Vodafone K.K. to Offer Vodafone live! NAVI for 3G Wireless Handset

ASIA : Vodafone K.K. today announces that in conjunction with the sale of the Vodafone 903T 3G handset by Toshiba, it will launch the ‘Vodafone live! NAVI’ GPS navigation service from early October 2005.

Vodafone live! NAVI enables customers to check their current location, find the best routes to destinations and send messages to other parties with information on current locations or destinations. In addition to service availability in Japan, Vodafone live! NAVI can also be used overseas for accessing maps, routes, local information and tourist guides, making it Japan’s first network-assisted*1 GPS mobile handset navigation service that can be used on roaming networks*2 .

The 903T comes pre-installed with the ‘ZENRIN its-moNavi’ (offered by ZENRIN DataCom CO.,LTD) navigation application so customers can easily experience Vodafone live! NAVI*3 . ZENRIN its-moNAVI offers a rich array of services, including navigation for routes with maximum overhead covering and minimal stair climbing, best routes based on the weather or one’s mood, and car navigation*4 that accesses real time traffic congestion information via VICS*5 .

*1: A technology that accelerates positioning times and expands areas by using location information (assist data) via the network to improve GPS-only positioning drawbacks such as areas not available for positioning, or positioning time delays.

*2: As of 7 September 2005, among mobile handsets that used network-assisted GPS navigation services (according to Vodafone K.K.).

*3: Service can be used for 15 days after first usage for free (traffic congestion navigation service is charged). Other communication charges apply.

*4: Please do not operate mobile handset while driving, and stop and use in a safe place.

*5 :Abbreviation for Vehicle Information and Communication System. A system that receives traffic information from FM multiplex broadcasting and road beacons, and displays this information in text or graphical form.