Device Arena

Chunghwa Telecom, the largest telecommunication operator in Taiwan, has awarded a 3G network expansion and services contract to Nokia Siemens Networks that will enable the operator to provide enhanced, industry-leading 3G and HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) services to subscribers and reduce associated operational costs. The contract deepens the existing cooperation between Nokia Siemens Networks and Chunghwa Telecom.

The project will further expand Chunghwa Telecom’s 3G network coverage and also boost high speed Internet access by using 3.6/7.2/10.7 Mbps HSDPA service. A hybrid backhaul solution will allow Chunghwa Telecom to utilize IP transmission in base station backhaul to increase cost efficiency. Under the terms of the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will supply a total solution for Chunghwa including turnkey network implementation and system integration, consulting and competence development services for Chunghwa Telecom’s staff as well as software maintenance and hardware repair services to assure network quality and availability. Nokia Siemens Networks is also providing Chunghwa Telecom with its multitechnology NetAct™ solution to help the operator manage the network and service quality for their subscribers. Nokia Siemens Networks will not only ensure a successful network deployment but also collaborate with Chunghwa to speed up the commercial launch for a fast return on investment. Deliveries will start immediately and are scheduled for completion by September 2008.

With this expansion project, Chunghwa Telecom aims to provide to its subscribers enhanced 3G service to subscribers, such as HSDPA. This advancement is a breakthrough in the market and far beyond what is available today. Furthermore, this expansion project allows Chunghwa Telecom to lower operational costs with advanced equipments and solutions.

Nokia Siemens Networks is the industry leader in WCDMA/HSPA, to date having 99 WCDMA radio network references and enabling over 70 operators to launch HSDPA. Nokia Siemens Networks’ high-performing HSPA can be activated with a simple software upgrade to its existing WCDMA networks thus enabling cost-effective and fast rollout.

Vibo Telecom, one of the five operators of 3G mobile communication services in Taiwan, on September 27 announced the launch of V-Tube 538 (538 is the number dialed for access), a platform enabling 3G subscribers of any operator, including those traveling abroad, to use their video phones to watch videos and/or record/upload videos for sharing. The company has dubbed the service a mobile version of YouTube.

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Mobile TV is still in its infancy in China and the technology needs to overcome four hurdles to attain steady growth, namely, the creation of a national standard, creation of a solid profit model, overcome low-quality user experience and bottlenecks in receiving devices, according to China-based research firm CCID Consulting.

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You may remember the Asus P750 from a while back when a leaked shot showed what it looked like. Asus gave us confirmation of its existence then, and now, it has provided the missing bits of information. Yes, we have an official image and full specifications.
We knew from earlier that it will have HSDPA connectivity.

Other features include built-in GPS and a QVGA display. Unfortunately, RAM, which is the temporary storage used for running applications, remains at 64MB, same as previous P-series PDA-phones from the company. Some flagship models from other brands like the HTC TyTN II come with double that at 128MB.

Asus says the P750 will be available in Singapore from December. We are still waiting for information about its wider Asian availability.

Aside from Singapore, the P750 will also be available in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

CNET Asia

Following the huge success of the Vario portfolio, T-Mobile announces the launch of the much-anticipated MDA Vario III (HTC Kaiser in US).

The Vario III takes PDA handsets to the next level, with a unique tilting screen and sliding QWERTY keyboard which makes it even easier for those who want to continue their work or surf the Internet on the move.

As one of the first handsets with 3.6 Meg HSDPA, the Vario III will provide the highest quality Internet, video calling and email experience available on a mobile device. Coupled with T-Mobile’s web’n’walk service, the Vario III is set to give users the ultimate mobile experience, as they will be able to explore any site on the Internet as they would on their PC.

The next generation Vario III is packed full of the latest technology and runs on the new Windows Mobile 6 operating system – allowing users to access and edit familiar applications like Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint on the move. This is the ideal solution for busy professionals, who want to carry on with their work and pick up their emails easily whilst on the move.

The Vario III also boasts an in-built GPS receiver, and is fully compatible with the new CoPilot Live 7 satellite navigation system. Perfect for business people who need to travel, users can rely on spoken directions across the UK. CoPilot Live 7 also provides integrated live traffic information and mobile location tracking using T-Mobile’s network. In addition the device features a 3 mega-pixel camera with auto focus and a front facing camera for video calls.

The MDA Vario III will be available from 28th September to purchase from T-Mobile stores and online at www.t-mobile.co.uk. The device is from free when purchased on the Flext 50 tariff.

Key features of the MDA Vario III:

• Unique and stylish design with tilting touch screen
• One of the first devices to market with 3.6 Meg HSDPA
• Web’n’walk enabled – surf the real open Internet as you would on your PC
• Built-in GPS, with CoPilot SatNav software as an option
• Windows Mobile 6 – access and edit familiar applications on the move
• In-built Wi-Fi capability
• 3 mega-pixel camera with auto-focus
• Supports Microsoft Direct Push