Hutchison unit launches online English-book archive with Kobo

Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings, a unit of conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, launched yesterday what it says is the city's largest English-language electronic book archive through its integrated communications brand, 3ree Broadband.

More than 2.2 million e-books, including best-sellers and classic titles, are now available to 3ree Broadband subscribers through a partnership with Kobo, a Toronto-based e-reading service provider in which Li Ka-shing's Cheung Kong (Holdings) is a major shareholder.

Launched last July, 3ree Broadband combines Hutchison Telecom's fixed-line, mobile and Wi-fi services. It boasts the city's largest 3G infrastructure and extensive network of fibre optic-linked buildings.

'By making Kobo eReading experience easily available to 3ree Broadband's premium mobile and fixed-line service user groups, we're confident that the service will continue to gain popularity in Hong Kong,' said Todd Humphrey, the executive vice-president of business development at Kobo.

Subscribers can download Kobo's eReading software through the 3Apps mobile portal. After installation, they can browse, shop and read e-books across various platforms, including Apple's iPhone and iPad, smartphones and media tablets running the Google-developed Android operating system, and notebook personal computers.

The e-book version of Swedish author Stieg Larsson's best-selling The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, for example, is available to 3ree Broadband customers at a discount for HK$46.86, compared with HK$102.59 for the paperback version.