ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pantech Wireless, Inc. (PWI), the U.S.-based subsidiary of Pantech Group, congratulates its parent company for operating with ingenuity and success for 20 years. In a rapidly evolving market full of challenges and new information, Pantech Group has remained among Korea's top three largest mobile phone manufacturers – developing handsets for carriers worldwide across all major platforms and networks. In the U.S., PWI is building upon its portfolio of leading-edge messaging phones to deliver simple-to-use Android devices while continuing to build the brand with major consumer events including this year’s Dew Tour.
Pantech Group – A Global Player
Created in Seoul, Korea, by Byeong-Yeop Park in 1991, the six employees of Pantech Group began developing pagers and small electronics. In the course of 10 years, the company had grown to 2,000 full-time staffers and was operating on a global scale as both an ODM and brand business focusing on mobile phones. Currently, the company holds 3,300 patents, has recorded cumulative sales of $10.4 billion, operates four regional subsidiaries worldwide, and manufactures handsets under its own brands, Pantech (globally) and also SKY (in Korea).
Pantech Group attributes its ability to navigate the global wireless industry to its rapid product development lifecycle and ongoing investment in R&D – $1.88 billion in the last decade, approximately 10 percent of its annual sales and over 50 percent of the company’s workforce. This commitment to product development has led to a number of significant handsets over the years, most recently premium Android smartphones, Sirius and Vega, which have sold over 1 million units in Korea.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our heritage and the milestones we’ve reached in key markets like North America,” said BY Park, CEO and Founder of Pantech Group. “We’ve seen our share of challenges, but the people of Pantech have never lost sight of the vision. My thanks and gratitude goes out to them and also our partners.”
Pantech Wireless – Success in the U.S.
In 2004, Pantech Group launched Pantech Wireless, Inc. in North America, drawing early praise for its innovative C300, the world’s smallest camera flip phone. Another industry first PWI included Slate, the world’s thinnest full-keyboard phone. Since setting up headquarters in Atlanta, the company has been responsible for creating the popular line of dual-sliding, double-keyboard handsets such as the Pantech duo and Matrix Pro smartphones. PWI has engineered mobile solutions for those needing an easy way to stay in touch with friends and family members by developing phones in the simplicity-seekers category (breEZe, breEZe II and Ease), all of which boast high customer satisfaction, low returns and strong sales. And more recently, PWI has earned a reputation for being one of the leading manufacturers of Quick Messaging Phones (QMPs), delivering products such as Laser, Pursuit, Impact, Link and Matrix. In addition to the above devices which PWI manufactured for AT&T, the company has created handsets for major North American carriers including, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, Virgin Mobile and Rogers Wireless.
Looking Forward
The future sees PWI developing its Android portfolio with Crossover, a durable, sporty phone with a touchscreen and full keyboard perfect for users ready to make the switch to a smartphone, as well as continuing to deliver unique messaging and simplicity-centric devices such as the Pantech Pursuit II and breEZe III. Also in 2011, PWI will take to the road with Dew Tour a major coast to coast action sports tour of which Pantech is the official handset sponsor. Dew Tour kicks off July 21 with the Pantech Open in Ocean City, Maryland, and will feature Team Pantech, celebrity action sports athletes that will ride on behalf of PWI.
“Our success in North America comes from our ability to consistently give users unique phones with the features they use most, and at a price point that’s comfortable for them,” said Charles Park, CEO of Pantech Wireless. “Android is a major focus for us in 2011 and Crossover is a great example of that – a handset that’s sporty and sturdy on the outside and highly customizable on the inside. We’re also excited about continuing to build the brand through our carrier partnerships and exciting events like Dew Tour.”
About Pantech Wireless, Inc.
Pantech Wireless, Inc., an Atlanta, GA based subsidiary of Pantech Co., Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America as part of the Pantech Group. For additional information, visit the PWI website at www.pantechusa.com.
About Pantech
Pantech Group, through its affiliates – Pantech Co., Ltd., and Pantech C&I Co. – is one of Korea’s top three mobile handset makers. Pantech has received wide-ranging industry recognition for its innovative handset designs, and has also introduced a significant number of breakthrough technologies in the mobile phone industry. Established in 1991, Pantech collectively has approximately 3,500 employees and 6 regional sales offices worldwide. For more information on Pantech, please visit www.pantech.com.