New Zealanders now have access to world-leading mobile broadband technology with the launch of Telecom’s Mobile Broadband CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Revision A upgrade today, powered by Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) solutions.

“New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to have this technology, which makes possible a whole new world of real-time mobile services,” said Simon Moutter, Chief Operating Officer – Business, Telecom New Zealand. “It offers super-fast mobile data speeds for both downloading and uploading data, which means that wherever they are, customers will be able to use their notebooks, laptops and other mobile devices to enjoy services such as video conferencing, multi-player gaming, and streaming video.

“Super-fast upload speeds means that Mobile Broadband powered by Rev. A is ideal for remote workers wanting to send large files, as well as receive them. For example, photographers will be able to send large photo files directly from location shoots much more quickly and easily. Mobile Broadband Rev. A makes it feasible for many more New Zealanders to work effectively away from their office, wherever they need to be,” said Mr Moutter.

Mobile Broadband Rev. A offers average download speeds of 800Kilobits per second (Kbps) and average upload speeds of around 300Kbps. It employs CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Revision A technology, the next step up in the development path for the CDMA 1xEV-DO network behind Telecom’s current Mobile Broadband offering. The upgrade was carried out by Alcatel-Lucent, which built and now manages Telecom’s mobile data network.

Mobile Broadband Rev. A is available initially in the Auckland CBD area. It will be available in other metropolitan areas starting from early 2007 and rolled out throughout New Zealand during the course of the next year.

Hilary Mine, head of Alcatel-Lucent’s Australasia Regional Unit, said the launch of Mobile Broadband Rev. A is another example of the strength of Telecom’s mobile technology path. “Upgrading to Rev. A will ensure that New Zealand remains at the forefront of global mobile innovation and enable Telecom to continue delivering a truly world-class mobile broadband service for customers.

“This is one of the first deployments in the world of EV-DO Revision A, and the rapid growth of EV-DO subscribers beyond New Zealand means a ready demand for new applications and services based on the technology. We can expect to see some very exciting developments and it’s fantastic that New Zealand and New Zealanders will be at the forefront of them.”

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) today announced the availability of its managed Mobile Interactive TV service in the Asian Pacific Region. The solution will allow content and service providers to address the growing demand for Interactive Mobile TV services by offering a differentiating user-centric experience to their customers based on best in class technology. The managed business model will enable them to introduce the new service quickly, cost-effectively and at low risk.

Alcatel-Lucent will deploy, host and operate the end-to-end solution whilst content and service providers will focus on developing service marketing programs and enhancing user satisfaction. The service also offers content providers an open environment for content aggregation to easily create compelling “interactive made-for-mobile channels”.

The service is providing a high quality experience for users thanks to ergonomic and intuitive navigation interfaces such as fast channel zapping and can accommodate a diverse range of handset configurations and network delivery methods such as those that are 3G circuit switched, packet switched or broadcasted.

“Mobile TV is a reality today and is gaining momentum in Asia. With more than 80 multimedia services in operation worldwide, Alcatel-Lucent enjoys a leadership position in the booming mobile TV market and is ideally positioned to help its customers deliver a user-centric experience for their subscribers. The Alcatel-Lucent’s managed Mobile Interactive TV service gives content and service providers a fantastic opportunity to deliver revenue generating entertainment services to their customers”, said Frederic Rose, Head of Alcatel-Lucent’s activities in Asia Pacific.

Bluetooth™ VoIP Kit HBV-100 – A high performance kit for lower cost calls via the internet.

The Bluetooth™ VoIP Kit HBV-100 is the perfect way to stay in touch with friends and family over the Internet. Comprising a Bluetooth™ headset HBH-PV705 and a Bluetooth™ USB Adaptor, you can get all the normal benefits of using a Sony Ericsson Bluetooth™ headset – freeing your hands while you talk, long talk and stand by times, excellent sound quality and comfort among others – while making low cost internet calls.

Plug it in and talk handsfree

The discreet Bluetooth™ USB Adaptor plugs into your Windows XP PC and requires no complicated installation in order to be compatible with most global internet telephony software. It is pre-paired with the blue colored HBH-PV705 and the two communicate wirelessly to give you complete handsfree freedom around the room while you talk. So if you never considered your Bluetooth™ headset as a way to make calls without your phone, now you can use it as part of the HBV-100 kit with your PC to join the internet call revolution– even if the PC doesn’t have Bluetooth™ built-in. And the outstanding talk and stand by times of the headset allow you take full advantage of those low cost internet calls.

Available late Q4 2006.

Facts and Figures for Bluetoothв„ў VoIP Kit HBV-100:

Kit contents:

* Bluetoothв„ў VoIP Kit HBV-100
* Bluetooth Headset HBH-PV705 in blue
* USB Adaptor
* Standard Charger
* User Guide

Facts:

* Weight:
* Headset = 14g / 0.49 oz.
* USB Adapter = 8g / 0.2 oz
* Color:
* Headset = Blue
* USB Adaptor = Black
* Headset talk time with Bluetoothв„ў phone: Up to 12 hrs
* Headset Standby time Bluetoothв„ў phone: Up to 300 hrs
* Operating System version requirement: :Windows XP

Note: Internet calling or the use of VoIP-related features may cause sound performance disruptions to the Bluetoothв„ў VoIP Kit HBV-100.

The Bluetooth™ VoIP Kit HBV-100 is the latest in a long line of innovation in Bluetooth™ technology from Sony Ericsson. From the first commercial Bluetooth™ headset from Ericsson, through the remote control car CAR-100 to voice dialing, Auto pairing™ or the new Bluetooth™ Watch MBW-100, Sony Ericsson’s Bluetooth™ pedigree is proven in helping people make the most of their mobile life.