Europe
UK : 3, the mobile media company, announced that two new 3G handsets
will go on sale over the next two months. The first is the Nokia
E61 smartphone ( above ), using the Symbian software platform
and the Windows-based QTEK 9000 ( below ).
The
Nokia E61 incorporates a qwerty keyboard, giving 3 business customers
office functionality on the go. The handset is designed with messaging
in mind and comes equipped with an array of applications and intuitive
interfaces designed to provide the user with everything they need
for business on the move, including: MS Office, Windows XP, Adobe
Reader and Zipped File Reader.
The second new handset to be launched is the QTEK 9000. The QTEC,
with its revolving screen, is designed to accommodate a fantastic
web browsing experience. The Mobile Mail service is also available
on three phones in the existing 3 range - the popular Nokia N7O, 6680
& 6630. Mobile Mail will be rolled out across 3’s full handset
range over the coming months.
3
also announced a new package for small office/home office (SOHO) customers
and SMEs offering access to email on the move. This is the first time
that the UK’s largest 3G network, with over 88% population coverage
for its high-speed 3G services, has launched packages aimed at the
small business market.
The new offer from 3 includes the launch of two new handsets incorporating
easy to use qwerty keyboards for the business market, a range of new
services including push-mail and the best value inclusive data allowances,
removing the need for a separate email device, all designed for business
customers.
Marc Allera, Sales Director for 3 UK, said: “Just over three
years since we launched in the consumer market, we’re launching
our first packages designed for small businesses. 3 has set the standard
for new services and value for consumers and we will do the same for
the small business market. 3 is leading the convergence between communications
and information service, this means we can offer business customers
the most advanced devices in the market. Today marks our first step
into the business market.”
Mobile Office Mail
Mobile Office Mail is 3’s first push-mail service and allows
customers to have their emails delivered to their 3G handsets exactly
as they would on their PCs, which means they won’t have to set
up an ‘out of office’ again. The new service supports
Exchange email and no system integration is required.
Exploiting the high performance and outstanding coverage of the 3
network, Mobile Office Mail gives users the freedom to send and receive
email instantly from their handset, complete with alerts when new
email arrives. The service also allows users to synchronise their
contacts and calendar between PC and phone. Another package, Mobile
Mail is available to customers who require access to ‘POP 3’
e mail from an ISP and can have their mail delivered in ‘near
real time’ to their handset.
The service is powered by SEVEN Networks’ award-winning Always-On
Mail mobile email platform, which delivers highly secure real-time
access to emails, attachments, contact and calendar information. Every
email is automatically ‘pushed’ to the handset, and all
actions are simultaneously mirrored on the host email account.
Small business price plans
The small business price packages come with data inclusive bundles,
giving SOHO and SME customers the option to integrate Mobile Mail
with an internet email account or office-based Exchange or Lotus email.
The new plans offer exceptional value.
The Mobile Mail option includes 10MB of data per month for £2.50
and is expected to meet the needs of most small business users. The
enhanced version, Mobile Office Mail, enabling retrieval of Exchange
and Lotus email, includes 15MB of data per month for £5.00 and
is suited to larger businesses.
Graeme Oxby, Marketing Director for 3 UK, said: “This is excellent
news for business users and shows that one device from 3 can provide
mobile office functionality on top of the value of our voice and text
offer. Email is critical for many businesses and 3’s advanced
network can deliver the service to mobile devices, offering unbeatable
performance and exceptional value.”
Lars Aase, Marketing Director for SEVEN, commenting on the selection
of the SEVEN Networks’ award-winning Always-On Mail mobile email
platform said: “3 is a great addition to our blue-chip operator
portfolio and we’re delighted to be working together to deliver
mobile office solutions to UK businesses. Our operator customers are
leaders in bringing innovative value-added services to market and
3 is the first to offer push email technology on the Nokia E61 in
the UK.”
