SAN DIEGO, Calif., October 8, 2009 - At a ceremony this afternoon, CTIA-The Wireless Association® announced the winners for the first annual CTIA Hot for the Holidays awards program, revealing this year's must-have mobile consumer electronics products and applications. Hosted by Danny Dumas, associate editor for Product Reviews at WIRED, and WIRED contributor Steven Leckart, the awards presentation was held on the show floor at International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009®, taking place October 7-9 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Winners across seven categories included "hottest:"

- Bluetooth Accessory - iLane from Intelligent Mechatronic Systems

- Camera Phone - Nokia N86 8MP

- Mobile CE Device - Eye-Fi Explore Video Card

- Mobile Consumer Application - Jitterbug LiveNurse

- Mobile Internet Device or Netbook - MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot for CDMA 1xEVDO RevA from Novatel Wireless

- Novelty Accessory - Slim Data USB Card from Kempler & Strauss,

- Smartphone - HTC Touch Pro2

Garnering the most online votes, Magneat from YOUvision was named the CTIA 2009 Hottest Web Pick. The Samsung Reclaim^TM earned the most text votes onsite in San Diego and took home the CTIA 2009 Hottest in Show award.

"CTIA Hot for the Holidays has given retailers and consumers a preview of the mobile CE products that will be in high demand this holiday season," said Robert Mesirow, vice president and show director for CTIA. "I'd like to thank our panel of industry media and analysts who judged the entries and the many innovative wireless companies that submitted products and gave us such a fantastic selection on this holiday hot list."

• On Tuesday August 11, 2009, 6:01 pm EDT

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CTIA-The Wireless Association® issued the following statement today in response to the OECD Communications Outlook report on usage and cost for mobile phone calls:

The headline from the recently released OECD Communications Outlook report reads that Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden have the lowest prices for mobile phone calls among OECD countries, while the highest prices were found in Canada, Spain, and the United States. But since U.S. consumers enjoy the lowest per minute rates of all of the OECD countries, what today's OECD report really shows is that some international comparisons just don't make sense - especially when built on flawed assumptions.

The real story is buried on page 275 of the OECD report which states:

"It is important to note again that the OECD calling pattern in the basket can be significantly different than common calling profiles in a specific country. For example, the high-usage OECD basket includes 1,680 outgoing voice calls per year while users in the United States average 9,600 minutes of voice calls (combined incoming and outgoing) per year. In this case the basket provides the cost of buying exactly the calls and messages in the OECD basket rather than what may be considered a ‘typical' bundle in the market."

Since the average U.S. calling profile is nearly three times greater than the OECD's "high usage" basket (and, in fact, the average U.S. calling profile is nearly six times greater than the OECD's "average" usage basket), it is no surprise that most other sources show the price per-call (or price per-MOU) in the United States is the lowest among the OECD countries.

How did the OECD get it so wrong?

Only by picking such unrepresentative "representative" call packages, could the OECD have reached such a result. For example, the OECD defines a "medium use" customer as someone making 780 minutes of calls a year, and sending 600 SMS and 8 MMS messages a year. And the report says that based on their methodology, a U.S. customer would pay $53 a month in order to get that level of service. But that assumed "medium" basket works out to about 63 minutes, 50 SMS messages, and less than one MMS message a month. That just doesn't reflect reality.

CTIA's semi-annual survey shows that the average wireless consumer uses around 760 minutes a month, and over 400 text messages a month. Even if we only count half of those minutes as outgoing minutes (to mirror the OECD assumption), that's still six times as many minutes as the OECD methodology assumes. Plus, the CTIA survey showed that the average monthly consumer bill is $50.07. Moreover, since the most recent CTIA survey, a number of unlimited voice and text message plans have been introduced by U.S. wireless companies providing U.S. consumers with even greater value. For example, Tracfone offers its "Straight Talk" plan of unlimited minutes and text, nationwide, any time, for $45 a month, and Boost has a $50 a month plan that offers users unlimited talk, text, web and walkie talkie service.

When you look at the price American consumers actually pay for their wireless service, our per minute rates are the lowest of all the OECD countries.

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org

Contact:

CTIA-The Wireless Association
Amy Storey, 202-736-3207

CTIA-The Wireless Association® today announced that David Diggs has been appointed as the Vice President of Wireless Internet Development. Effective August 3^rd, Diggs will be responsible for CTIA's Wireless Internet Caucus (WIC) and work with industry stakeholders to further accelerate the growth of the wireless data segment of the industry. Diggs previously served as the Executive Director of The Wireless Foundation.

