Ericsson and Hutchison Whampoa Limited have signed a global agreement for Ericsson's new Video Gateway System, a unique end-to-end solution supporting video telephony between personal computers and 3G mobile videophones for Hutchison 3G markets worldwide.
For end users, video telephony is one of the most interesting and exciting distinguishing features of emerging 3G mobile networks. Consumer surveys consistently indicate strong interest and demand for these premium services. Now with the Video Gateway System solution, live video telephony communication between users of fixed-line and 3G mobile multimedia networks is made possible. Ericsson and Hutchison have been working closely together on Video Gateway System and are currently testing the service in Italy, the UK and Hong Kong.
Hutchison's Group Managing Director Canning Fok commented, "We are writing a new chapter of the digital revolution. Like the Internet and mobile telephony before it, 3G will change the way people lead their lives. With our 3 videophones and the new Video Gateway System, you will be able to make video calls with your friends all over the world, even in those countries without 3G services. The Video Gateway System will help to enhance both the usefulness and enjoyment that we espouse in our 3 services."
"We are delighted to conclude this global agreement with Hutchison. It is further evidence of our close global relationship as a major vendor of innovative 3G solutions to Hutchison," said Kinson Loo, Vice President & Head of Global Customer Unit Hutchison at Ericsson. "We are proud to be playing such an important part in the success of Hutchison's dynamic and promising 3G brand '3' around the world."
At the heart of the Video Gateway System solution is the gateway that handles the conversion between the Internet Protocol (IP) platform used in fixed-line PC access and the global 3G standard (3GPP) used in third-generation mobile multimedia and communications networks. The Video Gateway System solution is based on open standards and enables the use of advanced voice and video codecs, telephony services, user account management facilities, and built-in quality of service utilities.
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world.
Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson:
James Borup, Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 70 590 9261
E-mail: james.borup@lme.ericsson.se
Hutchison Whampoa Limited:
Laura Cheung
Tel: (852) 2128 1289
Fax: (852) 2128 1766
Email: laurac@hwl.com.hk
About Hutchison Whampoa
Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL), one of the largest companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is the holding company of the Hutchison Whampoa Group of companies. As one of the earliest big "hongs" or trading companies in Hong Kong, Hutchison's history dates back to the 1800s. Today, HWL is a multinational conglomerate with businesses spanning 41 countries. Its flagship companies include Hutchison Port Holdings, Hutchison Telecom, Hutchison Whampoa Properties, A. S. Watson, and Cheung Kong Infrastructure. In 2001, HWL's consolidated revenue was US$11.415 billion (HK$89.038 billion).
With over 150,000 employees worldwide, Hutchison operates and invests in five core businesses: ports and related services; telecommunications; property and hotels; retail and manufacturing; and energy and infrastructure.
3 is the global brand name for the Hutchison Whampoa's 3G services. The Group holds 3G licences in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
For more information, please visit www.hutchison-whampoa.com