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Product
Parade
March
16, 2004
UTStarcom launches first PAS/GSM handset
UNITED
STATES AND NEW DELHI -- UTStarcom, Inc. recently launched
the UT 818, its first dual-mode PAS/GSM handset. Initially,
the phone was launched in Vietnam to serve the strong
demand of PAS Cityphone subscribers in Hanoi and Ho
Chi Minh City. The company plans to introduce the handset
in other markets over time. PAS subscribers who travel
outside their service area will now have the capability
of making and receiving calls on surrounding GSM networks.
Moreover, while users are in their service area, they
can choose to make or receive calls on either PAS or
GSM.
The
new dual-mode handset is lightweight and small; it features
two LCD screens, 32 polyphonic ringtones, a phone book,
calendar, address book and memo applications; it is
also equipped with a talk time display, alarm clock,
and games. It allows for SMS and 32k data service while
on the PAS network. The UT 818 is the first of an entire
line of new PAS handsets that UTStarcom plans to unveil
in 2004, ranging from more affordable models to phones
with higher-cost, higher-functionality, phones.
In
2003, UTStarcom shipped 16.5 million handsets. This
development established it as the largest supplier of
handsets in the Chinese market, and enabled it to garner
greater than 60 percent of the PAS handset market share.
Over 20 million people subscribe to the PAS service
worldwide on networks powered by UTStarcom technology.
The key markets include Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam,
and Latin America.
Hong
Lu, chairman and chief executive officer, UTStarcom,
said: "The UT 818 handset is the result of tremendous
subscriber demand for a dual-mode handset, which allows
for interoperability between PAS and GSM networks. It
is a testament to UTStarcom's dedication to drive innovative
solutions in order to meet subscribers' demands and
to create new revenue opportunities for its operator
customers. The handset represents the best of both worlds
-- the cost-effectiveness of the PAS service and the
ubiquity of GSM networks."
Contact:
UTStarcom
Tel: +1-510-749-1560
www.utstarcom.com
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