SMC to Ship Certified Skype WiFi Phone

SMC to Ship Certified Skype WiFi Phone

Allows free calls to Skype users anywhere in the world and enables calling to ordinary landlines and mobile phones using SkypeOutâ„¢ at a very low cost.

New Delhi, 24 July 2006 – SMC Networks ( www.smc-asia.com), a leading technology provider of LAN hardware, broadband connectivity devices and SOHO/Home wireless products, today announced the general availability of its first Wireless Internet mobile phone (SMCWSKP100) for Skype software in India. The new WiFi phone includes Skype software that allows free calls to Skype users anywhere in the world and enables calling to ordinary landlines and mobile phones using SkypeOutâ„¢ at a very low cost.

“We are pleased to announce this leading edge WiFi Phone that runs the widely recognised Skype Internet calling software, which has already been downloaded by more than 100 million PC users worldwide,” said Mr Jimmy Goh, Vice President of Marketing, “The SMC WiFi Phone for Skype was designed specifically for the Asian market, and will be one of the first Skype Certified WiFi phones to ship to Asian channel partners.”

The SMC WiFi Phone for Skype will deliver 3-hours continuous talk-time and 30-hour standby from its internal Li-Ion Battery and can be recharged from any USB enabled socket.

With the new SMC WiFi Phone for Skype, users experience enhanced flexibility with everything built-in to connect to Skype via any free WiFi connection that does not require browser authentication using the 802.11 standard. The phone is extremely easy to set-up and use, with automatic registration to a Skype account and contacts. The SMC WiFi phone has already received a 2006 iF product design award following its showcase debut at CeBIT in March.

Jimmy Goh continued, “We are ready to ship to partners from day one and are expecting a very high demand for this leading edge product. The availability of this product marks a new milestone in internet calling, allowing users to make free calls at home, work and beyond.”

“The new SMC WiFi Phone gives the user great flexibility and mobility if you have access to one of rapidly growing number of free wireless access points which support browser-less authentication like university campuses, offices, airports, hotels and an increasing number free public hotspots situated in key business travel locations and vacation areas,” he added.

The new SMC WiFi Phone will be made available in Q3 2006. SRP will be S$369. For more information about SMC Networks, any in SMC’s portfolio switches or any others in its full complement of networking products, visit www.smc-asia.com. Please note that Skype and SMC WiFi Phone are not replacements for your ordinary telephone and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Prices & Availability

The new SMC WiFi Phone will be available at a price range of SRP S$369 respectively through SMC Networks, 43-44, DSIDC, Scheme-III, Phase-II, Okhala Industrial Area, New Delhi-20, tel.91-11-66401384, 66401385.

About SMC Networks

SMC takes the work out of networks, with high-performance, easy-to-use connectivity products for businesses and homes. Leveraging its more than 30 years’ market and technology experience with strong attention to end-user and reseller feedback, SMC Networks has set the standards for quality, reliability, ease-of-use, and affordability in network solutions and components. The company continues to bring to market a host of affordable, high-performance products that benefit from the combination of its strong internal R&D resources, global manufacturing resources and strategic relationships with technology innovators. From basic to leading-edge, SMC Networks’ portfolio of products provides solutions for small-to-medium sized businesses, corporate workgroups, branch offices, and home and small office environments.

The company’s commitment to providing unsurpassed service with a personal touch is backed-up by three year warranties for all of SMC’s products. With its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, SMC Networks supports its Asian market through offices located throughout the region. For more information about SMC Networks or its products, visit www.smc-asia.com
iF Product Design Award
Introduced in 1953, the iF Product Design Awards have developed into prestigious trademarks for outstanding achievements in the field of design. Winners are selected from over 2,200 contestants from over 30 nations. The entries are judged on design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, degree of innovation, environmental friendliness, functionality, ergonomics, visualization of use, safety, brand value, and branding.

Skype and SkypeOut, associated logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

For more information, please contact:
Sundeep Mehta / Tribhuwan Joshi
Team Orange Public Relations
Phone: 91 11 41841374 / 75
Fax: 91 11 41645445
Mobile: 91 9911150932/9871795841