BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TCL Communication and KnowRoaming are announcing the development of the "Smart Roaming" Soft SIM solution, allowing users to benefit from a handset-integrated, low-cost roaming solution while traveling abroad.

Thanks to KnowRoaming's entirely virtualized SIM technology, users' smartphones can automatically connect to data services when in foreign countries. Users can access KnowRoaming's low rates and be in total control of their expenses through the app. In the future, this technology will be natively integrated into select TCL Communication's handsets starting with the Chinese market, before launching in other global markets where the company's mobility division operates under the ALCATEL brand.

"We are very enthusiastic to enter into the commercial phase of our partnership with KnowRoaming on the Smart Roaming solution. We believe this is both an opportunity for TCL Communication to further develop its Internet and Service positioning and revenues and for KnowRoaming to scale its business on our worldwide customer base. It is a perfect example of a win-win partnership with a startup enabled by our startup acceleration program," said Francois Chambon, TCL Communication's Innovation Labs Director.

Thanks to KnowRoaming's technology, end users can seamlessly access low-cost roaming when traveling with smartphones made by TCL Communication. For global travelers this means no more chasing Wi-Fi networks, buying expensive carrier packages, or swapping SIM cards.

This successful collaboration was made possible thanks to TCL Communication's startup acceleration program in North America, the ALCATEL Innovation Accelerator. KnowRoaming was selected for this program in March 2015, and has been working with TCL Communication's teams on a final product offering since. This program, also launched in Europe, aims to transform business opportunities into valuable partnerships between innovative startups and the TCL Communication.

"We're excited to partner with TCL Communication, a dynamic, innovative industry leader," said Gregory Gundelfinger, KnowRoaming CEO. "With the integration of our Soft SIM Platform - right into the handset--users can stay connected while they travel in a way they never could before. This is the future of global roaming."

Both KnowRoaming and TCL Communication are exhibitors at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where their latest products and innovations, including this one, will be showcased. TCL Communication's acceleration program and its European startups will be represented at the same time at the 4YFN (4 year from now) startup event, also organized by the GSMA.

About TCL Communication

TCL Communication Technology Holdings Limited ("TCL Communication"; HKSE stock code: 02618) together with its subsidiaries and its affiliates designs, manufactures and markets an expanding portfolio of mobile and internet products and service worldwide under two key brands - ALCATEL and TCL. TCL Communication's portfolio of products is currently sold in China and over 170 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific. According to telecommunication research firm IDC and company's data, the company ranked No. 5 among global phone manufacturers in the fourth quarter of 2015. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, TCL Communication operates its highly efficient manufacturing plant and R&D centers in overseas and PRC. It employs over 13,500 people worldwide.

For more information, please visit its website at http://tclcom.tcl.com.

About KnowRoaming

KnowRoaming delivers truly end-to-end solutions for global connectivity. For consumer, corporate, and enterprise customers, KnowRoaming offers flexible delivery mechanisms, customizable management platforms, and access to a global network. KnowRoaming launched the world's first Global SIM Sticker in 2014 and has since developed a new industry-disrupting innovation: the Soft SIM Platform. Each product includes fully transparent, real-time management tools that can be tailored to customers' needs. KnowRoaming has coverage in 200+ countries at rates up to 85% lower than carriers. KnowRoaming is a technology company focused on innovation and exceptional customer experience. Learn more at www.knowroaming.com.

Media Contacts

Andrea Shen - TCL Communication
andrea.shen@tcl.com
+86-755-36611801

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SOURCE TCL