12th March 1999 - Ericsson today unveiled their new mobile companion MC 218. It incorporates a broad set of features specifically related to mobile life, among them WAP- functionality and the EPOC operating system. The Ericsson MC 218 is the first EPOC-based device to be launched since the forming of Symbian in June 1998.

Developed and designed for situations, when requirements go beyond voice communication, this advanced mobile companion ensures that multi-form business communications are always at hand. The Ericsson MC 218 supports e-mail, fax, SMS messages and Internet access. Supplied with an Ericsson Infrared Modem for ultimate wireless connectivity, the MC 218 works together with any Ericsson GSM mobile phone.

The MC 218 is one part of a divided smart phone concept; the Ericsson phone is the other. Focus is set on consumer flexibility, both in terms of when to buy the products, as well as with regards to how much hardware to bring for any specific occasion. On a business trip, bring the phone and the MC 218; to a meeting, bring the MC 218; walking the dog, bring the phone.

In a move designed to facilitate speed and accuracy, Ericsson has equipped MC 218 with the EPOC operating system. Developed by Symbian especially for wireless information devices, this operating system is easier to operate, less power consuming, faster, and more versatile than others are. EPOC offers the user a fully featured suite of personal information management, as well as productivity and communication applications. Symbian is owned by the world's leading mobile computing and telecommunications device manufacturers, Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola and Psion. The Ericsson MC 218 is OEM-manufactured by Psion according to Ericsson specifications.

"This is a natural move forward as we are developing the EPOC operating system together with Psion in the Symbian joint venture," said Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications. "Featuring unique Ericsson software applications, the MC 218 with its complete mobile communications capabilities allows you to stay connected, organised, synchronised and most of all, successfully mobile."

"For us this deal with Ericsson will bring EPOC-based devices to the attention of a whole new range of customers through a strong set of mobile- based channels that Ericsson brings to the party," said Harold Goddijn, Managing Director of Psion Computers. "We see Ericsson's decision to select EPOC, along with Psion's expertise in design and manufacturing, as particularly significant."

In combination with an Ericsson Mobile Phone, the MC 218 creates a complete out of the box working communication solution. The Ericsson free Internet access will give the user the possibility to be surfing the Ericsson Mobile Internet in less than 5 minutes after purchase, provided he or she has an Ericsson mobile phone and a mobile network subscription that includes data and fax.

The MC 218 features several Ericsson unique software applications that enhance your performance when on the move. You can send text, digital pictures and drawings with the Postcard application and you can gain complete and rapid access to the Ericsson Mobile Internet. Developed specifically for mobile use the Mobile Internet application (WAP) is a unique function offering you quicker access to the Internet. The MC 218's unique "My Phone" software synchronises the numbers held on your MC 218 with those on your Ericsson phone and lets you start and finish a call directly from the MC 218.

MC 218 features include:

The Ericsson MC 218 will be available in volume during mid 1999. The MC 218 works with the complete 600/700/800 series of Ericsson mobile phones as well as coming products.

Pictures of the new Ericsson MC 218 can be downloaded from: http://www.ericsson.se/pressroom/phli_p.shtml

Additional information about Ericsson mobile phones is available at http://mobile.ericsson.com

Additional information about EPOC and Symbian is available at http://www.symbian.com and about Psion at: http://www.psion.com

Additional information about WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is available at http://www.wapforum.org

Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the user. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Jan Ahrenbring, Marketing and Communications Director
Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Phone: + 46 8 764 1460, +46 70 590 9900

Bo Albertson, PR & Information Manager
Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Phone: + 46 8 764 1388, +46 70 510 0992