Mobile Data Usage on INQ1 Tops Performance of Smartphones

Usage on Low Cost Slider Handset Rivals 3G Smartphones, Thanks to Tight
Integration of Internet and Social Media
LONDON--(Business Wire)--
INQ Mobile, maker of the world`s first low cost Social Mobile, today released
data on usage of the INQ1 on the 3 UK network. The company`s handset was built
from the ground up with social media and internet services at its core. This
close integration of applications and easy to use interface means that, for the
first time, consumers are using an entry-level priced handset, often on a
pay-as-you-go tariff, to access data at levels typically reserved for much more
expensive smartphones.

An average of 65% of INQ1 customers are using Facebook, with the majority of
users accessing once a day or more. This level of mass market data usage on a
well priced slider device means higher margins and ARPU for carriers because it
is paired with lower subsidy and network load costs.

The high usage of email on a non-QWERTY device surpassed all expectations. 30%
of INQ1 customers are regularly using email, which shows that if it is easy
enough to use people will access email even on standard 12 key devices using T9.
This number also confirms that email can penetrate into the mass market, and not
be restricted to high-end, expensive smartphones. The email service for 3 UK is
provided by SEVEN, and takes advantage of the INQ API to provide customers with
tightly integrated push email.

Windows Live Messenger usage is 3-4 times greater than on other 3G phones on the
3 UK network, with approximately 50% of INQ1 customers accessing the service
every month. Skype usage is also high, at 19% of the INQ1 base.

"3 have always led the industry when it comes to widespread data and mobile
internet activity amongst the base but the numbers we're seeing on INQ's Social
Mobiles really pushes us to a new, truly mass level," said Marc Allera, Director
of Sales and Marketing at 3G only operator 3 UK. "The INQ results with high
customer take-up of the integrated services, confirms that 3's strategy of
delivering easy to use, well priced mobile internet solutions for everyone is
right. If an internet communication service is well designed, always on, and
simple to use then the take-up potential on mobile is huge. The reason people
don't use internet services on most devices (except the iPhone) is because the
user experience on nearly all devices isn't good enough. The INQ team has very
successfully addressed this."

"The iPhone and Blackberry are great devices, but it is important to remember
that smartphones only make up 12% of the market.* We see a huge opportunity to
provide an internet and social networking experience on a handset that costs
operators a fraction of what they`re paying for higher end phones," said Frank
Meehan, CEO of INQ Mobile. "Consumers with an INQ1 can get unlimited data,
internet and texts on £15 pay as you go tariff. And now we have seen that they
are actually using the phone to access data services like Skype, Windows Live
Messenger, email and Facebook at an astonishing rate. We are very happy to see
that the simple, well integrated approach we`ve taken to creating a Social
Mobile is resonating with the other 88% of the market."

INQ is also seeing strong numbers in the Hong Kong market, which launched with
the INQ1 in March 2009. 50% of INQ1 customers regularly use data services on a
level that is four times higher per subscriber than the typical 3G user base.
Facebook usage is also three to four times higher than the average on other 3G
devices on the 3 Hong Kong network.

*Source: Gartner

About INQ Mobile

INQ Mobile is a standalone company wholly owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited.
INQ Mobile is the maker of the INQ1, the world`s first Social Mobile to
integrate email, IM and social networking in an intuitive way. INQ draws on the
strengths of its parent company, which made an early investment in global 3G
networks based on a fundamental belief that 3G changes the way people
communicate and was formed to address a growing need for advanced mobile
internet handsets from operators across the world. For more information visit:
www.inqmobile.com or follow us on Twitter @inqmobile.

Sparkpr for INQ
Rachel Bremer, +44 (0)779 551 8335 (UK)
rachel@sparkpr.com
Twitter: rbremer
Rebecca Fuller, +1-415-321-1863 (US)
rebecca@sparkpr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009