains an extensive collection of video clips covering news, weather, the Bundesliga (Germany's Football First Division), comedy, the popular press and TV series, including over 25 TV programmes from ProSieben, Sat.1, N24 and MTV. Episodes of the popular "Verliebt in Berlin" programme are available to view in advance on the day of transmission from 12 noon;
* Launch of the Xda neo. The Xda neo improves on its predecessor the Xda mini, the most successful model in the Xda series to date. The Xda neo has additional functions such as WLAN connectivity, a 2-mega pixel camera, increased memory and the latest Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system;
* Launch of Microsoft Direct Push on the Xda neo. O2 Germany is the first mobile network operator in Germany to offer the Direct Push business solution which automatically synchronises e-mails and other data such as addresses and contacts between the Xda neo and Microsoft Outlook;
* Launch of the Business Mobile Pack, offering a free GPRS/UMTS laptop card to business customers taking a 24-month contract on the Business Profi tariff.

O2 Ireland

Service revenue grew by 7% at constant currency in the first quarter, driven by both a higher customer base and growing ARPU. The termination rate cut of RPI minus 11% in January impacted first quarter service revenue growth by approximately 2%.

In a competitive market O2 Ireland traded well with gross additions in the quarter up 10% compared to the same period last year. While the total customer base fell by 9,000 during the quarter, reflecting the regular rise in inactivity on the pre-pay base after the Christmas period, O2 Ireland ended the quarter with 1.593 million customers, 3.9% higher than at the same time last year.

O2 Ireland added a total of 10,000 net new contract customers in the quarter. 12 month rolling ARPU of €1,075 was €32 higher than the first quarter last year and €2 higher than the previous quarter.

Pre-pay 12 month rolling ARPU was €360, up €2 on the same period a year ago and flat compared to the previous quarter.

Blended ARPU of €552 was reduced by approximately €10 due to the termination rate cut, but was still €8 higher than the same quarter last year and €2 higher quarter on quarter, reflecting the continuing strength of both voice and data usage trends.

Quarterly monthly minutes of use increased by 7% year on year, although compared to the previous quarter they were broadly flat.

12 month rolling data ARPU was €115, €7 higher than the first quarter last year and €2 higher than the previous quarter. Non-SMS data users grew by 28% year on year.

In addition O2 Ireland launched a number of pricing initiatives during the quarter. These included:

* In February 2006, O2 became the first operator in Ireland to announce the abolition of roaming charges in Northern Ireland and the UK. O2 eliminated roaming charges for all customers (pre-pay, pay monthly and business) between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and for business customers between Ireland and the UK.
* Launch of 1 cent weekends. From midnight on Friday to midnight on Sunday, pre-pay customers on the Speak Easy tariff can call and text other customers on the O2 network for only 1c.

Cesky Telecom / Eurotel

Mobile service revenue grew by 6% at constant currency in the quarter, driven by growth in the customer base, up 8.5% year on year to 4.695 million. A total of 19,000 net new customers were added in the quarter. Growth in the contract segment was particularly pleasing, up 43% year on year, and contract customers accounted for 35% of the total customer base at the end of the first quarter, compared to only 26.5% at the end of March 2005. This growth was achieved through acquisition of new customers as well as marketing campaigns focused on pre-pay to contract migration, which also accounted for most of the decline in the pre-pay base compared to the same period last year.

A total of 97,000 net new contract customers were added in the quarter. 12 month rolling contract ARPU of CZK13,252 was CZK2,746 lower than the same period last year, and CZK727 lower than the previous quarter, mainly due to the effect of migrations from the pre-pay base and the high penetration levels in the Czech mobile market.

The pre-pay base declined by 78,000 in the quarter, as a result of customers migrating to contract tariffs. 12 month rolling pre-pay ARPU of CZK2,900 was CZK192 lower than the first quarter last year and CZK30 lower than the previous quarter.

12 month blended ARPU was CZK6,127 in the first quarter, CZK82 lower than the same period last year, but CZK10 higher than the previous quarter.

12 month rolling data ARPU was CZK1,253, an increase of CZK131 compared to the first quarter of last year and CZK29 higher quarter on quarter.

Quarterly monthly minutes of use continued to grow, reaching 96 minutes in the quarter, up 16% compared to the same period last year.

In fixed line, total business revenues fell by 5.5% year on year to CZK7.5 billion, as a result of a decline in traditional voice services, which was not fully offset by an increase in broadband revenues. Revenues from broadband services amounted to CZK576 million in the first quarter of 2006, up 48% year on year.

