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Tri-band Motorola phone fit for a secret agent

James Bond seen sniffing round latest technology

In Cannes this year, the mobile phone industry discovered it had its very own Goldfinger, in the shape of Motorola. This had nothing to do with product launches -- though there were plenty of those. Motorola announced what it claimed was a world first in its tri-band GSM phone, the L7089, which operates on all three GSM frequencies: 900, 1800 and 1900MHz. This nifty device includes a SIM Application tool-kit, two way text messaging and 14.4Kbps data support. It can be used when travelling in Europe, Asia and the Americas on GSM networks. The L7089 is expected to launch in Europe, Middle East and Africa in the second quarter of 1999, part of a portfolio of digital world phones launched at the conference this week. Also included in the launch were the i2000 dual-mode wireless handset, which allows roaming in over 125 countries throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Users can retain a single phone number and billing between continents. Motorola also launched the Satellite Series 9500 portable phone, pager and cellular cassettes designed to operate on the Iridium system. Meanwhile, from Cannes to Swindon... There was talk at the conference that Motorola's Swindon factory had been designated the set for the next James Bond film. The Groundwell manufacturing facility apparently has a space age appearance that captured the imagination of Eon Products, which is making the 007 extravaganza. Pierce Brosnan was said to be eyeing up the glitzy setting for the 19th Bond movie, The World is Not Enough, as those attending GSM World Congress 99 supped their Martinis. But even Brosnan won't prevent the Motorola factory from churning out its kit. Adrian Nemcek, Motorola senior vice-president vowed manufacturing would not be interrupted for the arrival of the megastar and fellow actress Sophie 'Schwing' Marceau. "Work will not stop for James Bond," said Nemcek. "You could say we will be stirred but not shaken by his presence." ®

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