PR releases

Huawei Joins Open Handset Alliance and Plans to Launch Android Smart Phone in 2009

 [Dec. 10, 2008, Shenzhen, China]: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (“Huawei”), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions worldwide, today announced its entry into the Open Handset Alliance and its plan to launch smart phones based on the Android platform next year.

The Android platform is designed to define specifications for universal mobile phones and to provide allied vendors with one application architecture that contains a whole set of software stacks. Supporting the Android platform, members of the Alliance promote an integrated mobile software stack that incorporates the operating system, middleware, user-friendly interfaces, and applications. Huawei has established strategic partnerships with most of the Alliance’s members, including China Mobile, Telefónica, and T-Mobile.

Mr. Li Jilin, Huawei Communication’s vice president said: “Huawei sees potential in the operator resale market, and is relying on its insight into mobile communication trends and operators’ requirements to further explore the mobile field to meet the varied demands of operators and users. Joining the Open Handset Alliance is an important step in Huawei’s global strategy. Currently, we’re developing smart phones on the Android platform, which we plan to launch in 2009. We believe that the Android platform will transform the mobile life experience for users around the world. Huawei is dedicated to playing an important role in this transformation.”

From 2007 to 2011, smart phone shipments worldwide are expected to increase at an average annual growth rate of 37.7%. By 2011, shipments are expected to climb to over 400 million units from just 110 million in 2007. Smart phones are expected to account for 24.2% of the global mobile phone market by 2011, and this figure is set to exceed 30% by 2012. According to industry analysts, mobile devices are becoming increasingly crucial for people’s daily communication needs, and mobile phones will continue to incorporate a variety of features with more compelling services. Android’s commercial use will reshape the mobile operating system market and Huawei’s rapid response to this trend positions it well for the future market.

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About Huawei Technologies

Huawei Technologies is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks, and now serves 35 of the world's top 50 operators, along with over one billion users worldwide. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers.

For more information, please visit www.huawei.com