Date:21/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/21/stories/2006062104300400.htm

Back Tata Tele, Samsung mobile with anti-theft tracker

Our Bureau

SoS alert to 10 select numbers also possible

The two firms are jointly working on other mobile phone designs as well.

Kolkata , June 20

Tata Teleservices and Samsung Telecommunications India Pvt Ltd announced on Tuesday the launch of what is reportedly the country's first anti-theft mobile tracker and emergency SOS-alert CDMA mobile handset.

Called Samsung Hero, the entry-level mobile handset is priced Rs 1,499 and targeted at consumers "who aspire to reap the benefits of high-quality mobility at one of the most competitive and affordable prices".

Mr H.B. Kim, Vice President and Head of CDMA Division, Samsung Telecommunications India Pvt Ltd, said that in the event of the cellphone being stolen and the SIM card replaced, the anti-theft mobile tracker will prompt the handset to send an SMS to two pre-selected numbers, giving the contact number of the new user without the latter's knowledge.

And the phone's emergency SOS alert can be used to call for help in an emergency.

On pressing the `C' key four times, the handset will send out an SOS SMS to 10 numbers chosen by the user. This will alert the receivers of the SMS that the user needs help.

When they call the user, the handset will automatically receive their calls, thus enabling them to communicate instantly.

Mr Darryl Green, Chief Executive Officer of Tata Teleservices Ltd, who was also present on the occasion, said the company was hopeful of selling one million Samsung Hero mobile handsets within the next four months. He said Tata Teleservices and Samsung were jointly working on other mobile phone designs as well.