Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (“Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong”) today launched the long awaited iPhoneTM 3G in Hong Kong after an “Activating the First iPhoneTM 3G” ceremony had been held to celebrate the first iPhoneTM 3G in Hong Kong and the Greater China region. Since the introduction of the convenient and hassle-free online pre-registration programme, Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong has been delighted by an unprecedented level of response from customers, with tens of thousands of citizens pre-registering online to purchase iPhoneTM 3G.

Unveiled by Apple Inc. (“Apple”), iPhoneTM 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhoneTM with 3G networking that is twice as fast† as the first generation iPhoneTM, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services and iPhoneTM 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhoneTM SDK.

Ms. Amy Lung, Chief Operating Officer, Mobile of Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong, said, “The cooperation forged between Apple and Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong takes mobile communications development in Hong Kong to next level. Not only does it arouse citizens’ awareness of the beauty of the mobile Internet, it also greatly facilitates the use of mobile data services in Hong Kong. Market response shows customers hold a positive view towards the four data-centric price plans for iPhoneTM 3G, with more than a quarter of them expressing interest in enrolling the unlimited data plan. Meanwhile, it indicates most of the customers are keen to get the 16GB model. I believe iPhoneTM 3G community is taking shape in Hong Kong and I am certain these mobile data users will greatly benefit from the unique and unparalleled communications and infotainment experience delivered by us.”

iPhoneTM 3G comes with popular and unique Hong Kong content
Based on the comprehensive and easy-to-follow SDK tools and guidelines provided by Apple, Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong’s dedicated iPhoneTM team speedily adapted its unique mobile portal, Planet 3, with a wide array of local content and applications for local iPhoneTM 3G customers. At launch, iPhoneTM 3G users can enjoy a wide collection of real-time encoded HD video footage via live feed video streams under six categories namely News, Finance, Sports, Racing, Music and Sensation. All HD video footages are specially optimised for iPhoneTM 3G's screen resolution and streaming bitrates, ensuring the best viewing quality through iPhoneTM 3G high quality screen. Customers can easily access the abundant Planet 3 content on their iPhoneTM 3G with just one click on the customised home screen icon. No data fee will be incurred when browsing through the Planet 3. Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong also pre-loaded several mobile email services such as 3Mail, 3Email, 3gmail and HGC Broadband email for iPhoneTM 3G users to start using their existing personal mobile mail accounts as soon as they receive the phone. iPhoneTM 3G users can also enjoy other value added services from Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong such as HelloRing, SMS Divert and more will be upcoming.

Ms. Lung continued, “With Apple's support and our dedication and experience in pioneering the mobile data development in Hong Kong, we take pride to deliver a unique iPhone TM 3G experience to the customers in Hong Kong. In the future, to ensure our privileged iPhoneTM 3G customers an even more enjoyable mobile life, we will partner with well-established SDK developers to explore additional exciting and innovative applications for iPhoneTM 3G.”

Activating Hong Kong’s First iPhoneTM 3G
To welcome the first batch of iPhoneTM 3G customers to come purchase iPhoneTM 3G and collect the limited edition iPhoneTM 3G phone pouch, the iPhoneTM 3G First Day Sale Gala” was held at Ocean Terminal Main Concourse, Harbour City, Tsimshatsui today. A special “Activating the First iPhoneTM 3G” ceremony was also held in the venue, during when Mr. Dennis Lui, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited, activated the first iPhoneTM 3G in the Greater China region and presented it to the lucky customer.

In the meantime, an iPhoneTM 3G exhibition was held to feature a wide array of iPhone TM 3G accessories such as pouch, stereo headset, dock and many more.

Today’s Gala welcomed 500 lucky pre-registered customers and more than a thousand existing Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong customers. Remaining pre-registered citizens will be notified phase by phase to purchase iPhoneTM 3G in designated 3Shops in the near future, and citizens who have not registered for the phone are still welcome to register online to purchase iPhoneTM 3G.

†Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions.