26th June 2006 - 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 (see picture), using the Symbian software platform and the other is the Windows-based QTEK 9000.

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.”

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