ASIA Korea : SK Telecom and Samsung Electronics revealed that it would release a World Phone (model: SCH-V920) that supports CDMA, mobile communications technology used in Korea, GSM, used in Europe, and JCDMA used in Japan, making automatic roaming possible in 90 countries around the world. This is the first time in the world that a mobile phone has been released that allows automatic roaming all over the world including Japan.

"Real World Phone", released by Samsung Electronics for SK Telecom, supports CDMA for automatic roaming in North America, Latin America and Asia where 800MHz spectrum is used as in Korea, as well as GSM with frequencies of 900, 1800MHz in Europe, CIS, Oceania, and even Japan's JCDMA, and is a "World Phone" in the true sense.

In the past users could use their phones and numbers in North America, Latin America and Asia where the same CDMA technology is used, but now they can receive automatic roaming services in Europe and Japan, and the World Phone is expected to become an essential for businessmen who travel frequently to Japan and Europe.

Also, through the launch of World Phone, SMS messaging and receiving, and caller ID services are possible in GSM regions such as Europe. SK Telecom has revealed that a free demonstration event will be held until the end of October for outgoing SMS messages, which are KRW 460 per message (SMS reception and caller ID services currently free.)

Despite the fact that it is a phone that supports various mobile communications technology, it has adopted the currently popular slim slide style, and it is hoped that its functional attractiveness along with sophisticated design will be favorably received by consumers.

An "Anycall Translator" function has also been included, allowing translation of simple expressions in various situations into English, Japanese and Chinese in airports, hotels and stores. The phone also has functions most preferred by consumers, including a 1.3 million pixel camera, Nate Drive, MP3, and Bluetooth functions.

To celebrate the launch of World Phone, SK Telecom and Samsung Electronics will hold a "Two-Top Real World Phone Festival" from September 20 to October 31. Customers that purchase World Phone during the period are automatically entered, and among the winners 10 will receive airline tickets for a world tour, 20 the opportunity to visit Tokyo and Yokohama, a total of 100 receiving diverse prizes.

SK Telecom's CEO Kim Shin-Bae remarked, "Among total departures, those leaving for Japan take up 20%, and thus it is highly significant to become the first in the world to release a World Phone that can cover Japan."

Samsung Electronics Head of Information and Communications Lee Ki-Tae remarked "Samsung's mobile phone with hi-tech functions and quality design will be a route through which people can communicate freely and conveniently anywhere in the world."

"Real World Phones" are to be released through SK Telecom in four colors - "deep grey", "double red", "shiny silver", "white" - and cost approximately KRW 500,000.

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