Leading manufacturer of PDA-phones and Smartphones now brings its business and customer focus to benefit businesses and consumers in the Gulf region
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday 29th March 2006 - O2 Asia Pacific, the leading provider of premium mobile data devices in the region, announces today that it will be introducing a range of stylish and innovative devices into the Middle East markets, starting with the Xda Atom, the smallest multimedia PDA-phone. O2 Asia Pacific is a member of the O2 group in Europe, which comprises mobile network operators in the UK and Ireland, along with integrated fixed/mobile businesses in Germany, the Czech Republic (Cesky Telecom) and the Isle of Man (Manx Telecom). Customers in the Middle East may already be familiar with O2, who is an official sponsor of the Arsenal soccer team, the England Rugby team, and the BMW Sauber team for the current Formula One season.
In Asia Pacific, the company is also known for its range of stylish and innovative PDA-phones and Smartphones. According to IDC, O2 Asia Pacific captured a third of the worldwide Windows Mobile converged mobile device market in the first half of 2005. This makes O2 the No. 1 vendor of Worldwide Microsoft OS-based Converged Mobile Devices in that period (source: IDC, September 2005). Besides hitting impressive shipment numbers, O2 has also been decorated by Microsoft in 2005 with the Asia Fastest Growth Award for Pocket PC phone, and cited by Media Magazine as one of the Top 1000 Brands that year.
"O2 has certainly accomplished a lot since we started the device business in Asia Pacific three years ago. When we launched our first device, the O2 Xda, we essentially created the mobile converged devices category, and we have been a market leader in the industry since. The Middle East holds huge potential for us, and we are pleased to finally be able to bring our products, expertise, and the singular O2 brand experience to benefit customers here," said Mr Mark Billington, CEO of O2 Asia Pacific.
O2 has appointed Unitec L.L.C. to distribute its devices in the Gulf region, starting with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain (where it will distribute through its subsidiary company United Telecom). The Dubai-based company was selected for its wide distribution network, focus, industry experience and passion for the O2 brand. O2 has also partnered with Technocare to deliver exemplary after-sales service and support across the Gulf region.
"We are delighted to have found such strong partners to support our business and vision here. We are confident that together we can build a solid distribution foundation matched by strong customer service for a successful O2 presence in the Middle East," said Mr Chia Eng Keat, O2's VP Sales North Asia and Middle East.
Xda Atom: the smallest multimedia PDA-phone
The Xda Atom is the first of at least five new devices O2 will launch in the Middle East this year. With smooth curves and a sleek black shell, it runs on the latest Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 platform and is powered by an Intel processor. The Xda Atom will appeal to those who need mobile entertainment, productivity and connectivity in a sexy form factor no bigger than a deck of cards. It is available in stores in April.
For more information, visit www.SeeO2.com
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About O2 Asia PacificO2 Asia Pacific is a member of the O2 group, a leading provider of mobile communications services in Europe with more than 35 million customers. It provides consumers throughout the Asia-Pacific region with innovative, premium mobile data devices and services that enhance everyday business solutions and lifestyle needs.
O2 Asia Pacific is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Australia and Hong Kong; it also distributes in Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, India, the Indian sub-continent, Vietnam, the Philippines and the Middle East.
About Unitec L.L.C.
Unitec L.L.C., a subsidiary of UCA Group, is a Dubai [UAE] -based IT, telecom and consumer electronic products distribution firm active in the Middle East region since 1992. It comprises a young team with robust experience in the PDA and mobile industry with particular expertise in the Pocket PC category. Unitec L.L.C. has an extensive network of over 200 dealers and Power Retailers under its distribution network throughout the Middle East region.
Technocare is engaged in providing highly competitive, innovative and reliable services and solutions for personal communication devices. It is well recognised and determined to constantly challenge and surpass the standards of excellence to retain its leadership in the region.
For more insight, information, images or to interview a spokesperson please contact:
Kirsten Campbell-Morris or Rima Prakash Dudeja,
NettResults Public Relations
PO Box 72587,
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 331 1593
Fax: +971 4 331 1562
kirsten@nettresults.com
rima@nettresults.com
www.NettResults.com
© Press Release 2006
