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NEC: NEC announces its third i-mode handset for KPN Mobile Introducing



Mar 11, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- NEC UK announced its latest i-mode handset, the n31i. The device is being supplied to KPN Mobile in the Netherlands, Germany (E-Plus) and Belgium (BASE).

The n31i marks a landmark in NEC`s European i-mode devices, offering a raft of new features and functionality - including an integrated camera with digital zoom, JAVA technology and MMS capabilities. The n31i also features support for advanced security functionality based on the international standards SSL and TLS. This opens the door to advanced mobile financial and transaction service provision.

With the n31i, i-mode users will be able to take photos with their handsets, attach personalised voice and text messages and send them on to family and friends. The 100k pixel camera supports three picture formats - full colour, black & white and sepia - satisfying the creative needs of even the most demanding mobile user.

The fold-design n31i boasts a strikingly stylish silver finish with two colour screens: the first, a large 65,536 colour display for browsing web pages, viewing multimedia messages or playing JAVA games; the second, an outer 4,096 display to give mobile users even greater scope for personalisation. It also features 40-chord polyphonic ring tones.

The device will store up to 500 contacts in memory, each of which include name, up to five telephone numbers and two e-mail addresses, plus personalised ring tone and pictures to identify incoming callers.

The n31i builds on NEC`s formidable global pedigree in i-mode. In Europe, NEC developed the first ever i-mode handset specifically for the European market, the n21i, which was supplied for the launch of KPN Mobile`s i-mode service in March 2002. NEC also provides i-mode devices to Bouygues Telecom in France, and is the largest i-mode handset manufacturer in Japan.

"The n31i is the third i-mode device we have developed specifically for the European market, and is testament to our commitment to extending our position as a leading global mobile player," comments Tony Hutson, Director, NEC UK.

"The n31i is an important milestone in the continued development of i-mode in Europe," adds Mark de Jong, Member of the Board of KPN Mobile. "It brings together advanced i-mode functionality with attractive features such as the camera, MMS and JAVA technology. We see the n31i as an important driver in the take-up of i-mode across our European territories."

The n31i will go on sale in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium later this year.

i-mode and the i-mode logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan and other countries

About NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.l) (TYSE: 6701)

NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.1) is one of the world`s leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialised needs of its diverse and global base of customers. Ranked as one of the world`s top patent-producing companies, NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, through its three market-focused, in-house companies: NEC Solutions, NEC Networks and NEC Electron Devices. NEC Corporation employs more than 140,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately $39 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2002. For additional information, please visit: www.nec.com

About NEC (UK) Ltd

Founded in 1973, NEC UK is responsible for the marketing, sales, installation and service of a comprehensive range of NEC`s IT, communications and display technologies. With a proven track record in technical consultancy and multiple product streams, NEC UK can design, install and manage standalone and integrated solutions for corporate clients and their networks.

In mobile communications, NEC delivers the latest handsets (3G and 2.5G) and network infrastructure. For the business market, NEC supplies converged network solutions, physical and electronic security systems and advanced IT solutions, from server and storage hardware to e-business and supply chain management services. NEC also offers a complete range of display products and managed services based on its latest display screens and projectors for the corporate, professional AV and home cinema markets.

The turnover of NEC UK in the calendar year 2002 was GBP294 million. For further information, please visit: www.nec.co.uk

CONTACT: Kathleen Carroll/Lisa Allen, Nelson Bostock Communications Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] WWW: http://www.nelsonbostock.com Katharine Murray, NEC UK Tel: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

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