Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) announced today the successful demonstration of Europe’s first broadcast of live TV channels on mobile handsets in S-band. The demonstration took place in Alcatel’s UK premises. It is using the new DVB-SH standard (Satellite services for Handhelds), which is currently being drafted by the DVB Project. To perform this demonstration, Alcatel was assisted by UK broadcasters Sky, ITV and BBC.

Representatives from European mobile operators, TV broadcasters, industry analyst firms and regulatory bodies attending this demonstration were able to enjoy high quality images displayed on SAGEM myMobileTV handsets. These terminals are using the S-band telecom frequency between 2.17GHz and 2.20GHz, which is adjacent to the 3G/UMTS band. 30MHz of spectrum is currently available all across Europe and in other major regions in the world.

DVB-SH is a new technology targeting the S-band. DVB-SH is a related standard to DVB-H. With DVB-SH technology, Mobile TV signals can be broadcast from satellites as well as from terrestrial transmitters directly to handhelds. DVB-SH handhelds can be designed in such a way that they become compatible with DVB-H so that both standards can be received in one end-user terminal.

In addition, Alcatel demonstrated two possible key technical features using the DVB-SH standard. Reception Antenna Diversity, a feature using two antennas inside the same mobile device, enables improvements in the signal quality under difficult conditions. Furthermore, improved Time Interleaving overcomes fading impairment in mobility conditions. The significant quality enhancement was demonstrated by implementing these DVB-SH features.

On the occasion of this demonstration, Professor Ulrich Reimers, Chairman of the Technical Module of DVB Project declared: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to witness a live Mobile TV demonstration in the S-band even before the new Mobile TV standard has been finally designed. Within the DVB -Project, we have decided to give that standard a new name – DVB-SH – digital video broadcast from satellite for handhelds. DVB-SH is a perfect complement to other standards, such as DVB-H, which is typically using UHF frequencies but is capable of using the L-band. Thus DVB-SH may have a significant impact on the global Mobile TV industry.”

Olivier Coste, President of Alcatel’s mobile broadcast activities concluded: “Quality of Service is essential for operators to attract and retain Mobile TV users. Today, we demonstrated that high quality live Mobile TV using the S-band works. This can be up and running commercially very soon. With the additional benefits of universal indoor and countrywide coverage, the fundamentals of our solution are already solid enough to enable operators to profit from sustainable Mobile TV market growth thanks to the S-band.”

Palm Experience Delivered With Push Email, 3G/UMTS Speeds

Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) today announced the availability of the new Palm(R) Treo(TM) 750v smartphone in Indonesia on the XL network, bringing for the first time to Indonesia the hallmark Palm experience on Microsoft(R) Windows Mobile(R) 5.0 over a wireless 3G/UMTS network. The new Treo 750v will be available next month through XL, Vodafone’s network partner in Indonesia.

“The new Treo 750v brings to Indonesian businesses and prosumers choice and further expands the market and adoption of smartphones in Indonesia,” said Paul Blinkhorn, vice president for Palm Asia Pacific. “The Treo 750v blends the hallmark Palm experience with the Windows Mobile platform favored by many businesses, delivering a compelling smartphone solution that helps mobile professionals do more while on the go.”

The new Treo 750v will allow Palm to target business users with push email platforms such as Microsoft’s Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP), which includes Direct Push Technology and enhanced security features free out of the box.(1) This business-ready solution addresses the need for a robust push-email platform that can be deployed easily by small businesses to global enterprises.

The Treo 750v combines the hallmark Palm experience of a multifeatured mobile phone with email, messaging, web browsing and organization software all in a new compact design.(2) Unique to the Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile 5.0 is a suite of software enhancements developed by Palm that underscores its brand promise of fast access, ease of use and simplicity. Examples include the following:

– Today Screen enhancements, which feature the ability to “dial by name” with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialing with personalized photo speed dials;

– Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls, for easy navigation;

– Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message, such as “In a meeting” or “Can’t talk”; and

– Dedicated messaging application for SMS/MMS that is organized in a “chat thread” so users can reference prior messages and use emoticons for a personal touch.

“This alliance underscores XL’s commitment to becoming the preferred provider of information and communication solutions in the country,” said Hasnul Suhaimi, president director, PT Excelcomindo Pratama Tbk. “The Treo 750v together with XL’s new XL3G service will present new experiences in mobile productivity and communications to the Indonesian business community as well as retail consumers. The Treo 750v will be bundled with XL Business Solutions products that are designed specially for the local business community.”

