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U.S. Cellular and KYOCERA Wireless Announce Launch of KYOCERA SoHo Flip Phone
U.S. Cellular is first carrier in the U.S. to offer new KYOCERA color flip phone
San Diego and Chicago -- (November 10, 2004) -- Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, and U.S. Cellular, a super-regional wireless company serving more than 4.8 million customers in 26 states, today announced the domestic launch of the Kyocera SoHo wireless handset to U.S. Cellular customers. U.S. Cellular is the first wireless company in the United States to offer the Kyocera SoHo, a color flip phone with customizable faceplates, external caller ID and a unique asymmetrical design.
In addition to the phone's stylish shape, Kyocera SoHo users can change the look of the phone with different colored faceplates available at U.S. Cellular retail locations (sold separately). The "clamshell" handset features a speakerphone, two-way messaging, predictive text messaging, large keys for rapid entry and productivity tools including a robust contact directory, calculator, scheduler, alarm clock and more. The handset has a 65,000-color display and is easyedgeSM enabled (BREWTM 2.1) to allow for easy downloading of games and ringtones.
"We know our customers want reliable and easy-to-use phones, and the Kyocera SoHo is a great combination of simple functionality with a stylish twist," said Shelley Boersma, vice president, sales operations, U.S. Cellular. "Using SoHo along with our easyedge services makes downloading data applications, ringtones and games simpler than ever before."
The tri-mode handset features a black removable flip cover with horizontal external caller ID for easy viewing as well as an angled, asymmetrical design on the bottom of the phone for a snug fit in the palm of a hand. Once open, the large keypad offers easy input for text messaging and dialing and incorporates TTY and TDD capabilities for the hearing impaired. Predictive text-input software provides rapid text entry in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and the SoHo sustains up to 3.5 hours of talk and up to 180 hours of CDMA standby time on a standard lithium ion battery. The Kyocera SoHo weighs only 3.52 ounces and measures 4.45" x 1.89" x .91."
"The Kyocera SoHo is a great example of how our simplicity message is incorporated into the Kyocera line-up, and it's also the first handset created by our industrial design relationship with BMW DesignworksUSA," said Don McGuire, vice president of Global marketing and North American sales at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Based on extensive consumer research, we know that many people are just looking for a wireless handset that's easy to use and has a fashionable edge. SoHo fits the bill for the vast majority of wireless users who, first and foremost, just want to make a call."
The Kyocera SoHo handset is currently available at an introductory rate of $9.95 after a $30 mail in rebate. The SoHo is offered at all U.S. Cellular locations. Specific details on the promotion including additional information on the Kyocera SoHo handset, accessories, and other wireless services are available at U.S. Cellular and authorized dealer retail locations, as well as online at www.uscellular.com or at www.kyocera-wireless.com.
About U.S. Cellular
Chicago-based U.S. Cellular Corporation (AMEX: USM) is a super-regional wireless company, serving more than 4.8 million customers in 150 markets in 26 states. With 2003 sales of $2.42 billion, U.S. Cellular maintains one of the industry's highest levels of customer satisfaction by emphasizing customer support, quality network coverage and comprehensive range of wireless products and services. The company is an active corporate citizen through charitable contributions, award-winning community relations programs and associate volunteer activities. For more information, visit www.uscellular.com.
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).
© 2004 Kyocera Wireless Corp. and U.S. Cellular Corporation. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. BREW is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. All other marks are properties of their respective owners.
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