(KPL) Lao users of mobile phones, especially those having limited English competency, now can send SMS in Lao language to their friends and relatives, after the new mobile phone SUN TEC i720 was introduced last week.

Mr Sithong Thongkeo, Deputy Minister of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction (CTPC), and representatives of different authorities witnessed the official opening ceremony of SUN TEC i720 held at the Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane on 14 September.

The Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction of Laos has cooperated with two companies from Thailand and China in developing the software capable of recognising Lao font since 2006.

“This is the first mobile phone able to read Lao language ever developed since the foundation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic,” said Mr Snith Xayphakdy, Deputy Director of Post and Telecommunication Department of minister of CTPC.