"With more than 30 years of experience in the mobile telecommunications industry, David is a valued, seasoned industry veteran who will bring the same high-level commitment and dedication to CTIA's wireless internet development efforts as he did to The Wireless Foundation," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association. "We look forward to working with David in his new role."

Diggs began his tenure at CTIA in 1995 as the Vice President of Operations, transitioned to Vice President of CIBERNET Corporation (CTIA's for-profit subsidiary) in 1997, and later assumed his current role as Executive Director of The Wireless Foundation in 2000. Prior to his time at CTIA, Diggs spent nearly 20 years serving in leadership positions at a variety of wireless companies. Some of those roles included, Director of Retail Distribution for American Mobile Satellite Corporation, General Manager for Dispatch Communications, Inc. (now Sprint Nextel), Regional Operations Manager for Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems, Inc., (now Verizon Wireless), and Senior Marketing Representative for the original Cellular One (now AT&T Mobility) network in the Washington-Baltimore market. Diggs began his career as the Market Research and Planning Manager for American Radio-Telephone Service.

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org

CTIA-The Wireless Association® announced today the launch of the common short code (CSC) media monitoring process to validate that promotional materials used to market short codes comply with the industry's Consumer Best Practices (CBP).

Developed with the U.S. carriers, the "CSC Auditing and Monitoring Initiative" provides wireless operators with an ongoing and rigorous assessment of third party content providers' compliance with the CBP. By having a single set of CSC monitoring requirements, the compliance process is more transparent and valuable for all participants in the "ecosystem" - from content providers to consumers.

The addition of media monitoring has expanded the capabilities of the wireless industry's "CSC Auditing and Monitoring Initiative" to provide greater consumer protection from entities that are non-compliant. This new process will capture the promotional campaign information that is offered in print, online, radio and television advertisements.

Existing CSC campaigns will have a grace period to correct any program that does not comply with the industry's best practices. If no changes are made by the deadline, CTIA will prohibit the violators from renewing existing or acquiring new codes until the violations are corrected.

CTIA has chosen Wireless Media Consulting, Inc., (WMC) to provide the media monitoring process for this new initiative.

"CTIA has clearly demonstrated its continued commitment to evaluating and refining the monitoring process to achieve greater compliance as well as protect consumers and provide them with the best experience possible when purchasing content from carrier partners. In addition, this will seamlessly combine the monitoring and registry functions to ensure CSC campaigns are in compliance with the CBP," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association. "We are looking forward to working with WMC on this new process."

For more information, please visit www.USShortCodes.com. To view the CBP, please visit: www.usshortcodes.com/csc_best_practices.html.

About Wireless Media Consulting (WMC)

Since November 2006, WMC has been protecting U.S. wireless carriers from thousands of misleading advertising campaigns, fraudulent billing practices, and "bait and switch" programs, ensuring the safety of their subscribers and the reputation of their brands. We've worked directly with carrier legal teams on civil, state, and federal issues and delivered, to our carrier clients, millions of dollars of savings in customer service, refunds, and litigation.

ATLANTA, June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), today announced it will observe National Wireless Safety Week, which begins Monday, June 8.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090507/CL13145LOGO)

Since 1990, CTIA - The Wireless Association(R) and its member companies have sponsored this annual weeklong endeavor, which highlights the significant role wireless technology plays in enhancing public and personal safety. As a CTIA member, SouthernLINC Wireless supports the association in its effort to raise awareness about wireless safety, including empowering consumers to use this technology wisely.

"With the number of U.S. wireless subscribers and wireless-only households at an all-time high, most Americans now have the ability to communicate virtually anytime and anywhere with anyone," said Bob Dawson, president and CEO of SouthernLINC Wireless. "However, that freedom also comes with accountability - wireless safety must be made a habit, especially when behind the wheel.

"Whether driving on a major highway or neighborhood street, SouthernLINC Wireless suggests pulling over to make or take calls and minimizing phone usage while in the driver's seat. However, if that is not possible, using a hands-free solution, such as a headset or speakerphone, is a wireless safety practice that is easy to incorporate."

