Asia-Pacific Premiere: First Car with Integrated 3G-UMTS Services

BURLINGAME, Calif., Jan. 16, 2003; Mercedes-Benz, NEC, Siemens Mobile and SingTel
Mobile jointly showcase the first car with integrated 3G-UMTS services
worldwide. This industry-first 3G-UMTS car made its debut in Berlin, Germany
recently and is presented in Asia-Pacific for the very first time.
    In a specially fitted Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the partners demonstrate a
comprehensive portfolio of multimedia services which has become possible
through the use of the broadband 3G-UMTS mobile phone standard, based on
Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA).
    The 3G-UMTS services in the test vehicle cover a broad range of mobility
and infotainment services. In addition to live video conferencing capabilities
between two parties, there is high-speed video-streaming, which facilitates
video-on-demand. Other applications include an interactive City Guide,
broadband access to the various partners' portals and the Internet, a video
monitoring system, access to traffic observation cameras, international radio
and a multi-player soccer game. The off-board navigation system includes
location guide and routing and traffic information in part with video support.
    The unique 3G-UMTS vehicle marks a breakthrough in mobile data
applications for businesses as well as entertainment and information offered
with video support. Content is transferred to the 3G-UMTS vehicle at an
average transmission rate of 256 kBit/s. UMTS allows a maximum bandwidth in
the vehicle of 384 kBit/s, up to six times the normal dial-up speeds.  The
future vision of live video and music downloads, video telephony and the
ingenious off-board navigation system, which uses up-to-date cartographic data
via UMTS for destination finding, has become reality in the test vehicle.
    The experience offered by this 3G-UMTS car showcase underlines the
innovation and leadership of the partners in their respective industry, and
will support their efforts to establish their 3G-UMTS business model and to
develop future 3G services.
    Mercedes-Benz equipped the UMTS test vehicle with the appropriate
operating units and monitors, the link to the car infrastructure and the
specification of the UMTS services. "The UMTS test vehicle already created
huge public interest at its first presentation in Berlin some months ago. It
helps us today to create the necessary expertise to satisfy the demand of our
customers for mobile UMTS services of the future," said Frank Messer,
President & CEO of DaimlerChrysler South East Asia.
    NEC provides the entire solution for the UMTS radio network to the world.
In Singapore, NEC has been working with Siemens mobile through the strategic
alliance in the 3G business arena in establishing the UMTS infrastructure in
the current test 3G network in the CBD (Central Business District) area since
2001.  "The advent of 3G will lead to many new business opportunities and,
apparently, this 3G-UMTS car is one of them," said Ben Nakamura, Senior Vice
President of NEC Corporation. "NEC is the industry leader in the 3G area
supplying commercial infrastructure and handsets for the very first phase of
3G rollout in the world. New solution utilizing 3G applications such as
3G-UMTS car will accelerate the expansion of 3G. NEC will fully support this
project with our extensive technical know-how and expertise in the 3G and
mobile Internet field as well as the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
field."
    The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (Siemens mobile)
supplied the entire technology for the UMTS core network and participated in
the development and implementation of the UMTS applications for the test
vehicle. "Worldwide Siemens mobile is one of the three leading suppliers for
3G-UMTS infrastructure. Through this demonstration, Siemens is aligning itself
fully to 3G-UMTS, the new generation in mobile telecommunications," commented
Thomas Frischmuth, Managing Director, Siemens Pte Ltd. "And we are pleased
that we can present, together with our partners here today, innovative new
ways to deliver 3G-UMTS services and demonstrate UMTS technology's versatility
and adaptability."
    SingTel Mobile provided the customization and localization of the
applications and content for the 3G-UMTS car showcase.  It also undertook the
provisioning of the local telecommunications infrastructure.
    Said Lucas Chow, Chief Executive Officer, SingTel Mobile:  "Even as we
work towards a 3G network rollout, it is important for our customers to see
the potential benefits of having faster, more wide-ranging and more innovative
applications as promised by a broadband, high-speed wireless network."
    "The 3G-UMTS car showcase today is an excellent example of how we are
leveraging convergence across all broadband access platforms to provide our
customers with seamless access to an entire suite of services and applications
anywhere and anytime ... even when you are on the move."
    SingTel worked with BMG Singapore Pte Ltd, and Zomba Records (APRO) Pte
Ltd to provide the music videos, and Landmat International to provide the
CityGuide available in the 3G-UMTS car for the Singapore showcase. MediaCorp
also provided the Traffic Cam information and Channel 5 content for the Live
TV application.
    The UMTS S-Class is a pure test vehicle and was equipped especially for
this purpose with in-car PCs, with two flip-up 15-inch TFT monitors recessed
into the seat backs and wireless keyboards for the use of the 3G-UMTS services
in the rear. In a user-friendly way via an inbuilt touchscreen monitor the
driver and front seat passenger can access services such as a navigation. In
addition, a live video of recent traffic situations on the route is provided,
but switched off automatically above a speed of 6 km/h for safety reasons. The
operating elements, user interfaces and interaction processes in the test
vehicle were developed exclusively for the demonstration of the possible UMTS
services. They do not correspond with the requirements of a future UMTS
solution for serial production of any Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Here
DaimlerChrysler attaches the highest level of priority to mature technology
and an optimum design of the Man-Machine-Interface (MMI) to rule out any
distraction of the driver.

