Introduction on "Worldwind" Dual-mode Mobile Phone Services

"Worldwind" dual-mode mobile phone service is a brand new mobile communications service launched exclusively by China Unicom with the aim of meeting the different needs of its users. It enables users to enjoy both CDMA and GSM services by switching between the two networks freely with only one dual-mode handset. The service is made possible by using either dual-mode cards or dual-mode handsets.

1. Dual-mode Technology

GSM/CDMA dual-mode handset is equipped with dual sockets, which is compatible to both CDMA/GSM handsets. The dual sockets built on the handset is adaptable to any of those cards including UIM cards, SIM cards issued by China Unicom or other operators, as well as dual-mode cards newly launched by China Unicom. After inserting SIM cards, users are able to use GSM service provided by the corresponding operator. When inserting UIM cards, users can access CDMA network. When inserting dual-mode cards, users have the option to choose either GSM or CDMA network of China Unicom.

Dual-mode card is a handset card using a single handset number, which allows users to switch between CDMA and GSM networks freely and achieve roaming services across the two networks. The handset number of dual-mode card can be any numbers ranging from 130/131/132/133 and the phone number itself is not an indication of the network related.

2. Features of "Worldwind" service

(i) Value-added service: While retaining the original GSM basic services, the existing GSM subscribers of China Unicom or other operators can have an additional choice to enjoy high-speed and attractive value-added services provided by CDMA 1X network.

(ii) Global Roaming: The failure of providing automatic roaming service between the GSM and CDMA networks has indeed brought people a lot of inconvenience when going abroad as countries such as South Korea and North America mainly adopt CDMA technology, while most of European countries use GSM technology. The most obvious characteristic of "Worldwind" service is it supports optional switching between GSM and CDMA networks, that means "Worldwind" users will be able to enjoy the communication services provided by those overseas operators that have signed the agreement with domestic operators on GSM/CDMA roaming services when traveling abroad. "Worldwind" can provide roaming services in all those countries and regions that are covered by domestic GSM and CDMA handsets, much more extensive than single-mode handset will do. It achieves the provision of international roaming services on a global basis with one handset on hand.

(iii) Network Coverage: None of the mobile communications network is able to achieve a 100% perfect coverage, however with free switching between the two networks, the occurrence of blind areas or spots will be greatly minimized.

(iv) Retaining numbers: Dual-mode card users only need to have one number for using China Unicom's GSM and CDMA services. For those GSM subscribers of other operators who want to enjoy the service of CDMA network while retaining their existing numbers, to make it possible, they can simply use a combination of SIM and UIM cards on the dual-mode handsets.