Pantech C630 is not a Symbian OS powered phone

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Earlier this week (original story below) we wrote a story about the Pantech C630 phone which had been reported as running Symbian OS. We can now confirm that this is not the case. The Pantech C630 is not a Symbian phone. Please accept my apologies for the misleading news story. While we always strive for accuracy on All About Symbian we do have to balance this against keeping you informed in a timely manner.

Update (26 November 2008):

We can now confirm that the Pantech C630 is not a Symbian phone. I assume there was a misunderstanding during the press event discussed in the original story. The AT&T spokeperson was most likely referring to the Nokia 6650 which is a Symbian OS handset (and would likely have been previewed at the same event).

Original story:

Beta news is reporting that last Thursday AT&T and Pantech showed off the Pantech C630 at a press event. The C630, which will be available on AT&Ts 3G network starting in December, reportedly runs Symbian OS. It has a candy-bar form factor, dual US 3G bands, 1.3 megapixel camera, a 176 x 220 screen, Bluetooth and a microSD card slot. The phone will be available at $50 on a service plan which would make it the cheapest Symbian phone available in the US.

AT&T spokesman Frank Fay told reporters than the phone runs Symbian OS. It would appear that the C630 is running a custom user interface rather than one of the established Symbian UIs. The C630 would be Pantech's first Symbian OS phone and is very much a low end model. If confirmed, it may prove to be an interesting proof point in the move to Symbian Foundation structure and a noteworthy point in Symbian's strategy to drive its OS into low end phones.

Pantech is a South Korean based company, which was established in 2000, and manufactures mobile phones. Outside of Korea it is probably best known for its Windows Mobile powered Pantech Duo handset.

Pantech asked reporters to refrain from publishing pictures or detailed specifications until the C630 is officially unvelied. However you can see a photo of the phone and its manual on the FCC website.

We'll bring you more details and confirmation as we get them.