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Press Release
19 February, 2004
3 Hong Kong, CK Communications Limited ("CK Communications") and Hutchison Global Communications Limited ("HGC") today joined forces to connect video communications between 3 and Vfone in Hong Kong, marking a major technological breakthrough. This is a key milestone in video communications and is the first time in the world that a video phone has been successfully connected to a 3G video mobile phone. No IDD charges will be involved for 3 users to make video calls with overseas Vfone users. Plans are in place to extend this pioneering connection between 3 and Vfone to other countries, further establishing a global network and community extensively using video-based communications. To promote the benefits brought by this novel video connection, attractive special offers have been launched exclusively for 3 and Vfone customers.
3 is the first and the only 3G operator in Hong Kong to provide video mobile communications services, while Vfone is the market leader in the provision of broadband video communications services. The connection between 3 and Vfone ("3V connection") brings together the two market leaders and is poised to speed up the adoption of video communications. The "3V" connection brings great benefits and progress:
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: A technological breakthrough that facilitates the rapid development of the global video communications network, as well as promotes a new mode of living
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: Face to face communications bring people closer as geographical barriers become insignificant
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: Enables cost and time savings; enhances the quality of life and improve efficiency
The "3V" connection brings a number of major advantages for 3 and Vfone users:
- No IDD costs will be involved for video calls between 3 and overseas Vfone users
- 3 users can conduct remote surveillance through Vfone anytime and anywhere
- Vfone users can make video calls to 3 users whenever they like
Agnes Nardi, Managing Director of 3 Hong Kong said, "It is always our vision to bring everyone an uncommon lifestyle in the new video communications world in which people can stay connected to one another anytime anywhere through face to face video call, not just voice. The launch of this world-first video communications service between 3 video mobile phone and Vfone can further enhance the video communications frontier, enabling the mass public to video call 3 users in the most user-friendly way via a simple dial from the Vfone. We can envision that video calling will not only be a new mode of communication, but also fast become part of our everyday life."
"The convergence of video, voice and data communications is driving forward a new era in the way humans communicate with each other, whether from wired or wireless devices. Video communications is an emerging trend that is here to stay as people benefit from the ease and enjoyment of face to face interaction, without the geographical barriers. The '3V' connection allows our Vfone customers to make video calls to 3 users from the convenience of their homes, offices and beyond," said Gerald Ma, Director of CK Communications.
Peter Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HGC said, "We are honoured to join forces with 3 Hong Kong and CK Communications to climb new heights in the realm of video communications technology. The groundbreaking '3V' connection clearly evidences the flexibility and capability of our full fibre optic network. We are pleased to bring customers additional cost savings and benefits with this exciting new development".
Special Offer for 3 & Vfone Customers
To celebrate the launch of the "3V" connection, a promotional discount is on offer for 3 and Vfone customers:
1 Offer valid while stock lasts
2 15-month "Vfone" service contract applies
3 20-month "Vfone" service contract applies
Customers who buy 3 video mobile phones and Vfones at the same time will enjoy both offers. To know more about 3 and Vfone, please call the 3 Hotline on 3162 3333 or the Vfone 24-hour Customer Service Hotline on 3168 2828, or visit selected 3Shops.
About 3 Hong Kong:
Hutchison 3G HK Limited ("Hutchison 3G HK"), a subsidiary of Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited, is the holder of a 3G licence in Hong Kong. Hutchison 3G HK is jointly owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL) (71%), NTT DoCoMo Inc (24%) and NEC Corporation (5%).
3 Hong Kong is the first operator in Hong Kong to roll out 3G service in January 2004, forming an integral part of HWL's global 3G footprint. 3 offers a rich portfolio of ground-breaking video mobile communication services including video call, video streaming, video messaging, news, financial updates, sports and football highlights, remote surveillance, traffic condition reports, weather reports, movie previews, and music. For more information, please visit www.three.com.hk
About CK Communications:
Founded in 2000, CK Communications Limited, a subsidiary of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited, specializes in research and development with the aim of leveraging and enhancing the latest communications technologies for new product applications. The company's strong focus lies in the commercialization of technical products and solutions to bring new dimensions to communications. Through collaboration with innovative technology players within and beyond the Cheung Kong Group, CK Communications provides the convergence of need-driven, user-friendly and cost-effective communications solutions into everyday life. In addition to "Vfone", CK Communications team members also participated in the development of PowerCom and Net Infinity Data Centre.
About Hutchison Global Communications:
Hutchison Global Communications (HGC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Hutchison Whampoa Group, owns and operates the largest full fibre-optic network in Hong Kong. Together with the scalability of its global bandwidth capacity and direct links to mainland China networks, HGC provides instant connectivity to cities in Asia, the US and Europe.
Riding on HGC's advanced fiber-optic technology, its customers enjoy its leading-edge services such as Ethernet symmetrical broadband access, corporate data transmission solutions, International Private Leased Circuit Services, Internet Protocol Transit Services, as well as quality local and overseas call services. Building on its leading presence in Hong Kong, HGC is also establishing a further strategic foothold in the global marketplace. For more details, please visit www.hgc.com.hk.
For more information, please contact:
| Frances Ng | Agnes Chan |
| 3 Hong Kong | Hutchison Global Communications |
| Tel: (852) 2128 2104 | Tel: (852) 2128-6708 |
| Email: frances.ng@hthk.com | Email: pr@hgc.com.hk |
Attachment
 3 Hong Kong, CK Communications and Hutchison Global Communications introduce the world-first video communications service between 3 video mobile phone and Vfone. - (From Left) Mr. Gerald Ma, Director of CK Communications, Mrs. Agnes Nardi, Managing Director of 3 Hong Kong and Mr. Peter Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Global Communications |
 The "3V" connection is poised to speed up the adoption of video communications. |
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