14 DAY TRIAL // LG Electronics, currently the world's fifth handset manufacturer, announced that two of its mobile phones, LG KM560 and LG KP330, were selected by the GSM Association to spearhead its Horizon Phone initiative that aims to provide a range of multi-band Mobile Broadband phones with HSPA support to meet the needs of consumers all over the world.
LG KM560 (or LG CM560) and LG KP330 (or LG CP330) are the first 3G phones able to automatically roam in 220 countries, due to the fact that they support all three WCDMA bands (850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz) and the conventional GSM bands.
"The selection of LG's HSPA phones for the GSM Association's Horizon Phone initiative demonstrates that operators have recognized LG's strong commitment to advanced technologies and business practices in the 3G sector," said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics 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."
The LG KM560 and LG KP330 handsets were selected by a committee of experts from nine leading mobile operators including AT&T, Telefonica Movile, Telstra, Telenor, Cable & Wireless International, Rogers Wireless and Entel PCS.
"The GSMA's Horizon Phone initiative will help operators to establish the 850 MHz spectrum as an integral 3G frequency band, which will lead to greater scale economies, more cost effective communications and greater choice of products for users," said Craig Ehrlich, Chairman of the GSMA. "We congratulate LG as the selected supplier for the Horizon Series of phones."
There aren't many details for the moment regarding LG KM560 and LG KP330, but we know that the phones will be initially available via six operators in the second half of 2008. After that, the handsets will be introduced all over the globe, including in Asia, Europe and Latin America. No word on pricing yet, but both devices should be quite affordable.