Mobile Leaders Join Forces

Leaf Wireless and HTC (High Tech Computer Corporation) have today announced that Leaf Wireless has secured distribution and marketing rights to the HTC Smartphone’s and PDA Phones in Southern Africa. Leaf will provide full service HTC brand management and distribution of HTC’s leading edge Microsoft® based Windows Mobile® 5.0 devices.

Brandon Leigh, CEO of Leaf Wireless (SA Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year), says: “There is little doubt that Windows Mobile will be the operating system of the future. HTC is the acknowledged global leader of Microsoft Windows Mobile devices, and Leaf has strong credentials in the same field, as evidenced by being the first South African company to be awarded the Microsoft Mobile competency award (in August 2005) and the winner of the Microsoft Windows Mobile Distributor challenge. We share a commitment to and a deep understanding of the same technologies and solutions, and greatly look forward to working with HTC.”

Kevin Chen, Executive Director EMEA of HTC, states: “Leaf were chosen because of its leadership position in the mobile market in Southern Africa, its Microsoft Mobile Partner status and proven expertise, demonstrated ability to add value through delivery of content, application development, and systems design capability. We see our relationship with Leaf being a very close one, a virtual subsidiary.”

Leaf have already many proven mobile achievements behind them, including the development of MTN Loaded and FNB’s InContact system.

Leigh continues: “With the HTC partnership, Leaf will be bringing the widest range of leading mobile product platforms to both the consumer and business users. The phones are remarkable. People around the world are already familiar with the Windows platform. And the beauty is that everything that is on their computer is now accessible on these phones – and more. Such as built-in HSPDA for immediate wireless access as well a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS).”

“We are also fortunate to enjoy outstanding relationships with Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Virgin, Nashua Mobile and Autopage and indeed all of our close partners. We know that with their support we can make HTC the leading brand in this country.”

Business Week recently rated HTC as the 11th fastest growing global technology company in the world.