“Mobility today means far more than voice calls or basic data services. Users want to access emails, documents, manage their calendars, search the Internet, enjoy music, videos, games and more with a single device,” said Jason Lim, regional director, Asia Pacific and Japan, Mobile and Embedded Devices Division, Microsoft Corp. “The Treo 750v builds on the power and flexibility of Windows Mobile, Palm’s unique design and user experience, and service through PT Excelcom’s fast 3G network to deliver a winning solution for sophisticated professionals seeking to enhance their digital lifestyle.”

Treo 750v Features and Benefits

– Powerful Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 with Palm enhancements;

– Integrated SMS/MMS with chat view and dedicated inbox;

– Mobile access to multiple business and personal email accounts;

– Compatibility with 3G/UMTS networks for fast data access;

– 1.3-megapixel digital camera that also captures video;

– Built-in Bluetooth wireless technology enhanced to support Bluetooth enabled stereo headsets;

– Touch screen, which makes surfing websites, gathering data and navigating forms and applications much easier;

– Mini-SD expansion slot; and

– 240×240 transflective (TFT) touch screen.

Palm Experience Delivered With Push Email, 3G/UMTS Speeds

Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) today announced the availability of the new Palm(R) Treo(TM) 750v smartphone in Malaysia on the Celcom network, bringing for the first time to Malaysia the hallmark Palm experience on Microsoft(R) Windows Mobile(R) 5.0 over a wireless 3G/UMTS network. The new Treo 750v will be available next month through Celcom, Vodafone’s network partner in Malaysia.

“Businesses and users can now look forward to the hallmark Palm experience on the robust Windows Mobile platform favored by many businesses,” said Paul Blinkhorn, vice president for Palm Asia Pacific. “The new Treo 750v smartphone brings to customers choice and further expands the market and demand for smartphones in Malaysia and in the region.”

The new Treo 750v will allow Palm to target business users with push email platforms such as Microsoft’s Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP), which includes Direct Push Technology and enhanced security features free out of the box.(1) This business-ready solution addresses the need for a robust push-email platform that can be deployed easily by small businesses to global enterprises.

The Treo 750v combines the hallmark Palm experience of a multifeatured mobile phone with email, messaging, web browsing and organization software all in a new compact design. Unique to the Treo smartphone on Windows Mobile 5.0 is a suite of software enhancements developed by Palm that underscores its brand promise of fast access, ease of use and simplicity. Examples include the following:

– Today Screen enhancements, which feature the ability to “dial by name” with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialing with personalized photo speed dials;

– Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls, for easy navigation;

– Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message, such as “In a meeting” or “Can’t talk”; and

– Dedicated messaging application for SMS/MMS that is organized in a “chat thread” so users can reference prior messages and use emoticons for a personal touch.

“At Celcom, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive mobile solutions that meet the communications needs of all Malaysians,” said Azwan Khan Osman Khan, senior vice president of Corporate Strategy and Development, Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad. “The Treo 750v is ideal for business and high-end consumers, combining ease of use with push email and personal information. With Celcom’s superior domestic coverage and Vodafone’s unmatched global footprint, our customers will be in a virtual office while on the go.”

“Mobile users in Asia are among the most advanced users in the world. They want an enhanced mobility experience that is tailored to their lifestyle that goes beyond voice, text messaging and email. They want to be able to organize themselves by managing their calendars and contacts, work, listen to music, watch videos and do much more with a single device,” said Jason Lim, regional director, Asia Pacific and Japan, Mobile and Embedded Devices Division, Microsoft Corp. “Building on the power and flexibility of Windows Mobile, Palm’s innovative design and user experience and Celcom’s fast 3G network, the Palm Treo 750v delivers a winning solution for sophisticated professionals seeking to enhance their digital lifestyle.”

Treo 750v Features and Benefits

– Powerful Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 with Palm enhancements;

– Integrated SMS/MMS with chat view and dedicated inbox;

– Mobile access to multiple business and personal email accounts;

– Compatibility with 3G/UMTS networks for fast data access;

– 1.3-megapixel digital camera that also captures video;

– Built-in Bluetooth wireless technology enhanced to support Bluetooth enabled stereo headsets;

– Touch screen, which makes surfing websites, gathering data and navigating forms and applications much easier;

– Mini-SD expansion slot; and

– 240×240 transflective (TFT) touch screen.