New A1405PT model to be rolled out via partnership with Japanese telecom operator KDDI
SEOUL, October 12th, 2005: Pantech, one of the world’s leading mobile communications groups - comprised of Pantech&Curitel Communications, Inc., Pantech Co. and Pantech C&I Inc. (“Pantech” hereafter) - today announced plans to introduce its new A1405PT handset to the Japanese market.
The new CDMA handset, which will be rolled out to Japanese consumers via Pantech’s partnership with the Japanese telecom operator KDDI-which operates its mobile phone business under the brand name of au- will be the smallest, lightest mobile phone ever launched in Japan, weighing just 98g with a slim, compact design.
Dr. Moon S. Song, President & CEO, Pantech&Curitel Communications, Inc., said: “We have ambitious plans to grow our operations in Japan, which is one of the world’s most developed mobile phone markets. The A1405PT has the required level of advanced, cutting edge functionality and design to appeal to the sophisticated tastes of Japanese consumers."
The A1405PT model contains a number of unique features, including a stream screen, which displays text messages on the exterior LCD screen like a stream, and a security alarm, which makes a loud sound when the alarm button on the phone is pressed.
Pantech, Korea’s second largest handset manufacturer, signed an agreement last August to supply third-generation CDMA mobile phones to KDDI, which is one of the top three mobile phone service providers in Japan.
Under the terms of the deal - the first time that a Korean handset manufacturer has entered the Japanese market - the CDMA handsets are sold under the au and Pantech brand names.
The Japanese handset market is dominated by domestic manufacturers, such as NEC, Sharp and Panasonic. With 89 million mobile subscribers by the end of September 2005, Japan currently represents 7% of the world’s mobile handset market. In Japan, KDDI has 27% market share in the mobile carrier space and is the leader in 3G services, with around 51% market share.
About Pantech:
Pantech, through its affiliates - Pantech Co., Ltd., Pantech&Curitel Communications, Inc. and Pantech C&I Inc - is ranked second in the South Korean domestic market and marked as the seventh largest mobile handset manufacturer in the world. Pantech is also recognized as one of the world’s fastest growing providers of mobile communications solutions. Pantech has been responsible for a number of breakthrough innovations in the mobile technology sector, including the introduction in 2004 of the world’s first fingerprint recognition camera phone, as well as award winning camcorder and MP3 phones. In May 2005, Pantech affiliate Pantech&Curitel Communications, Inc. announced the acquisition of SK Teletech Co., Ltd., the fourth largest handset manufacturer in the Korean market. SK Teletech was originally the handset-manufacturing arm of SK Telecom, number one mobile network operator in Korea. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Pantech and SK Telecom plan to collaborate in joint research and development initiatives and will work together in the global expansion of their respective businesses into overseas markets, The SKY brand, marketed by SK Teletech, is the most popular premium handset brand in Korea. In August 2005, to facilitate the goal of Pantech becoming one of the world’s top five mobile handset brands, Pantech Co. and SK Teletech were merged under the Pantech organization. Pantech collectively has about 5,000 employees and a total of 20 regional sales offices worldwide. Pantech - For more information on Pantech, please visit: http://www.pantech.com or http://www.curitel.com