    UMTS is a part of the International Telecommunications Union's (ITU)
"IMT-2000" vision of a global family of third generation (3G) mobile
communications systems. As the preferred mobile delivery platform for
tomorrow's content rich services and applications, UMTS will play a key role
in fueling a mass market demand for high-quality wireless multimedia
communications by enabling the delivery of high-value broadband information,
commerce and entertainment services to mobile users via fixed, wireless and
satellite networks. Pictures, graphics, video communications and other
wide-band information, as well as voice and data can now be delivered directly
to people on the move.

    DaimlerChrysler:  A truly global company
    DaimlerChrysler is one of the world's leading automotive, transportation
and services companies. Its passenger car brands include Mercedes-Benz,
Maybach, Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and smart. Commercial vehicles are produced
under the brands Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra,
Thomas Built Buses, Orion and American LaFrance. It offers financial and other
services through DaimlerChrysler Services. With 372.500 employees,
DaimlerChrysler achieved revenues of Euro 112.6 billion (US$ 111.2 billion)
for the period of January to September 2002. DaimlerChrysler today has a
global workforce, a global shareholder base, a global brand awareness and a
global outlook. DaimlerChrysler's strategy rests on four pillars:  Global
Presence, Strong Brands, Broad Product Range, and Technology Leadership.
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com

    NEC Corporation
    NEC Corporation is one of the world's leading providers of broadband and
mobile Internet solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its
diverse and global base of customers. Ranked as a Global Fortune 500(R)
company and one of the world's top patent-producing companies, the NEC group
delivers tailored solutions in the core technologies and services required in
a networked world, ranging from advanced semiconductor solutions, to
large-scale mission critical systems, systems integration, and broadband and
mobile technologies. The NEC group employs more than 140,000 people worldwide
and had net sales of approximately $39 billion in the fiscal year ended March
2002.  For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at
http://www.nec.com

    The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (Siemens mobile)
offers the complete range of mobile solutions including mobile devices,
infrastructure and applications. Devices include mobile phones, wireless
modules, mobile organizers and cordless phones as well as products for
wireless home networks. The infrastructure portfolio includes GSM, GPRS and 3G
mobile network technologies from base stations and switching systems to
intelligent networks, e.g. for prepaid services. Mobile Applications cover
end-to-end solutions for Messaging, Location Based Services or Mobile Payment.
For fiscal 2002 (September 30), Siemens mobile recorded sales of EUR 11
billion and employed approximately 28,600 people worldwide. You can access
further information about Siemens mobile on the Internet at
http://www.siemens-mobile.com

    About SingTel
    SingTel is Asia's leading communications company with a comprehensive
portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed,
wireless and Internet platforms. Serving both the corporate and residential
markets, SingTel is committed to bringing the best of global communications to
its customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond.
    SingTel has extensive interests in submarine cable and satellite systems,
including its co-owned ST-1 satellite and the pan-Asian C2C cable network.
Its infrastructure development strategy is to ensure that its networks remain
modern and efficient, and continue to meet the needs of its customers.
    The SingTel Group has expanded into overseas markets, with investments in
many countries and territories.  In Australia, its wholly-owned subsidiary,
SingTel Optus is a leader in integrated communications -- serving more than
five million customers.  The Group's major investments include Advanced Info
Service of Thailand, the Bharti Telecom Group of India, Globe Telecom of the
Philippines and Telkomsel of Indonesia.
    SingTel has been recognized Best Asian Telecom Operator by industry
publication, TelecomAsia, for five consecutive years since 1998.  The Group's
turnover for the year ended 31 March 2002 was S$7.34 billion (US$4.02
billion).  More information can be found @ http://www.singtel.com.

    About SingTel USA
    Established in the US since 1993, SingTel USA has established a global
network to provide direct links from the USA to countries throughout Asia
Pacific and Europe.  About 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies are SingTel
clients.  SingTel also services a fast growing customer base of small to
medium-sized enterprises.  SingTel USA has offices in New York, Stamford,
Conn., Chicago, Houston, San Jose, Burlingame (San Francisco Bay Area), Santa
Clara and Los Angeles.  For more information about SingTel USA, please call
877-SINGTEL, email info@singtelusa.com, or visit http://www.singtelusa.com.