For more than a decade, SouthernLINC Wireless has been committed to educating residents of the Southeast about the responsible operation of wireless devices. The carrier encourages consumers to mark this year's National Wireless Safety Week by integrating the following tips from CTIA into their daily driving routines:

For more information about using wireless devices safely, please visit www.cita.org and www.southernlinc.com/community.

About SouthernLINC Wireless

SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is an Atlanta-based regional wireless carrier with network coverage in the major metro and rural areas of Alabama, Georgia, southeast Mississippi and northwest Florida. SouthernLINC Wireless bundles multiple communication options, including Push To Talk two-way radio, cellular service, text messaging, wireless Internet access and wireless data, into one hand-held device. For more information, please call 1-800-818-LINC (5462) or visit www.southernlinc.com.

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are below the national average. Southern Company is consistently listed among the top U.S. electric service providers in customer satisfaction by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Visit our Web site at www.southerncompany.com.

About CTIA - The Wireless Association

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. For more information, visit www.ctia.org.

SOURCE SouthernLINC Wireless

April 22, 2009 08:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Will Reduce Energy Consumption and Make Device Charging Easier for Consumers

Also Encourages Consumers to Recycle Mobile Devices and Accessories

CTIA Wireless 2009

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On behalf of the wireless industry, CTIA-The Wireless Association® announced today its commitment to support a common format for wireless phone chargers, known as the "Universal Charging Solution" (UCS). Developed by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform industry standards group and recently adopted by the GSMA, the UCS aims to reduce energy consumption and enhance the customer experience through the adoption of a single "one-charger-fits-all" solution for new wireless devices by January 1, 2012. The UCS will use the Micro-USB format as the common universal charging interface, and use energy efficient chargers in compliance with U.S. "Energy Star" requirements for external power adapters that will provide an estimated 50% reduction in standby energy consumption.

"Earth Day serves as a great reminder that the wireless industry and all of us have a role to play when it comes to taking care of our planet. We recognize the need and the responsibility we have to help create a low-carbon economy, and the initiative to adopt a ‘Universal Charging Solution' is an important step in the right direction," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association. "A universal charger will not only be more energy efficient, it will also make life easier for consumers by allowing them to use the same charger for future handsets."

During the International WIRELESS 2009® tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada, where "smart energy" was one of the themes, CTIA's Board of Directors adopted the UCS initiative at its April 1^st meeting. The wireless industry is actively developing innovative solutions and alternative energy sources to help increase efficiency and sustainability in the mobile environment. Former Vice President Al Gore delivered a compelling keynote address to close out the week in Las Vegas, and remarked that wireless technology will be one of the key tools used to help solve the global climate crisis. View clips from Gore's informative keynote address by visiting http://daily.ctia.org/wireless2009/, and watch a brief video on the latest "smart energy" innovations in the wireless world.

The wireless industry is also committed to reusing and recycling mobile devices and accessories. In addition to the independent and ongoing recycling efforts by the major U.S. carrier companies, the industry voluntarily developed a nationwide recycling campaign called "Wireless...The New Recyclable" in 2003. The centerpiece of this public outreach and awareness campaign is an in-store phone take-back program that allows consumers to bring their used wireless devices and accessories to carrier retail outlets for recycling purposes. Consumers can learn more about this program by visiting www.recyclewirelessphones.com.

"Millions of phones have been collected and kept out of landfills thanks to the wireless industry's commitment to wireless recycling and the maintenance of successful, consumer friendly recycling programs," continued Largent. "Thousands of drop-off locations, including all major wireless carrier retail stores, collect all makes and models of wireless phones, accessories and chargers, making wireless recycling easy for consumers across the country."

Before recycling wireless phones, CTIA-The Wireless Association reminds consumers to follow three easy steps:

1. Terminate your carrier service.

2. Erase contacts and other stored personal information on the mobile phone by utilizing the free Cell Phone Data Eraser at http://wirelessrecycling.com/home/data_eraser/.

3. Remove your phone's SIM card, if it has one. Phones that operate on GSM networks use SIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone uses a SIM card or if you need assistance removing your SIM card, contact your wireless provider.

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry,
representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5945378&lang=en

Zed, the world's leading mobile content company in terms of revenue and geographical presence, today announced a new partnership with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group to develop mobile content with memorable moments and classic quotes from Universal Pictures' films. The exclusive agreement leverages Zed's U.S. mobile-distribution capabilities to create new revenue streams for the studio through the creation of voicetones, ringbacks, and wallpapers derived from numerous popular movie titles including Role Models, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Dazed and Confused, The Fast and the Furious, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles and Animal House.

