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[Shenzhen CHINA,11 September 2006] Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ("Huawei"), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, today signed an agreement on "inTouch Lab Partnership Program" with Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA) and Hong Kong Wireless Development Centre (HKWDC), representative organizations of Hong Kong mobile industry, as well as 15 Hong Kong-based SPs/CPs selected for the "3G Cyberport Plan". Under the Partnership Program, all parties will work on the joint development of innovative applications of 3G technology, reaching a consensus on long-term targets and specific cooperation plans in terms of resources sharing, application development, training and product promotion. Mr. Timothy L.K. Cheng, Chief System Manager of OGCIO, HKSAR, and Mr. Lu Jian, representative from Shenzhen Bureau of Science Technology & Information were invited to officiate at the signing ceremony.

Executives from the major operators in Mainland China -- China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, as well as representatives from PCCW/SUNDAY, HKCSL, SmarTone-Vodafone, and other executives from over ten SPs/CPs in Hong Kong and Mainland China attended the workshop.

Mr. Che Haiping, President of Application and Software Product Line of Huawei Technologies said, "The inTouch Lab Partnership Program is built on the principles of 'innovation, cooperation and win-win'. For years, Huawei has been developing innovative 3G applications and creating win-win value chain platforms with operators, SPs/CPs and other partners both at home and abroad in an active and open manner. Last year, Huawei globally launched the inTouch Lab Experience Center and the Partnership Program and to date our inTouch Lab has over 300 partners around the world. The provision of application development platforms and experiencing environment to SPs/CPs under the Program has helped to speed up the commercialization of 3G applications. " Mr. Che continued, "The cooperation with local SPs/CPs in Hong Kong will enable Huawei to better understand the mature 3G application market, and prepare for the emerging 3G industry in Mainland China. Hong Kong SPs/CPs can also take advantage of Huawei's platform to enhance their 3G application network, which is essential for promoting the long-term cooperation in 3G technology between Mainland China and Hong Kong."

Mr. John Chiu, Chairman of Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association agreed, "The program enables the integration of application scenarios from 15 local 3G application developers on Huawei's service platform so that the applications are in line with international practice. The Program allows SPs/CPs to experience our 3G technology and applications which promote technology interconnection and drive future business opportunities."

Mr. Anthony Tang, General Director of Hong Kong Wireless Development Centre, said, "Besides 3G application test platform, the Partnership Program also includes extensive training and workshop, joint market survey, user behavior analysis and encouragement of innovation for industry professionals in Hong Kong and Mainland China, to improve their understanding of both markets so that they can develop more applications based on market demand."

The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with a workshop on "Innovative 3G Applications and Cooperation" jointly held by Huawei, WTIA, HKWDC and Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC). A roundtable discussion was arranged in which participants shared their experience on 3G application including operation experience in 3G application, value chain cooperation model, future development of 3G industry and the win-win cooperation between Mainland China and Hong Kong in the area of 3G application development. A tour to Huawei's headquarters and inTouch Lab experience center was arranged for participants to experience the 3G services and select services available in "3G Cyberport".


About WTIA

Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA) is a non-profit trade association founded by a group of passionate people engaging in mobile and wireless application development in 2001. Over the years, we have evolved into an industry support body focusing on promoting the development, adoption and awareness of wireless technology and application in Hong Kong.

Our corporate membership base, which has grown from 10+ during inauguration to 100+ now, consists of telecom network operators, mobile device manufacturers, hardware vendors, software vendors, system integrators, application developers and content providers.

For more information about WTIA, please visit http://www.hkwtia.org/wtia/index.htm.


About HKWDC

HKWDC is a flagship project of WTIA, which has transformed the conceptual model into a solid body to accelerate the awareness, development and usage of wireless application technology in Hong Kong.

In coverage of approximately 3,000 square feet at Cyberport, it provides a full range of wireless connectivity services, facilities, information and business networks to wireless parties, especially for application developers.

For more information about HKWDC, please visit http://www.hkwdc.org.