TOKYO—NEC, the leading handset maker in Japan, announced that it shipped 2.5-generation (2.5G) handsets for China Mobile. China Mobile is the largest mobile carrier in China with 115 million subscribers.
China Mobile launched data service based on General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology last week. NEC shipped the firm’s popular folding-type handset with GPRS functions, which lets users enjoy i-mode-like services, once the Chinese carrier provides content.
NEC is currently producing handsets in China. For the first year, it is planning to ship 300,000 units to China Mobile.
In related news, NEC said it received an order from Taiwan’s KG Telecommunications for mobile handsets for KG Telecom’s i-mode service. NEC said the delivery will make it the first supplier of i-mode handsets in Asia outside Japan.
KG Telecom will be the first company in Asia outside Japan to introduce i-mode services in the second quarter. KPN Mobile in the Netherlands and E-Plus in Germany have launched i-mode services, along with AT&T Wireless Services in the United States.
NEC will deliver its N530i handsets, which include English and Chinese language services.
The value of the contract was not disclosed.