"Moviegoers always remember their favorite scenes and quotes from a film. Now, Zed will bring their favorite iconic images and quotes to the mobile phone to enjoy wherever they go," said Calvin Lim, Director of Sales & Channel Support, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group.

Zed offers partners distribution and marketing capabilities across the entire mobile value chain. Starting today, Universal Pictures content will be available through all U.S. carriers on and off-deck storefronts as well as through Zed's direct-to-consumer offerings including RingToneJukeBox.com and the widely popular on-deck application RealTone JukeBox and WallPaper JukeBox.

"Consumer interest and awareness about personalizing phones is at an all-time high. We expect unique content, such as classic movie lines, to be especially popular as people are willing to get more creative," said Brian Casazza, regional director for Zed, North America and Australia. "Zed has been in the mobile entertainment business for nearly 10 years in the U.S. and we're pleased to continue working with premiere partners like Universal Pictures to bring its content to everyone who wants to distinguish their phone."

About Zed

Zed develops and markets entertainment and community products and services for mobile and the Internet. The company is the leading mobile value-added services (MVAS) player in the world in terms of revenue and geographical footprint. Zed operates in 54 countries, including Europe's largest markets, USA and China and holds agreements with 130 wireless operators all over the world.

Zed has more than ten years experience in the digital entertainment industry and holds a portfolio of more than 200 games including 3D, online multiplayer, casual, arcade, social, educational and skill games. The catalogue of Zed Games is updated monthly with games compatible with the majority of handsets on the market. The company creates its games based on the latest technologies such as Java, Flash, Brew and Symbian and they are available in seven languages. The company holds four R&D centers in Spain, USA, Russia and China.

For more information visit: www.zed.com

About Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is responsible for global digital product development, production, licensing, distribution, and growth strategy for the extensive catalogue of Universal's properties across new and emerging digital platforms, including mobile, video game consoles, personal computers, and other portable devices. The group has a worldwide mandate to help shape the digital future of Universal Pictures.

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group is a unit of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Universal Pictures is a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

March 31, 2009

Contact: Amy Storey

202.736.3207

Las Vegas, Nevada --CTIA-The Wireless Association® president and CEO Steve Largent sadly announced today the sudden death of Mark Desautels, 56, the association's Vice President of Wireless Internet Development.  Desautels died Monday afternoon, March 30, of an apparent heart attack while attending the association's trade show, International CTIA WIRELESS 2009®, in Las Vegas.

Largent said, "Mark has been an outstanding employee since joining the association in 1998, and was a dear friend and valuable colleague to all of us here at CTIA and to many in the wireless industry. His insight and forward-thinking were tremendous assets as he led several key industry business development initiatives, and I know he will be missed terribly. On behalf of CTIA-The Wireless Association's staff and our members, we send our condolences to his family, especially his three daughters Alexandra, Meredith, and Theresa. They will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Desautels joined CTIA in 1998, and his primary responsibility was to oversee the activities of the Wireless Internet Caucus. Desautels also developed the educational sessions and selected speakers for the association's two annual trade shows. Desautels joined CTIA after serving as president and CEO of the Wireless Data Forum, and prior to that, he was Assistant to the Director, Office of Intergovernmental Relations, Congressional Budget Office (CBO), where he was the agency press spokesperson and chief liaison officer.

Previously, Desautels was the Washington-based business and economics reporter for a chain of business news weeklies owned by Scripps-Howard, covering the telecommunications industry and other topics. He also covered Capitol Hill for Thomson Newspapers. 

Desautels received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College and a Masters of International Public Policy degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

No funeral arrangements have been made at this time.

###

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry,

representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.

www.ctia.org

At next week's CTIA Wireless Show, Opera Software will be announcing the new Opera Mobile 9.7 server-accelerated browser for smartphones and mobile devices. Opera Mobile 9.7 features Opera Turbo, Opera's breakthrough compression technology, along with the company's latest Presto 2.2 rendering engine (also used in Opera 10 desktop) and full support for dynamic Web technologies such as Ajax and Flash (for accessing popular sites like Facebook and YouTube).

In today's tough business climate where customer expectations are ever-increasing, Opera Mobile 9.7 with Opera Turbo can help carriers reduce network congestion while helping mobile device manufacturers bring increased speed and a more rich Web browsing experience to their customer and users.

