Europe : NEC Corporation announced that its mobile internet Platform and i-modeTM mobile handset commenced operation at WIND Telecomunicazioni S.p.A.(WIND)'s "i-mode" service started from November 19th 2003.

WIND and NEC, via its subsidiary NEC Italia, have entered into an agreement for the supply of a mobile multimedia platform system and i-mode terminal. At the same time, NEC Italia will act also as Content Provider of ringtones to WIND i-mode. WIND is one of the leading fixed-line, mobile and Internet operators in Italy, with more than 9.2 million mobile customers.

The NEC i-mode mobile handset "N341i inset left.

The platform developed by NEC is composed of a set of gateway systems which enable WIND’s customers to gain easy and quick access to i-mode services on the GPRS, and mail-servers which enables the customer to enjoy multimedia messaging service.

To provide attractive mobile internet services for both 2.5G and 3G, NEC is to expand mobile multimedia platform business, targeting European and the other areas of mobile operators in the world who wish to gain stronger customers' satisfaction and to increase revenue. NEC plans to add mobile applications lineup and believes to acquire the leading position in the mobile internet market.

As a total solution provider for the mobile Internet, NEC has competence in the area with its mobile infrastructure system, mobile application platform and its impressive portfolio of contents. NEC's mobile internet platform is also operating at Telefonica Moviles Espana, Bouygues Telecom in France and Taiwan KG Telecom.

NEC's i-mode mobile handset "N341i" is compact and striking with a stylish fold-form design with 2.2 inch high color LCD (TFD) screen and built-in antenna, and the handset features an integrated camera. N341i also features the second screen on the handset's top fold and can be easily customized according the owners setting such as a clock, picture and displaying caller's identity. Developed based on expertise in mobile internet market in Japan and Europe, "N341i" is most suitable for using mobile internet applications and rich content. NEC also provides “N223i”.

NEC is to sell the new N341i to other i-mode service providers in the world. NEC’s total shipment of i-mode handsets outside Japan has reached 1 million since NEC began shipment in March 2001. NEC began shipment in March 2002. NEC’s i-mode handsets are available in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and Taiwan.