News
Pelephone and KYOCERA Wireless Corp. Launch Kyocera Passport, Ultra-Fast PC Card for Israel's Only High-Speed EV-DO Network
SAN DIEGO AND ISRAEL -- (August 2, 2005) -- Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, and Pelephone, Israel's first CDMA third-generation (3G) wireless network technology operator, today announced the immediate availability of the Kyocera Passport, a CDMA2000® 1x Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) PC card for use on Israel's only high-speed EV-DO network. With Kyocera's award-winning Passport PC Card, Pelephone customers can use any device with a PCMCIA slot to access the Internet and other applications wirelessly at speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps - comparable to a DSL or cable-modem connection.
Since Kyocera Passport's recent launch in the U.S., the PC card has received numerous awards including "Editor's Choice" picks from both PC Magazine and Laptop Magazine. Additionally, independent third-party testing by Quality Partners revealed that the Kyocera Passport is an average of 35 and 30 percent faster, respectively, than competing cards from Sierra Wireless (AirCard 580) and Novatel Wireless (V620).
The easy-to-use Passport 1xEV-DO card can be installed in minutes and gives laptop users true mobility with high-speed wireless data access any time virtually anywhere within Pelephone's network coverage area. Also, the Passport card includes dual-mode support, providing a soft handoff to CDMA2000 1xRTT service when the EV-DO network is unavailable. Passport not only provides the convenience of mobility, but also offers broadband access to corporate applications, email, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
"The combination of the Kyocera Passport and our superior EV-DO network gives our business customers a real advantage and true option of creating an effective mobile office," said Gil Sharon, deputy CEO and chief marketing officer for Pelephone. "Professionals will no longer be confined by office walls - Pelephone's EV-DO solution offers the assurance of superior connectivity whether they're using downtime in the train or bus to send emails or downloading images on the road for an important presentation."
"We tested our Passport card in numerous conditions to help ensure optimal connectivity in remote locations," said Jim Kelly, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "The result is high performance at any signal strength so Pelephone's customers can always take advantage of the fastest speeds available on Israel's only EV-DO network."
Pelephone customers can create a true mobile office, with connection speeds similar to high-speed connections at the home or office with typical download speeds of 400-700 kbps and bursts up to 2.4 Mbps. Business customers enjoy a "wired LAN experience" while they are in the field, and 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 Passport is availably immediately through Pelephone retail locations for $11 per month for 36 months and includes a 10MB data package each month.
About Pelephone
Pelephone Communications Ltd. is a leading cellular communications provider in Israel, with 2.1 million customers. As the nation's first cellular operator, Pelephone pioneered Israel's cellular communications revolution, resulting in one of the world's highest market penetrations of mobile phones. The company is has maintained its leadership position by introducing leading edge CDMA2000 1xRTT digital technology Pelephone offer services to its customers under the brands of Pelephone and ESC - both offering a large variety of targeted applications and services.
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 (NYSE: KYO), 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, 2005, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$11 billion (JP¥ 1,180,655 million) with net income of approximately US$429 million (JP¥ 45,908 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
Top of page