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TELUS introduces four new Mike handsets


WEBWIRE

TELUS today announced the launch of four new handsets to its Mike Push To Talk (PTT) line up, including a completely redesigned, high-powered Mike handset that offers unmatched processing speed and multimedia capabilities. Other models introduced include two new PTT phones that are designed to meet strict military specifications for shock, dust and vibration, for use in harsh outdoor conditions, such as are often found in the energy, construction and transportation industries.

The introduction of these four models brings the total number in the lineup to more than 12, giving TELUS the broadest selection of PTT devices – and of rugged mobile handsets – among any wireless carrier in Canada. All run on the TELUS Mike network, making them the ultimate communications tools for users whose business needs demand the efficiency of the Push To Talk solution and hard-working multi-function communications tools.

“Over the past decade, Mike has continuously proven itself as a reliable, robust and cost-effective mobile communications solution in such industry sectors as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, field service and transportation,” said Jim Senko, TELUS vice-president of Mobility Solutions. “As our customers have found more and more uses for Mike’s Push To Talk solutions in their work environments, TELUS has focused on increasing the functionality and types of phones we can offer our customers.”

“For some companies it’s the security of knowing that their field personnel are armed with the most durable handset in the market that is most important,” Senko continued. “For others, it’s the fact that using your handset like a walkie-talkie rather than a cell phone means communication is more efficient, workers are more productive, and average call times are shorter.”

The new Motorola i876 and Motorola i876w Push To Talk phones from TELUS offer unmatched levels of processing speed (many times faster than previous iDEN handsets), multimedia, and convenience. Such innovative new features as 3D Audio, 3D Animation and Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology allow users to deploy productivity-enhancing multimedia business applications on their Mike handsets, as well as such desirable ‘downtime’ features as music, games and accessing the Web.

The i876 and i876w also boast a combined alarm clock/stopwatch/timer and a camera with a built-in photo editor. The difference between the two models is simply styling: while the i876 comes in sleek dark brown, the i876w’s casing is a lustrous pearl with a titanium ivy design. The emergence of this option represents the increasing popularity of Mike outside its industrial roots, as well as the growing diversity within the workforce in industries that have counted on Mike over its 11 years in the market.

Other features:
• Integrated digital audio player with support for podcasts
• 1.3 MP digital camera with enhanced spotlight
• Memory expansion capability (Micro SD)
• Openwave v7.2.5 Internet browser
• Vibrant internal and external TFT color displays
• Photo and audible caller ID
• Integrated assisted GPS (Advanced SiRF Star III GPS Chip)

TELUS’ other two new models, the Motorola i570 and Motorola i335 handsets, are designed to meet stringent military specifications for shock, dust and vibration. Both also feature a unique one-piece rubber keypad that is easier to use in harsh outdoor conditions. Complete with Bluetooth capabilities and an ultra-thin design, the Motorola i335 is the first Mike handset to be equipped with an internal iDEN antenna for increased durability and the first Mike handset certified to military standard 810F to be offered at $0 (on a three-year term contract). In addition, the Motorola i335’s tough but sleek design includes a durable rubber over-mold.

Other features:
• Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology (v.1.2): When used with compatible Bluetooth-enabled accessories, Bluetooth technology allows fast, secure transmission of non-copyright protected files without cables or wires, even though the two devices are not in line-of-sight. Compatible Bluetooth-enabled wireless accessories are sold separately.
• GPS Solutions: Since every Mike handset is equipped with GPS, solutions such as handset tracking and dispatch are easily implemented allowing for enhanced customer service and improved field operations, including optimized route scheduling, for when workers are in the field
• Speakerphone: Hands-free cellular conversations are always available with the built-in front ported speakerphone.
• Messaging: Instantly send and receive SMS Text Messages and MMS across the room or across the country.

TELUS and Motorola have also recently developed even more ways to use the PTT button. At a push of a button, users can not only talk to over 25 million iDEN network users in North and South America, they can also use the Push to View feature to instantly send pictures, pre-scripted text responses, as well as contact information for themselves and other contacts in their address books, to other iDEN network users. The Motorola i335 and i570 phones offer Push to View My Info and Push to View My Contact, and the Motorola i876 handset features both of these functions, as well as Push to View My Pictures and Push to View Smart Replies.

Mike, Mike’s Direct Connect, Mike’s Talk Around, Direct Connect, Push To Talk and Push To View are trademarks of TELUS Corporation.

About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering “must have” products, “must do” experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.8 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.0 billion of annual revenue and 11.0 million customer connections including 5.4 million wireless subscribers, 4.4 million wireline network access lines and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. Committed to being Canada’s premier corporate citizen, we give where we live. Since 2000, TELUS and our team members have contributed more than $91 million to charitable and non-profit organizations and volunteered more than 1.7 million hours of service to local communities. Eight TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.



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