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ALLTEL Launches KYOCERA Passport 1xEV-DO PC Card, Offering High-Speed Mobile Connections to the Axcess Broadband Network

Top-of-the-Line KYOCERA PC Card Puts the "Mobile" in "Mobile Professional" with Download Speeds of Up to 2.4 Mbps

San Diego -- (March 29, 2005) -- Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, today announced the launch of the Kyocera Passport, the first PC card to support ALLTEL's high-speed CDMA2000® 1x Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) Axcess Broadband network. Up and running in minutes, the easy-to-use Kyocera Passport 1xEV-DO PC Card plugs into laptops and other mobile devices via a standard PCMCIA card slot and gives users wireless download speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps.

Passport is the only EV-DO card to feature dual-band receive diversity and a high-performance rotating antenna. The result is superior coverage and stronger data rates than other competitive offerings on the market, even in weaker signal areas. The Kyocera Passport features dual-mode support, providing a soft handoff to CDMA2000 1xRTT service when Axcess Broadband coverage is unavailable. Passport not only provides the convenience of mobility, but also offers broadband access to corporate applications, email, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), browsers and seamless Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging capability.

"Our unique antenna design ensures high performance at any signal strength so mobile professionals can always take advantage of the fastest speeds available wherever they are," said Jim Kelly, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Mobile technology has moved beyond the cell phone as we find more ways wireless can improve productivity outside of the office or home."

ALLTEL's Axcess Broadband service offers typical download speeds of 300-500 kbps, with bursts up to 2.4 Mbps, providing customers with a wireless data experience similar to using a DSL connection at the home or office. Business customers are able to access data quickly and easily, increasing overall productivity by remaining connected to customers, partners and co-workers. The card measures 2.13 in. x 4.84 in. x 0.51 in. and weighs 2.01 ounces.

Kyocera's Passport is immediately available in the following ALLTEL markets: Akron, OH; Cleveland, OH and Tampa, FL. Passport will cost $159.99 with a two-year contract, $219.99 with a one-year contract and $289.99 without a contract. ALLTEL's Axcess Broadband service is priced at $69.99 a month for unlimited use.

About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA wireless devices and accessories for customers worldwide. Kyocera Wireless maintains an operating belief in the genius of simplicity and strives to make the wireless experience as simple and intuitive as humanly possible. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.

Kyocera Corporation, the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2004, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$11 billion (JP¥ 1,140,814 million) with net income of approximately US$655 million (JP¥ 68,086 million).

© 2005 Kyocera Wireless Corp. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). All other marks are properties of their respective owners.

 

Contacts

Kyocera Wireless Corp.
John Chier
phone: 1-(858) 882-3543
e-mail: jchier@kyocera-wireless.com