US / Europe : QUALCOMM announced 3's intention to launch handsets based on QUALCOMM's BREW(R) solution. Always seeking to push the boundaries of mobile content and improve the quality and performance of the data services it offers its subscribers, 3 plans to leverage the BREW solution to offer highly-integrated, feature-rich applications. 3's success with its X-Series open mobile Internet proposition will be further enhanced by deploying services and applications that fully capitalize on the low level API access, and over-the-air downloading capabilities, that BREW inherently provides.

3, recognized as one of the most innovative mobile operators in the world, with high data penetration and multimedia-content usage, intends to tap into the global community of BREW developers that provide thousands of innovative applications and services to the ecosystem. The worldwide community of publishers and developers has earned more than $1 billion from the sale of BREW applications and services since the first commercial deployment of BREW services in November 2001.

"3 has again proven itself as an innovative operator with its decision to launch BREW handsets, which will extend an integrated mobile Internet experience," said Bob Briggs, senior vice president and general manager, BREW for QUALCOMM Internet Services. "The rapid growth of BREW applications and services is further proof of the value that leading operators, such as 3, are finding in our offerings and solutions."

"3 has always been dedicated to offering customers the best possible mobile Internet experience, and we believe this launch will allow us to extend this philosophy even further," said Frank Meehan, director and general manager, global 3G handset and application group, Hutchison Whampoa Limited. "Using BREW, we can embed applications on the handset to deliver a single integrated user experience, which in turn will encourage take-up of our services."

A division of Hutchison Whampoa, the 3 Group, together with Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited, is the leading global player in the 3G arena, holding licenses in 11 markets with total population coverage of approximately 175 million. In just three years, the 3 Group has built an entirely new mobile broadband network, achieving probably the fastest rollout of a radio network in the entire telecom industry. Marketed globally under the 3 brand, the group was the first operator in the world to provide dual-mode 3G services.

To date, 3 has launched commercial 3G services in Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel and Ireland. Hutchison announced more than 13.5 million customers in August 2006.

BREW solutions change the way people relate to wireless data services. By enabling the discovery and delivery of high-value content, BREW creates opportunities for the wireless industry to enhance consumers' mobile data experience. QUALCOMM's comprehensive and targeted BREW Signature Solutions offer reduced time to market and lower capital investment for companies providing mobile products and services.