LONDON, September 18 /PRNewswire/ --

- One USB Cable Fits all as OMTP Issues Recommendation

The OMTP (http://www.omtp.org/index.html) today announced that
following industry consultation a recommendation paper has been agreed to
help pave the way for a single, universal cross manufacturer USB (Universal
Serial Bus) cable connector that enables mobile consumers to connect and
charge their mobile devices.

Ratified and promoted by OMTP operator members with support
from the USB Implementers Forum (http://www.usb.org/home), this latest
recommendation represents a significant step towards standardising common
cable connectors resulting in obvious consumer and environmental benefits.

With UK consumers changing their handset on average twice a
year, through contract upgrades or personal choice, there are literally
hundreds of millions of chargers and data cables in circulation. On top of
that, there a huge number of different peripherals such as headsets for voice
calls, car kits, data cables, etc. - many with different physical connectors.
This fragmentation creates unnecessary cost for the whole value chain,
creates clutter and limits the freedom of selection for end user, and
restricts competition by creating barriers of market entry.

The OMTP's paper recommends that the micro USB (Universal
Serial Bus) standard is used across mobile devices. USB is the de facto
standard for the PC industry and it is a technology understood by consumers.
Reaching mobile industry agreement on USB will help streamline the whole
value chain and provide end users with a larger choice of the most popular
peripherals. The customer will also be able to use their legacy home
entertainment and PC equipment, as well as creating a new market opportunity
for peripheral vendors.

One manufacturer that played a pivotal role in pursuing the agreement was
OMTP member Nokia. Markku Verkama, Director of Portfolio Planning at Nokia
Technology Platforms explains: "The OMTP's work to bring consensus for what
is such a simple yet significant recommendation will have wide reaching
benefit. With the reduction of cables needed for mobile data connectivity, we
can further enhance user experiences in our devices while reducing the burden
to the environment."

"The USB-IF was first to recognise a clear market need for a
universal data and charging mechanism for devices. USB offers consumers
ease-of-use and a plug-and-play experience making it the most ubiquitous
interconnect technology in the world," said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF
president. "We're pleased to see OMTP support the USB technology as the
standard for connectivity in the mobile space."

Tim Raby, Managing Director OMTP commented, "OMTP members are
keen to pursue the single cable connectivity development due to its multiple
benefits. We see these recommendations as a clear and demonstrable example of
the work we are doing to make the mobile experience less confusing, less
complicated and easier for consumers."

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