Samsung Launches the Unlicensed Mobile Access Phone

July 18, 2006

Samsung launched Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) phone (model: SGH-P200) in Italian market. It is the world's first commercial mobile phone to which UMA technology is applied.

UMA is a next-generation fixed-mobile convergence technology standard which allows for seamless handover between cellular networks and fixed IP networks (hot spots). Handsets with UMA technology allow free voice and data communication both in mobile and fixed modes.

Samsung's UMA Phone (P200) allow free switching between cellular networks such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE and wireless LAN networks (WiFi), offering seamless connectivity.

The UMA phone thus has far greater mobility, compared to existing WiFi phones that can be used in a limited manner, only in hot spot areas.

For instance, with the UMA phone, high-speed large-capacity data communication or VoIP is possible though WiFi in places installed with hot spots such as at home and schools and in places without WiFi, the cellular network is used instead.

The P200 also comes in a sophisticated slide-up design as well as cutting-edge features including 1.3 mega pixel camera, a camcorder, multimedia messaging system (MMS), MP3 and file viewer functions.

"Samsung is proud to introduce the first Unlicensed Mobile Access phone into the market. We will continue to introduce innovative products and lead the next generation fixed-mobile convergence technology." said Kitae Lee, president of Samsung's Telecommunication Network Business.

The launch of Samsung's UMA phone will follow in other European countries soon.

Source: Samsung Electronics