June 2, 2006 Pantech Wireless, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Pantech Group, the number two mobile phone company in South Korea , and Cingular Wireless, the largest wireless carrier in the U.S., today announced the introduction in North America of the Pantech C300, the world’s smallest camera flip phone in the GSM arena. Offered in the U.S. by Cingular Wireless, the new phone is likely to strongly appeal to trend conscious U.S. consumers because of its groundbreaking compact yet stylish design. The Pantech C300 will be a cornerstone of Pantech’s strategy to increase sales and market share in North America over the coming year and is the first branded GSM handset to be launched by Pantech in the U.S.
Sung Kyu Lee, President & CEO, Pantech Wireless, Inc., said: “The launch of the C300 in the U.S. represents a huge step forward in the development of Pantech as a global brand. The U.S. is one of the most dynamic mobile markets in the world and we are excited to be working in partnership with Cingular to introduce our new and innovative handsets to American users.”
The Pantech C300 phone is just 2.72 inches tall, 1.69 inches wide and only 0.76 inches thick with the flip closed, yet boasts bright, large font color screens both inside and out. It is equipped with a VGA camera with flash and zoom, as well as MP3 ringtones, SMS/MMS/IM client and e-mail messaging.
Pantech plans to ramp up sales in the U.S. by 20% in 2006, through a greater focus on developing its brand awareness in the market place and an increase in direct supplies to major U.S. service operators. Direct supplies to U.S. service operators, through regional subsidiary Pantech Wireless, are expected to account for about 70% of the company’s exports to the North American market by the end of this year.
