LONDON, November 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Finnish mobile communications company, Iqua, has chosen Data Select to distribute its range of innovative wireless accessories within the UK - with Carphone Warehouse already secured as the first major outlet of Iqua's wireless headset, CPW-603, designed by award-winning design studio Salovaara & Salonen.

Iqua will be working with Accessories Select, Data Select's dedicated accessories business division, to develop a major presence in mass retail and other channels including independent dealers, network operators and the business-to-business market.

The deal between the two companies was sealed before a two-day joint whistle-stop tour of key accounts, with whom Data Select is aiming to develop business opportunities on behalf of Iqua.

Iqua has an impressive background in the mobile phone sector. Its founders are all former Nokia employees, including Isto Pankakoski, who was managing director of Nokia Mobile Phones in the UK for seven years. Iqua will be working closely with ex-Nokia colleague, Neil Henderson, who now heads up Accessories Select and who will be leading the push behind Iqua in the UK.

Isto Pankakoski said: "Iqua's products combine cutting-edge style with impeccable functionality, and so we conducted extensive analysis of the market to make sure we partnered with the right distributor for our products. Data Select's credentials are among the best in the industry, and we were impressed by the proactive approach of its Accessories Select team, and its wide distribution network. There is a great deal of knowledge, expertise and commitment at our disposal, and we are confident of developing a solid presence in the UK market."

George McPherson, managing director of Data Select's parent company, Phones International Group, said: "Iqua has a very innovative and interesting range of wireless accessory products which we genuinely believe can quickly develop a significant footprint in the UK.

"With the Nokia heritage among its founding partners and extensive experience in distribution, there is also a very broad industry knowledge, which is evident in the products developed and launched so far. We are delighted to have been selected as Iqua's UK partner, and it is also great to be able to work closely again with Isto, who is familiar to many across the industry."

Products available through Data Select:

Iqua Bluetooth headsets: These headsets have been designed for active people who appreciate style in addition to practicality, mobility and ease of use. The range consists of:

- BHS-302 - a clip headset which is a good option for users who do not like to wear an ear hook. The clip can be easily attached where the user wants, for example, to a shirt pocket or collar, and the magnetic holder for the ear piece makes handling the headset easy. It has up to nine hours' talk time and 200 hours' standby.

- BHS-306 - a cool design headset with excellent usability. It is small, light, extremely easy to wear, and can be used in either ear. It has up to nine hours' talk time and 200 hours' standby.

- BHS-701 - a trendy stereo headset that enables the wearer to enjoy wireless music while monitoring all calls. It can be used with various devices that support Bluetooth, and offers up to 12 hours' talk time, and up to 10 hours' wireless music streaming.

Iqua Snake 2: This handsfree device attaches to the headrest of a car seat and brings safety as well as style and comfort to the driver's personal communications. Its flexible neck mechanism enables it to be adjusted to fit the driver's height perfectly for the highest audio quality. The Snake 2 can be used in almost all car marques and models.

Iqua UFO: This pocket-size elegant Bluetooth handsfree device is ideal for multiple user calls at home or conference calls at work. It provides a convenient solution for wireless communication and managing calls in both group and one-to-one conversations.

Iqua miniUFO: With special concerns on driving safety and user convenience, this product is designed to be of easy to use with four simple operation buttons. With the mounting accessories included in the sales package, the miniUFO can be easily mounted on the sun visor or dash-board of your car.

Iqua Smart Badge: This compact stylish device combines corporate ID card holder, wireless call management and 40 hours of hands free talk time. The Smart Badge supports 3-way conferencing, VoIP calls, and instant messaging services such as MSN Messenger and NetMeeting. It can also be used as a wireless speaker and microphone for a PC, via the Bluetooth headset profile.

About Iqua

Iqua Ltd enhances personal communications with its innovative wireless mobile accessories. Iqua develops exclusively designed headsets and handsfree devices for the mobile communications market. The company's founders previously worked for Nokia, and they have more than 100 years of extensive global experience in mobile communications and the development of wireless accessories for phones and other devices. Iqua combines state-of-the-art enabling technology and modern Finnish design; user comfort, style and ease of use are key factors in its product development.

For more information please go to: www.iqua.com

Photography is available on request

Media Contacts: Catherine Eyres/ Rebecca Marwood, SPARX Communications, Tel: +44-(0)1753-893000, Email: Catherine@sparxgroup.co.uk / Rebecca@sparxgroup.co.uk; Jani Koivu, VP Sales, Iqua, Tel: +358-20-741-9850, Mob: +358-44-906-3502, Email: jani.koivu@iqua.fi