LG Electronics ups the ante in the mobile stakes

The super trendy bar-type Symphony W3000 is a mid-range Arabic-enabled mobile that brings a new dimension to LG's GSM line-up, as the Korean giant continues to make in-roads into the UAE's lucrative mobile phone market.

The new Symphony W3000 handset is the first in LG's range to feature changeable covers, to suit the owner's mood. Currently available in blue with a spare alternative coloured casing as standard, the phone features a brightly lit keypad and side lighting, with a bright blue, backlit, 4-line LED display.

"The backlit display is a key differentiator with the Symphony W3000," said Mr P.C. Choi, Managing Director, LG Electronics Gulf FZE. "The entire phone lights up when a call is received while the extra-bright, blue coloured screen greatly reduces eye strain. The handset itself is also one of the lightest and slimmest in its range at 80 grams and measuring 102 x 45 x 20 mm."

With the WAP-enabled Symphony W3000, users can download 16 various types of polyphonic ring tones, a feature that is becoming increasingly popular among Middle East consumers, according to LG.

"This highly versatile model is aimed at the medium to high end customer and expands LGs range to meet our aim of becoming a major regional GSM mobile phone player by 2004," said Choi.

"Current GSM users in the UAE number 2.3 million, which is about 65% of the population. This high level of market penetration combined with the trend for early adoption of emerging technology, makes the U.A.E. an extremely attractive market for LG's latest mobile products."

The Symphony W3000 handset has LG's unique 1024 character SMS capability and the standard features of Ezi-text predictive input, voice-dialing, calculator, calendar, world time alarm, scheduler, add dictionary and unit converter.

"The Symphony W3000 has exceptional battery life with 3.5 hours talk time and 250 hours standby time," said Choi.

LG includes the handset with adapter, battery, portable hands free and exchangeable cover as a standard package. Optional extras include extended battery, car charger and hands-free kit.

LG Electronics has recently been ranked by market research company, Strategic Analytics as among the world's top six mobile phone handset suppliers.

"We expect to climb higher in that league by the end of next year," added Choi.

Strategy Analytics ranked LG's handset business number six worldwide for the second quarter 2002, with a market share of 3.8%. LG was also the sixth largest in the world in the first half of this year with a 3.5% share of the global market.

The report is a major boost for LG Electronics, which last year was ranked ninth worldwide in the global supply volume and market share league. This year's leap of three places saw LG beat leading competitors such as Alcatel and Kyocera.

"The Middle East and Africa contributed substantially to this
performance with the successful entry this year into the mobile market within the UAE and lower Gulf. We now have a regional sales target of one million phones for 2003 and by expanding our range we expect to achieve this.

"The key to increased sales will be our focus on improving product competitiveness through continuous quality innovation and enhanced, top-end product leadership.

"LG is resolutely committed to this market and it will demonstrate this determination with future launches of cutting-edge technology. The mobile phone market in the Middle East is very dynamic and LG will continue to launch new products in a speedy and highly visible manner."

ENDS