LG Announces First WCDMA Phones Capable of World-wide Roaming

Seoul, (Korea Newswire)- LG Electronics (LG), a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, announced that two of its handsets, the LG-KM560 andLG-KP330, were selected to spearhead the GSM Association’s (GSMA) Horizon Phone initiative.

These LG handsets are the first 3G models that can automatically roam in 220 countries, as theysupport all three WCDMA bands (850, 1900 and 2100 MHz) as well as conventional GSM bands. With other handsets it is impossible to roam across regions that use different frequencies, as mobile phones typically only support one or two bands.

The GSMA created the Horizon Phone initiative to provide a range of multi-frequency mobile broadband handsets that will meet the needs of customers around the world, while promoting more widespread adoption of the 850 MHz frequency. This competition is the first phase in the initiative and the LG-KM560 and LG-KP330 were selected by a panel of experts from six leading operators including Telstra, Telenor, Rogers Wireless, Telefonica Movile, Cable & Wireless International, and Entel PCS, according to the GSMA.

“The selection of LG’s HSDPA phones for the GSMA’s Horizon Phone initiative demonstrates that operators have recognized LG’s strong commitment to advanced technologies and business practices in 3G,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President & CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. “LG will continue to provide new and better 3G phones that customers want, based on our cutting-edge technologies and high standard of quality.”

Last year LG won the GSMA’s 3G for All campaign with its LG-KU250 handset. This year’swin will give LG additional momentum in the fast growing 3G market. In 2008 overall sales of 3G handsets will rise to 250 million units, up 56 percent from last year’s 160 million units, according to Gartner Dataquest 2007. Compatibility with the 850 MHz band is especially important for the success of these handsets.

`The GSMA’s Horizon Phone initiative will help operators to establish the 850 MHz spectrum asan integral 3G frequency band, which will lead to more cost effective communications and agreater choice of products for users,” said Craig Ehrlich, Chairman of the GSM Association. “LG’s 3G HSPA technologies leverage the superior breadth and depth of the 850 MHz spectrum and will help position it as a competitive network.

”LG will initially make the LG-KM560 and LG-KP330 available through the six operators and others that helped select the phones, in the second half of 2008. It will later introduce the handsets across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

About LG Electronics,
Inc.LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 82,000 people working in over 110 operations including 81 subsidiaries around the world. With 2007 global sales of USD 44 billion, LG is comprised of four business units - Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media. LG is the world’s leading producer of mobile handsets, flat panel TVs, air conditioners, front-loading washing machines, optical storage products, DVD players and home theater systems. For more information, please visit www.lge.com. LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company (LG) is a leading producer of UMTS (WCDMA),CDMA and GSM handsets. LG draws upon its cutting-edge technology and innovative handset design capabilities to create a higher quality mobile environment for its customers around the world. With a total range of wired and wireless solutions, LG is rapidly expanding its presence and market share in the global mobile industry. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.