China Unicom Selects Motorola's Mobile Download Platform
PRNewswire (07/13/2003 9:00 PM ET)

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola (NYSE: MOT) today announced that China Unicom, the third largest network operator in the world, has selected Motorola's Java(TM) technology-based download platform to deliver mobile content to its millions of subscribers in China. Using Motorola's end-to-end wireless data solutions, the mobile operator will build upon the CDMA2000 1X infrastructure provided by Motorola last year and deploy MAS(TM), an intelligent provisioning technology from 4thpass, a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola. 4thpass builds smart provisioning software for mobile operators to manage, market and deliver multiple content types to subscribers' mobile devices. The MAS platform is Java technology-based and leverages the expansive community of Java technology developers worldwide. It runs on any operator network and is device-agnostic, enabling operators to deliver a plethora of content such as downloadable Java technology applications, ring tones and images over-the-air to mobile devices. To customize the technology for Asian operators, 4thpass established a research center in Beijing late last year. "In competitive testing with five other companies, China Unicom ranked our solution number one. The integration of MAS into China Unicom's advanced CDMA network shows the flexibility and power 4thpass brings to operators wanting to extend data services," said 4thpass CEO Mazin Ramadan. MAS coupled with new Motorola CDMA handsets will help China Unicom broaden its data services to a larger audience of consumers and developers - across Java technology and BREW(TM) -- making China Unicom the largest operator in the world to offer both platforms. "China Unicom is a fast growing CDMA network operator. By deploying the flexible Java technology platform on our CDMA network, we can offer a variety of personalized services to our subscribers. This project also provides deployment reference for other CDMA operators to adopt Java technology," said Zhou Xiao Ping, vice general manager of Value Added Service Department of China Unicom. "Java technology is opening up a whole new world of opportunities for CDMA operators to generate revenue," said Michael Bordelon, corporate vice president, Consumer Experience and Software, Motorola Personal Communications Sector. "Motorola is uniquely positioned with its robust Java technology portfolio to deliver an end-to-end solution to operators like China Unicom. From world-class handsets, infrastructure, to software and developer support, Motorola gives operators the tools to create a superior Java technology- enabled consumer experience." "Motorola is a leading equipment provider in China Unicom's deployment of its CDMA2000 1X network construction and our ability to offer complete wireless data solutions and network integration further enhances our working relationship with them. We are deeply committed to this marketplace and its technological evolution," said Ruey Bin Kao, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Global Telecom Solutions Sector, China. Motorola also provides China Unicom with advanced Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) digital cellular network system solutions and equipment. This contract for Motorola's Java technology-based download platform follows a deal for GPSone, a CDMA location based service platform, and is the second value added service cooperation project between Motorola and China Unicom. Together, Motorola and 4thpass offer operators a complete content download service, innovative content, a wide portfolio of advanced devices and smart content delivery technology which operate on GSM, CDMA and iDEN(R) networks. Around the world, Motorola and 4thpass have the most commercial provisioning deployments. These include Telefonica Moviles (Spain), Nextel (USA) and LG Telecom (Korea). About Motorola Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in wireless, automotive and broadband communications. Sales in 2002 were $27.3 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important technologies that make things smarter and life better, honored traditions that began when the company was founded 75 years ago this year. For more information, please visit: www.motorola.com . About 4thpass 4thpass ( www.4thpass.com ) 4thpass is a Seattle-based company that builds and markets smart provisioning software for wireless operators to manage and deliver applications and other mobile content over the air to mobile devices. Through its core product, MAS(TM), 4thpass gives operators the ability to deliver the right content to the right mobile devices. LG Telecom in Korea, Telefonica Moviles in Spain and Nextel currently license 4thpass MAS technology. As of September 2002, 4thpass was acquired by Motorola Inc. 4thpass is now an independently operated, wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola and operates as part of Motorola's Personal Communications Sector. MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.