Loyalty Keeps Samsung at No. 1 Spot in Canadian Wireless Market

from Samung - May 3rd, 2009

Leading research firm finds Samsung Canada leads in brand loyalty and market share

MISSISSAUGA, ON, February 24, 2009 - For the fourth consecutive quarter, Samsung Electronics Canada has captured the number one position in terms of mobile handset shipments in Canada. Along with market share, the most recent report from IDC Canada indicates Samsung also took top spot in mobile device loyalty.

According to IDC Canada's Quarterly Mobile Device Tracker report, Samsung led the national total mobile phone vendor category for each quarter of 2008. Even more telling is another IDC Canada report analyzing mobile device brand preferences that found Samsung handsets were the most popular, with 24.5 per cent of survey respondents indicating they currently own and use a Samsung handset1. The same study also found Samsung handsets ranked the highest in customer loyalty.

"Without a doubt the Canadian wireless device market is a very active and competitive space and Samsung takes great pride in being recognized as the national market share leader for 2008," said Paul Brannen, General Manager, Wireless Terminals, Samsung Electronics Canada. "We anticipate 2009 to be another strong year for Samsung handsets as we have a variety of innovative smartphones, touch phones and messaging devices set to launch throughout the year."

According to the IDC study, Samsung shipped 793,500 mobile units during the fourth quarter of 2008.

"Market intelligence has shown Canadians demand a mobile handset that meets and exceeds their evolving, day-to-day needs," says Kevin Restivo, senior mobility analyst, IDC Canada. "Fortunately, manufacturers are producing feature-rich handsets that allow for more effective communication practices on both a personal and professional level."

About Samsung Electronics Canada Samsung Electronics of Canada, Inc. (SECA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., markets a broad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, information systems, telecommunications and home appliance products.

SECA upholds Samsung's mission to provide consumers with innovative digital convergence products that possess exceptional technology, quality, features, performance and value. The company oversees the Canadian operations of Samsung's Consumer Electronics division, IT division, Home Appliance division and Wireless Terminals division.

Samsung has been a global TOP sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1997 and has been a presenting sponsor of the Olympic Torch Relay since 2004. Also through Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope charity, Samsung helps athletes and celebrities raise funds for their respective charities, including the Wayne Gretzky Foundation in Canada. Samsung is also a proud sponsor of Hockey Canada and is the official HDTV sponsor of the NFL.

For customer service inquiries, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864), and for more information, please visit www.samsung.ca.