A total of 64,000 net ADSL connections were added in the first quarter, compared to 26,000 net additions in the same period last year, driven by a new marketing campaign promoting increased broadband speeds. The total number of ADSL lines stood at 338,000 at the end of the quarter.
O2 Airwave

During the quarter Airwave concluded the contract negotiations to equip all Fire and Rescue Services across England with a resilient and secure voice and data communications service. In the last 12 months Airwave has won new contracts worth over £1 billion and more than 200 public safety organisations now use the network. The Scottish and Welsh Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services are expected to finalise contract negotiations in the near future.
Outlook

The outlook for the group is unchanged from the targets announced on 1st March 2006.1

* O2 UK
O2 UK's service revenue growth is expected to be in the range 6% - 9% for the 11 months ended December 2006. OIBDA margin is expected to be stable.
* O2 Germany
O2 Germany's service revenue growth is expected to be the low double digits for the 11 months ended December 2006. OIBDA margin is expected to be stable.
* Capital expenditure
Capital expenditure for the O2 group is expected to be in the range €2.0 - €2.3 bn for the 11 months ended December 2006.

1 2006 guidance assumes constant exchange rates as of 2005, and excludes changes in consolidation. Operating Income before D&A excludes other exceptional revenues/expenses not foreseeable in 2006. For comparison, the equivalent other exceptional revenues/expenses registered in 2005 are also deducted from reported figures. Guidance for O2 Group does not include Ceský Telecom and Telefónica Deutschland, and guidance for O2 Germany does not incorporate Telefónica Deutschland. For O2, the fiscal year corresponds to the February-December period.

Source: O2

O2 and Telefónica Móviles announce 'My Europe'

First mobile operators in the world to launch tariffs that eliminate charges for receiving calls abroad

O2 and Telefónica Móviles, the two mobile arms of Telefónica, today unveiled 'My Europe' - a comprehensive set of low cost roaming price plans for European customers. These include a 35p per minute pan-EU flat rate for UK customers and the first-ever package which removes charges when receiving calls abroad.This major initiative comes just three months after Telefónica acquired O2 in February this year, and underlines the Group's commitment to providing its customers with tangible benefits as a result of being part of a wider, global company.

In a world-wide industry first, O2 and Telefónica Móviles plan to abolish charges for receiving calls when abroad for customers on a new 'high roamer' service, one of two offerings under My Europe. Suitable for frequent travellers, it will be rolled-out from late 2006. The other My Europe service, aimed at European holidaymakers, will give all O2 and Telefónica Móviles customers simplified, reduced flat-rate voice roaming rates across the EU regardless of the mobile network used.

César Alierta, chairman of Telefónica, said: "This has been worked on from the very first Telefónica board meeting comprising members from the enlarged Group in February. It supports our strategic goals of leveraging our enhanced scale by uniting Europe's largest markets through simple customer propositions and improving capital expenditure synergies by executing a service across all businesses at the same time."

Details of the two main My Europe offerings are as follows:

* Aimed primarily at holidaymakers and available from the Summer, a free opt-in price plan for all pre and post-pay customers, offering outbound and inbound voice calls for a fee of between €0.50 and €0.59 per minute across all EU territories, regardless of network. Representing savings of more than 60 per cent over existing price plans, this service is available to all Telefónica Group European customers in Spain, the UK, Germany, Ireland and the Czech Republic.
* The 'high roamer' service will be aimed at post-pay customers who travel abroad frequently. For a monthly connection charge determined by the local O2/Telefónica Móviles network operator, a customer can select a country or group of countries where outbound voice calls to other EU territories will be at prices comparable with domestic call rates, while all inbound calls will be free.

Peter Erskine, chairman and chief executive officer of O2, commented: "Today's announcement underlines our promise that the deal with Telefónica would rapidly bring real benefits to customers. We have designed the service to make it as easy as possible for customers to understand by not penalising users who roam onto other networks, by offering the same in-country call rates across Europe and, for high roamers, scrapping the charge levied by all operators in the past for receiving calls when abroad."

The free opt-in service will be marked by a large summer marketing campaign, backed by a €8 million plus advertising push, and is available to a customer base of more than 50 million O2 and Telefónica Móviles subscribers. It will be available from 18 June 2006 for Movistar customers in Spain and from July for O2 customers.

All O2 customers in the UK who opt in to this service will pay just 35p per minute for calls anywhere within the EU. Previously, post-pay subscribers would have been charged between 58p and 85p per minute, while pre-pay subscribers would have paid between 69p and £1.49.
O2

O2 comprises mobile network operators in the UK and Ireland, along with integrated fixed/mobile businesses in Germany and the Czech Republic (Cesky Telecom). It also owns 50% of the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively. In addition, the group includes O2 Airwave, which supplies secure digital communications to the emergency services and other public safety organisations.

O2, a Telefónica company, is headquartered in Slough, UK, and has more than 35 million customers across Europe.

Source: O2