3G HOME cTodays 3G Press ReleasescFREE Daily 3G Newsletter

Verizon Wireless is First Carrier with BREWTM Service from QUALCOMM ( photo of Verizon Z-800 phone )
20th March 200

Verizon Wireless Z-800

It's fun. It's fast. It's in the air. It's in color. It's software applications downloadable over the air. Starting today, Verizon Wireless customers in San Diego are the first mobile phone users in the nation to be able to download entertainment, gaming, information, communications, and productivity applications onto their phones over the air using QUALCOMM's Binary Runtime Environment for WirelessTM (BREWTM). Verizon Wireless expects to introduce BREW nationwide starting in May 2002.

Some of the first applications offered include popular games such as EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour GolfTM and JAMDAT Bowling from JAMDAT Mobile Inc., entertainment services such as Mattel, Inc.'s Magic 8 Ball®, and musical ring tones from Vivendi Universal Net USA (See attached list of applications). Verizon Wireless customers in San Diego can take advantage of BREW today by purchasing a BREW-capable phone at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and participating RadioShack locations throughout San Diego. San Diego customers can purchase a BREW-capable phone on the Web.


"Unlike our competitors, we're not just talking about cool services, we're showing our customers we are the industry leader in wireless data products and services," said Greg Klimek, Southern California Region president, Verizon Wireless. "Waiting in line? Then, download the new EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour GolfTM game. Out of town for business? Track and report your meals, hotels, rental car and other travel expenses with MobileExpenseTM. Like the rock band Queen? Set "Bohemian Rhapsody" as your phone's ring tone using Ringster. All of these applications and more are available by simply downloading software applications over the air, making it easy for our customers to select the applications they want on their phone."

Verizon Wireless customers with a BREW-capable phone can browse and purchase applications by selecting the "Mobile Shop" option on their phone. Customers may demo some applications before they purchase or select from a variety of pricing options depending on the applications. Some pricing options include 99 cents for 10 uses, and a $10 monthly subscription that provides unlimited use for the duration of the subscription.

Depending on available pricing options, game-lovers may take advantage of a monthly subscription that includes unlimited plays. Once a subscription is purchased, the game can be played an unlimited number of times as long as the customer chooses to keep the subscription. Customers may cancel a subscription at any time.

Airtime charges apply during the selection and download process, which requires a digital Verizon Wireless signal and BREW-capable phone. Depending on the application size, this process may take seconds or a few minutes. Once downloaded, applications that do not require a wireless signal can be accessed at anytime, anywhere without incurring airtime charges. Purchased applications will appear on the customer's monthly Verizon Wireless service bill.

"Now Verizon Wireless customers can customize their handsets with applications that they really want to use," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, group president, QUALCOMM Wireless & Internet Group. "Using the BREW platform, Verizon Wireless customers can now do what most consumers take for granted on their personal computers - shop for software applications to download, choose new applications as often as they like, and delete ones they no longer use."

BREW will initially be available on the Verizon Wireless Z-800 with full color display ($399.99 with a two-year service agreement), and the Kyocera 3035e ($149.99 with a two-year service agreement). Both phones are tri-mode, and include many attractive features, such as a micro-browser for wireless Internet and email access using Verizon Wireless' Mobile WebTM, two-way text messaging and predictive text-input software for quick and simple text messaging using Verizon Wireless' Mobile MessengerSM, and more.



 

3G - is seeking a major investment partner or sponsor . Opportunity for just one 3G world-leader to enhance its global marketing strategy.

 

3G.co.uk