As of July 2nd 1999, EuroTel customers can use the Iridium global satellite
system, whose construction was another revolutionary event in the area of mobile
communications.
The Iridium system provides truly global
communication to a degree that was inconceivable even a few years ago. EuroTel, the
leading mobile phone operator in the Czech Republic, now includes the Motorola 9500 mobile
phone in its product portfolio. The Motorola 9500 was designed specifically for the
Iridium system, and its technical parameters have just been officially approved, so it can
now be legally sold in the Czech Republic.
The Motorola 9500 mobile phone is designed
to operate with the Iridium satellite network, but with a GSM module it can also function
in the GSM 900 networks. A GSM module is, as a matter of course, supplied together with a
Motorola 9500 handset, so the customer can immediately use both networks – Iridium and
EuroTel GSM Global.
The Motorola 9500 is activated by
installing a EuroTel customer´s SIM card. When the phone is in Iridium mode, calls to the
customer´s normal EuroTel phone number will then be delivered via the Iridium network.
And all costs of using Iridium will be included on the customer´s EuroTel bill.
"The Iridium satellite network opens
up previously unimagined communications, particular for our clients who travel to great
distances where it is difficult to build standard base stations, for example deserts,
polar areas or oceans. EuroTel customers can decide for themselves whether to purchase or
rent a Motorola 9500 mobile phone. But its remarkable features will certainly be
appreciated by everyone," said Iva Taťounová, spokesperson of EuroTel.
The sales price of the Motorola 9500 is
79,995 CZK VAT incl., which is also the cost of the deposit that a customer pays when
renting the phone. The customer can pay the deposit in cash or by preauthorizing payment
on his or her credit card.
The minimum rental period is 7 days, for
which the price is 5,000 CZK. An additional 300 CZK is charged for each additional
subsequent day, and no maximum rental period is stipulated, so a Motorola 9500 customer
can rent the handset for however long a period he or she wishes. Stated rental prices do
not include VAT.
EuroTel´s philosophy is to provide the
highest quality and to serve the individual needs of its customers. By trial operation of
GO Roaming, which EuroTel introduced as world first, EuroTel proved once again its
advancement in technology and the devotion to fulfil customer demands.
Thanks to the trial of GO Roaming
– the innovative possibility to use their pre- paid phones for calling from abroad, GO
customers can already use their telephones in 17 European countries and in many others it
will be tested during trial operation. Operators from all around the world approached
EuroTel and asked the company to share results of GO Roaming trial operation with
them. The trial operation will also indicate possibilities of further improvement.
”EuroTel customers can take their
EuroTel mobile phones with them anywhere they travel, not only by the new possibility of
using the Iridium system, but mostly because the company signed 130 roaming agreements
until now, which represents 66 countries. While travelling, whether for business or
pleasure, you can rely on EuroTel and therefore you will remain in touch anywhere on the
planet,” emphasized Iva Taťounová.
EuroTel Praha Ltd is a joint venture of
SPT TELECOM Inc. (51%) and Atlantic West B.V. (49%). Atlantic West B.V. is equally owned
by Bell Atlantic (NYSE:BEL) and MediaOne International, which is a part of MediaOne Group
(NYSE:UMG).
Prague, 2 July 1999 |