For carriers specifically, Opera Mobile 9.7 with Opera Turbo provides a more consistent and compelling full Internet experience by compressing data up to 80%, thus reducing unwanted traffic and congestion and allowing users to access the Web regardless of network limitations.

For mobile device manufacturers, Opera Mobile 9.7 with Opera Turbo can make for a faster, more rich browsing experience by leveraging current device capabilities and utilizing hardware resources more effectively. Opera Turbo offloads Web page rendering to Opera servers freeing up device resources. Even devices with limited hardware capabilities show improved page download rates and better overall performance.

"Today, carriers and mobile device manufacturers alike are looking for solutions that take advantage of existing technologies and investments while trying to maintain a high level of service for their customers," explains Rod Hamlin, Senior Vice President for the Americas for Opera Software. "Opera Mobile 9.7 with Opera Turbo gives our business customers to ability to bring a rich Internet browsing experience to their mobile device and to the end-user without having to allocate new resources and development costs."

Opera Mobile 9.7 with Opera Turbo also features better standards support (100% Acid 3 test) and developer tools, hardware acceleration Open GL ES, and support for Google Gears.

To learn more, check out the Opera Mobile 9.7 with Opera Turbo demo video.

In addition to Opera Mobile 9.7 with Opera Turbo, Opera will be showcasing Opera Turbo on other connected devices as well as the latest version of the award-winning Opera Mini 4.2 on today's hottest mobile devices - Sprint Instinct, Blackberry Bold, Blackberry Storm, and T-Mobile G1.

Finally, stay tuned for Opera's latest partner announcements, and make sure to check out Opera executives at the following panels and presentations:
BRIC Conference - "The Important Role of the Mobile Internet for Developing Countries"

* Opera Presenter: Jon von Tetzchner, Founder & CEO
* When: Tuesday, March 31st @ 3:10pm
* Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N255

CTIA Wireless - "Applications & Operating Systems for Devices"

* Opera Presenter: Jon von Tetzchner, Found & CEO
* When: Thursday, April 2nd @ 3:30pm
* Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Room 223

CTIA Wireless - "Mobile Internet - Access to Internet is Not a Desk Job Anymore"

* Opera Presenter: Rod Hamlin, Senior Vice President, Americas
* When: Thursday, April 2nd @ 4:00pm
* Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Room 228

CTIA Wireless will be held from April 1st - 3rd in Las Vegas, NV. Visit Opera at Booth #6724 in Central Hall. For media inquiries, please contact Ted Miller at tmiller@opera.com tmiller[at]opera.com.
About Opera Software ASA

Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform Web browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/.

AL GORE OPENS REMARKS TO THE PRESS AT

INTERNATIONAL CTIA WIRELESS 2009^®

Washington, D.C., March 23, 2009 – Due to a high degree of interest, Al Gore, Nobel Peace Prize winner and 45^th Vice President of the United States, has opened his CTIA keynote to the press. Gore is scheduled to address attendees representing the global wireless industry on Friday, April 3 at 9:30 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. During the hour-long session, he will discuss the relationships between technology, the economy and the environment. The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009^® tradeshow and conference takes place April 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Since retiring from politics, Al Gore has been a tireless advocate for raising awareness on the dangers of global warming. He was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (together with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) in 2007. His documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, won a coveted Academy Award the same year. 

Gore is also a member of the board of directors of Apple, Inc. and a senior advisor to Google—both member organizations of CTIA-The Wireless Association^®.

Note to journalists: Press and analyst registration for International CTIA WIRELESS is open.  Pre-registration is available online until Sunday, March 29 and 12:00 p.m. EDT. To register, visit: https://registration.itnintl.com/ctiawireless09/regOnline/press.aspx  

About International CTIA WIRELESS 2009®
As the largest wireless show in the world representing a $1 trillion global industry, International CTIA WIRELESS brings together all industries advanced by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit www.ctiashow.com.  

CTIA -The Wireless Association® is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. CTIA is also recognized as the producer of two annual technology events: International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 takes place in Las Vegas, April 1-3; International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 takes place in San Diego, October 7-9. For more association information, visit www.ctia.org.

For More Information:

Cheryl Delgreco                                            Liora Bram

Media Strategies for CTIA                           Media Strategies for CTIA

617-723-4004                                               617-864-3931

cdelgreco@msipr.com                                 lbram@msipr.com

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