Global IT firm Synnex is set to be an active player in the local telecommunications market with the launch of the multi-purpose Mio smart mobile phone.

The phone will offer a navigation system, information organiser and access to the Internet and e-mail.

Synnex (Thailand), an importer and distributor of IT products, yesterday announced the launch of the Mio A701 GPS PDA Phone, which comes in an attractive modern design with a price of Bt21,900.

President Supan Mongkolsuthee said the company was broadening its business into telecom products.

Supan said the GPS (global positioning system) PDA (personal digital assistant) phone market offered good potential, with total sales expected to reach Bt1.8 billion this year.

It is being stimulated by the booming trend of GPS navigation being developed by many mobile-phone manufacturers.

The GPS PDA phone market in Thailand is expected to grow dramatically this year: by almost 20 per cent from last year.

"We expect that the launch of the Mio A701 will receive a very good response from our target customers, who are working and business people who love modern technology and have a unique lifestyle," Supan said.

Mio is a leading player in GPS technology. It made 5 million GPS PDA phones last year, accounting for almost 50 per cent of the world's volume.

"Mio is the No 1 brand in many markets in Europe and Asia," said Supan.

Synnex's after-sales service will guarantee product satisfaction and raise the confidence of customers, he added.

Supan said the company was confident that Mio would be among the top three players in Thailand's GPS PDA phone market within two years. It aims to achieve a 10-per-cent market share this year.

Synnex will spend Bt10 million on marketing activities, advertising and public relations to support the launch of the Mio A701.