Sony Ericsson 3G Handset Delayed

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB has pushed back the launch of its first 3G mobile broadband phone in Europe and Asia by several weeks to early January as the Japanese-Swedish joint venture continues interoperability tests with wireless operators. The Z1010 will support 2G GSM and GPRS technologies, as well as the new 3G mobile broadband networks based on WCDMA technology.

“The initial plan was to introduce our first 3G phone, the Z1010, in the fourth quarter of 2003 but because of very complex interoperability tests with around 15 mobile phone operators, we’ve decided to push back the launch date by a few weeks,” said Sony Ericsson spokesman Peter Bodor. Last week, Nokia Corp. announced the availability of its second 3G phone, the 7600, which like its predecessor, the 6650, offers no video telephony function. But unlike Nokia, Sony Ericsson views video telephony as a key way for new 3G operators, such as Hutchison 3G UK Ltd., to differentiate themselves, according to Bodor. “Video telephony is a main feature of 3G phones,” he said. “That features really shows users why they need a high-speed broadband handset.” Continue >>