[New dual-mode handset to enable users to make calls on existing infrastucture when 3G network is not available.]

by Krishna Guha, Tokyo -- "NEC, Japan's biggest cell phone maker, expects to start supplying the world's first dual-mode third-generation mobile phones to European operators early next year.

"Hajime Sasaki, NEC's chairman, said in an interview that the dual-mode phone - which can be used to make calls on existing infrastructure as well as new high-speed third-generation (3G) networks - is undergoing trials.

"We will ship to the Hutchison group from early next year," Mr Sasaki said. "I think we will be the first."

More...

Back to Headlines...