Generation UMTS

17th November, 2003

ASIA : Enfour Group announced launch date for GlobalNavi - their new roaming content on Vodafone Global Standard (VGS) - Vodafone K.K.'s 3GPP-based, high-speed W-CDMA network.

This new mobile service, called GlobalNavi, aggregates a full suite of data and voice services catering for the needs of international travellers in their native language. This service takes full advantage of the first truely global data roaming service provided by VGS.

Special features of GlobalNavi include dictionaries, multilingual phrase books and translation services as well as region-specific reference material such as maps, hotels, restaurant and shopping guides. Real-time weather, travel news and emergency information will be included, completing an all-encompassing service tailored to meet the needs of the global traveller both for business and pleasure.

This GlobalNavi service can be used in Japan prior to travel on the existing Vodafone live! PDC menu as well as the 3GPP-based, high-speed W-CDMA network. While roaming overseas, however, the service can be accessed via the GPRS networks of Vodafone K.K.'s roaming partners. Java application guide books will also be available for download through the service.

Richard Northcott, CEO of Enfour states, “We have designed this new service around the needs of travellers both prior to and during their travel. We are excited to be working with Vodafone K.K. who have proven their committment to global mobile data services. GlobalNavi takes Enfour's content into the 3G arena and highlights the global relevance of the Japanese mobile phone phenomenon.”

GlobalNavi will be available as a subscription based service from 1 December 2003 on both the Japanese Vodafone live! (formerly J-SKY) and Vodafone Global Standard (VGS) menus as official content reaching a potential of over 14 million subscribers. The regions and languages covered will follow the VGS rollout schedule.