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KYOCERA Wireless and Amp'd Mobile Enter Collaboration, with Kyocera to Provide New MVNO with its First Entry-Tier EV-DO Handset
Amp'd Mobile to Leverage KYOCERA Handset Expertise as it Targets Young Adults and "Mobile Graduates" with Lifestyle-Focused Content
New Orleans -- (March 15, 2005) -- Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, and newly formed Amp'd Mobile today announced that Kyocera Wireless will provide the new carrier's first entry-tier CDMA2000® 1x Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) handset later in 2005. Amp'd Mobile will be the first fully-integrated mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) for youth and young adults utilizing the Verizon Wireless broadband EV-DO 3G network.Amp'd Mobile is leveraging EV-DO network technology, the fastest wide-area wireless data capabilities available today, to significantly raise the enjoyment and usefulness of the mobile phone experience. While Amp'd will also offer traditional voice services, its phones will include a fresh user interface and access to unique, relevant content to fit the distinct preferences of the user's lifestyle. Amp'd will put a distinctive stamp on its compelling music, lifestyle, entertainment, sports and gaming content that will immediately and directly appeal to young phone users and early adopters.
"The Amp'd management team's proven track record of working with youth and young adults meshes perfectly with Kyocera's strong brand presence in those market segments," said Tsuyoshi Mano, president of Kyocera Wireless Corp. "We're excited to provide Amp'd with phones that are every bit as ambitious and dynamic as the unique Amp'd service offerings."
To increase its success in reaching the youth market, Amp'd Mobile is looking to Kyocera Wireless as one of the phone manufacturers that will provide handsets for its initial product lineup. Specifically, Amp'd will call on Kyocera's reputation for making stylish, easy-to-use entry-level handsets that appeal to fashion-conscious and price-sensitive teens, college students and young adults alike. Kyocera Wireless will leverage its vast experience providing brand-focused phones for MVNOs and its rich EV-DO development resources from parent company Kyocera Corporation to provide Amp'd with attractive, high-volume handsets.
"We are excited to work with Kyocera on the joint development of one our most high-volume handsets for launch," said Peter Adderton, founder and CEO, Amp'd Mobile. "Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to mobile phones, Kyocera understands that the youth market requires more personalization -- they want phones that match their lifestyle in terms of design and functionality, but still at an affordable price. We look forward to working with partners like Kyocera to create the unique, relevant Amp'd experience."
The Amp'd Advantage
Amp'd Mobile plans to offer traditional wireless services that appeal to the youth and young adult market coupled with a uniquely designed user interface (UI) that allows easy access to all the relevant 3G content that this segment demands, including music, lifestyle, entertainment, sports and gaming. Amp'd Mobile plans to create exclusive content and live event coverage specifically made to appeal to the more demanding "on the go" mobile user. The 3G network allows Amp'd Mobile to bring a richer video and music experience directly to the palm of your hand with various channels for different audiences, similar to cable networks' ability to target through programming. Amp'd Mobile's exciting content partnerships will be released at a later date.
In keeping with its fresh approach, Amp'd Mobile will give numerous customization options to its members while providing a tremendous value. The company also plans to offer walkie-talkie (push-to-talk) on all handsets, offering instant communication to users. Users will be able to select from pre-paid or post-paid payment methods. Amp'd plans to put a greater focus on online purchases and customization with a select group of retail locations and completely personalized content to best suit each person's individual needs. The service will launch later in 2005.
About Amp'd Mobile
Amp'd Mobile will be the first fully integrated MVNO for youth, young professionals and early adopters. By leveraging the superior 3G network of Verizon Wireless, Amp'd will offer traditional services plus a completely fresh user interface and experience designed specifically for this market. With myriad options to meet each person's individual needs, Amp'd will bring a more relevant, personal experience to mobile entertainment and the wireless lifestyle. Targeted to launch later in 2005, more information can be found at www.ampmobile.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).
© 2005 Kyocera Wireless Corp. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. All other trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.
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